In 2025, we completed an SPS UWILD onboard a 7th generation drillship. Having successfully delivered multiple global projects for the client, our expertise in UWILD was well established. For this scope, however, the client requested that the UWILD be executed in several short phases. This phased approach allowed the vessel to remain on its critical path as much as possible, ensuring continued operability.
Key members of our dedicated UWILD team met with the client to explore how Class re-certification could be achieved during upcoming out-of-well periods—while still maintaining the vessel’s critical path for their end client.
The result was a tailored solution developed by the UWILD group. With three out-of-well periods scheduled ahead of the re-certification, the team developed a plan to meet the challenge. Multiple factors had to be considered:
- What could be completed during latched scenarios?
- Was it possible to work and stay in compliance if the BOP is left suspended?
- Could we factor in valve plugging if any valves did not pass inspection?
The plan presented to the client detailed breaking the inspection into four strategic phases.
Phase I consisted of an internal valve inspection. The vessel was able to stay on critical path operations while our two-person team completed the inspection of all accessible sea suction and overboard discharge valves from internal pump rooms and machinery spaces.
The team compiled a detailed list of the valves that:
- Passed inspection
- Failed inspection
- Could not be accessed internally
The failed and inaccessible valves were then added to the plan for Phase III and IV.
Phase II was carried out by a four-person UWILD team alongside six onboard ROV personnel. During planning, the client expressed a preference to complete Phase III while the BOP remained suspended. Since the ROV launch and recovery point was located on the starboard forward section of the vessel, the team decided to begin operations at the aft end and progress forward. This approach ensured the ROV would not need to cross the moonpool while the BOP was hanging during Phase III, reducing operational risk and maintaining safety.
The team successfully completed all cleaning and inspection operations from the aft section of the vessel through to midship and within the moonpool. With just a 12-hour shift remaining before the client was scheduled to resume drilling operations, the team exceeded expectations by also completing the cleaning and inspection of all three FWD thrusters.
A four-person UWILD team, along with six onboard ROV personnel, completed Phase III. With the BOP suspended, the team coordinated closely with the bridge to maintain a vessel heading and current direction that would prevent the ROV from drifting toward the moonpool in the event of a telemetry loss. They completed all remaining cleaning and inspection tasks on the forward end of the vessel.
Using the detailed valve list compiled during Phase I, the team then located and inspected all remaining forward overboard discharge valves.
Phase IV was completed by a two-person UWILD team, supported by three onboard ROV personnel. Once again, the team used the detailed valve list developed during Phase I to locate and inspect all remaining overboard discharge valves on the aft end of the vessel. Prior to mobilization, the client reviewed the valve list to identify which valves had failed inspection and provided a list of those they wanted plugged and replaced during Phase IV.
The UWILD team successfully located the specified valve openings, while the ROV team installed the subsea plugs. They then monitored the plugs post-installation as the client’s marine team replaced the faulty valves.
The client’s maintenance schedule was highly dynamic, with shifting windows of opportunity. To manage this complexity, the team established weekly update meetings and maintained open, effective communication across all stakeholders. This consistent alignment enabled the team to act quickly when maintenance windows came into focus, executing with a well-prepared plan already in place.
Weather conditions remained uncertain until less than ten days out, but the team mitigated this risk through multiple contingencies, real-time tracking of inspection progress, and a clear understanding of operational risks across all supporting groups. These measures ensured steady progress toward UWILD completion, despite the unpredictability.
One of the more complex challenges involved accessing the incumbent work-class ROV system, which was governed by two separate contracts—one with the operator and one with the vessel client. Although the contractual transition had to be defined in advance, the actual switch needed to occur offshore at a time that aligned with operations.
Thanks to strong coordination with both the vessel operator and the client, the team was able to pre-position equipment and prepare for a seamless transition. In some cases, tooling was integrated mid-operation under whichever contract was active at the time.
This success was made possible by a highly capable ROV team, strong management support, and a shared commitment to flexibility and execution excellence.
Our teams delivered a fully optimized UWILD inspection campaign that met the client’s goals for schedule efficiency, data quality, and uncompromised safety.
Through 24-hour operations, enabled by seamless communication, the right personnel and equipment, and a highly engaged client, the team completed all inspection criteria without causing unplanned downtime. The project provided all necessary video, imagery, and documentation to maintain ABS Class certification. Its success led to a direct request from the management team of a sister ship in the region to replicate the approach.
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