No Compromise Solution to Inspect Offshore Loading Line

Free-swimming bi-directional approach to obtain high-quality inspection data in marine pipelines 

Tanker loading/unloading lines are unique pipeline assets in the oil and gas industry. The pipeline presented by the client for this case study was 30” in diameter, connecting a shore-based installation to a subsea pipeline end manifold (PLEM). The PLEM connected to a buoy by a flexible hose for the critical task of loading tankers. Due to its position in the pipeline system this pipeline was deemed a critical asset in the operators network, since there was no alternative means to import or export the product. The loading line in this case, by design, could not be inspected with conventional inspection approaches due to the following challenges:

• Single access
• No traps - Subsea line end
• Cleanliness
• Single flow direction