Saipem brings its autonomous Flatfish and Hydrone-R underwater drones to ONS 2026
Saipem is participating in ONS 2026 (Offshore Northern Seas) in Norway, one of the leading international events dedicated to the Oil & Gas and renewable energy sector, exhibiting at its booth a real FlatFish, an underwater drone developed for fully autonomous advanced inspection missions, capable of operating at depths of up to 3,000 meters. Along with Flatfish, Saipem is presenting the experience of the Hydrone-R, an underwater drone specialized in inspection and intervention activities, which has been operating offshore in Norway for several years, demonstrating unparalleled operational capabilities.
FlatFish and Hydrone-R are part of the Hydrone program, Saipem's subsea robotics ecosystem consisting of drones that, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, can carry out complex autonomous missions and operate continuously on the seabed for up to 12 months, alternating operational missions and recharging cycles at dedicated subsea docking stations. This technology helps optimize costs, safety, and efficiency of offshore operations, while reducing the use of support vessels and the associated CO₂ emissions.
The stand also features a scale model of the Scarabeo 8, one of the most advanced semi-submersible offshore drilling vessels of Saipem's fleet. Designed to operate year-round in extreme environmental conditions, such as those of the Barents Sea, the vessel is currently engaged in Aker BP's offshore operations in Norway. Thanks to its ability to operate at various depths, both with dynamic positioning systems and anchoring, the Scarabeo 8 guarantees high levels of flexibility and operational efficiency.
The vessel also demonstrates Saipem's commitment to environmental sustainability, thanks to a design developed in compliance with the most stringent international standards and in accordance with the "Zero Discharge" principle, aimed at eliminating discharges into the sea during operations.
By participating in ONS 2026, Saipem confirms its commitment to developing innovative technologies for the offshore sector, leveraging advanced expertise in subsea robotics and drilling, with the aim of making operations increasingly efficient, sustainable, and safe.