Six autonomous, self-propelled robotic crafts that collects ocean meteorological and natural resources data, were deployed in the Barents Sea on 1 July. 

The crafts collect a wide range of information such as wave height, current speed and direction, temperature, wind speed and direction. On board sensors also investigate areas to determine if hydrocarbons are coming  from natural seeps, in areas that have been identified from satellite images. 

The craft is called a ‘Wave Glider’ and has a shape that is almost like a surfboard with dimensions of 1 by 3 meters. It uses ocean waves and solar energy for propulsion and navigation. It is equipped with a AIS transponder that will autonomously adapt to marine traffic in the area. The crafts are monitored from onshore.

They were deployed in early July and will follow preconfigured routes in the eastern Barents Sea at a speed of about 1 knot, and will conclude the data gathering mission early September.

Data is sent wirelessly to the shore by means of communication equipment on board. The activity is a part of a ConocoPhillips program to evaluate collection of data on the natural environment. If the 2015 pilot is successful, data collection may continue for the next three to five years and possibly be open for industry participation. 

‘Each craft collects a wide range of information that is valuable for an offshore exploration and production environment’, says Manager, New Exploration Ventures Roy Leadholm.

ConocoPhillips has previously conducted similar assignments in the Gulf of Mexico, the Chukchi Sea (Alaska) and the Baffin Bay in Greenland.

ConocoPhillips has a long experience in the Barents Sea. Currently it has ownership in five licenses and operatorship of one of these. The company was among the first to commit to participate in an industry seismic survey of the east Barents Sea conducted by 34 companies. Now the exploration department is evaluating the seismic data from this survey to assess a possible application in the 23rd licensing round.

Each craft collects a wide range of information which is sent wirelessly to the shore.