December 17, 2019

Autonomous crane control system demonstrated at Aker BP Headquarters

Optilift and Aker BP last week demonstrated their autonomous crane control system at the Aker BP headquarters in Stavanger.

The demonstration included a remote crane operation where Knut Sandvik, leader of PRO at Aker BP, conducted a crane operation from his office. The crane system itself was situated at the entrance auditorium, where an audience watched and followed the remote demonstration.

– We will now demonstrate a lift from the supply-boat to the upper platform deck, Sandvik told the audience from his office.

– The first steps is to create a lift sequence with name, date and time. After the sequence is stored the lift is conducted by the system, he explained

The autonomous crane system has anti-pendulum, anti-collision, auto-landing and lift-off, and heave-compensation mechanisms, all set to provide a safer and more efficient crane operation.

– And if the system detects something unexpected during its operation the crane and operation both enter a safe mode, Camilla Nylund, General Manager in Optilift explained

– The auto-functions of the crane enables it to know exactly what to do given shifting circumstances, she added.

No development since 70`s

Aslak Næss is Project Leader for the co-operative work between Optilift and Aker BP.

– Crane operations have almost not been further developed since the 1970`s. What we have proved today with our demonstration is that our autonomous crane control system works and is able to perform its designated tasks, he said.

How will the future crane operation look like?

– Well, the lift sequences could be remotely controlled and created by the logistics department – as we have demonstrated today.

– The future crane operation would also have less or no people involved at the platform-deck and give the crane operator a more informed overview of his operations. In this autonomous scenario both Capex, Opex and CO₂-emissions are greatly reduced.