Robots on the Riser: ECOnnect and Saro Robotics Paving the Way for Autonomous Pipe Inspection

ECOnnect Energy and Saro Robotics have entered a development partnership that introduces autonomous robotic inspection into the jettyless transfer scope. The new capability will be offered to IQuay clients as a configurable operational assurance add-on, designed to increase lifetime and predictability of asset maintenance.

The change is practical and immediate. Pipe and hose integrity in the splash zone, on risers and across topside pipelines has historically depended on periodic, manual inspection campaigns that demand scaffolding, rope teams or diver support. Saro Robotics will replace that with a continuous, robot-collected data stream, delivered in real time to operators ashore.

“For clients looking to get more predictability, this will bring more data and more certainty into the transfer scope. Saro Robotics is building exactly that capability. Autonomous robotic inspection can be offered as an IQuay add-on, a clear next step in standardising the operating model around predictable, condition-based decisions.”

Magnus Eikens, ECOnnect Energy CCO.

A robot built for the hardest parts of the asset

Saro Robotics develops climbing inspection robots engineered for the realities of energy infrastructure rather than ideal laboratory conditions. The robot travels along vertical and horizontal pipe runs, rotates 360° for full circumferential coverage, and traverses bends and obstacles that have historically required scaffolding to inspect. By cleaning marine growth from the pipe surface, the robot will be able to access accurate and visual data exactly where conventional methods fall short.

Where this used to mean days of mobilization and crews working in far from ideal conditions, deployment will now take minutes and keep personnel out of the splash zone.

“Partnering with ECOnnect gives our technology direct access to live energy terminals at the operational scale it was built for. Together we can utilize data from the hardest-to-reach parts of an asset, starting with onshore facilities, to de-risk and refine the tech in to a standard part of how these projects run - both on land and at sea.”

Daniel Skogland, CEO, Saro Robotics

What it changes for IQuay clients

Three operational outcomes sit at the heart of the add-on. Inspections will become safer, because personnel now need limited manual access to risers or floating pipelines. They become simpler to plan, because there is no scaffolding mobilisation and the robot can be deployed during normal operations. And they raise project quality and predictability, because real-time data feeds directly into condition-based maintenance and longer-term integrity planning rather than waiting for the next inspection window.

For new IQuay projects, the add-on can be specified up front. For existing terminals, it can be fitted to client needs without disrupting operations.

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A natural technical fit

Saro’s mobility envelope, with full vertical and horizontal travel and 360° rotation, matches the geometry of the hose and riser systems used in IQuay deployments. The continuous data stream complements the operational data already captured by the terminal, giving operators a single, coherent integrity picture across the full transfer chain. It also aligns with the modular product roadmap ECOnnect Energy has been building: standardised IQuay terminal options that clients can configure with the capabilities they need.

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Two Norwegian companies, one operating model

Both companies share Norwegian roots, an entrepreneurial origin, and a focus on safer, lower-impact energy operations. Bringing robotics into the inspection scope removes workers from hazardous environments, reduces scaffolding and offshore mobilisations, and reinforces the lighter operational footprint that has always been central to the jettyless concept.

Joint development work is already underway. Field trials are planned. And clients who would like an early conversation are welcome to contact our team.

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