Optilift is a scalable, cost efficient tool that will disrupt the conventional offshore loading and logistics practices and the Optilift framework is significantly innovative both in application and technological aspects:
• Application novelty: There is no unified solution / framework today which extends the operational weather window, enhances safety for offshore personnel / cargo, and improves the logistic planning. The Optilift framework addresses all these tasks by significantly lowering the operational costs and reducing CO2 emission levels.
• Hardware novelty: The framework introduces a patented sensor system that is installed at a crane boom tip. Patent grant in UK (GB2504903B), US (US9909864B2), Russia (RU2623295C2), Norway (20131675), AU (2012259523) and patent pending CA and BR. The sensor unit contains camera(s), laser range finder, and two motors to direct laser range finder to custom positions.
• Software novelty: The data collected from the sensor unit is processed via automated and novel computer-vision algorithms that are developed in-house. The computer-vision library, developed by the Optilift team, can perform cargo / vessel / platform / human detection and tracking tasks in real-time and in a fully autonomous manner.
The Optilift project will bring our technology to industrial readiness representing a significant step beyond the current state-of-the-art. Extending the weather window, improving planning, making informed decisions, and reducing human errors will lead to (1) lower mobilisation & rental equipment costs, and (2) improved utilisation of offshore deck areas, platform supply vessels and personnel. In detail, the Optilift framework aims to revolutionise the offshore lifting and logistics operations by the following economic benefits:
• Reducing costs up to €7.5m per year per offshore rig related to delayed and cancelled lifting operations by increasing the window of operations for lifting
• Reducing costs up to €5m per year per offshore rig related to floating warehouses, through better utilisation of deck capacity on vessels and installations
• Reducing costs up to €1.7m per year per offshore platform related to logistics planning and handling
• Reducing the EU maritime transport CO2 emissions with average 40,162 tonnes annually
• Avoiding costly accidents related to improper handling of dangerous goods
• Improving the safety for personnel and minimizing damage or loss of equipment