CUSTOMER
Geo Oceans
LOCATION
Dampier on Australia’s North West Shelf
PROJECT
FMD inspection
Project overview
STR partnered with specialist ROV provider Geo Oceans to deliver Flooded Member Detection (FMD) services for an offshore inspection campaign on Australia’s North West Shelf.
As part of the scope, we deployed our in-house STR SeaGamma FMD system alongside one of our most experienced field engineers. The wider inspection programme also included close visual inspections, cathodic protection (CP) measurements, cleaning tasks and FMD surveys.
FMD is a critical component of these campaigns, as undetected flooded members can create safety risks and lead to costly remedial action. By providing accurate verification, STR enabled Geo Oceans to meet its client’s risk-based inspection commitments and confirm the integrity of the platform structure.
Our solution
STR managed the Flooded Member Detection (FMD) element of the project end-to-end, which included specialist equipment, an experienced Field Engineer and full data management and reporting.
Mobilisation was carried out through our Perth base, allowing Geo Oceans to access local support and avoid the added costs of international supply.
Specialist equipment
At the core of the service was STR’s SeaGamma FMD system, an ROV-deployed gamma radiation solution. As our primary FMD technology, SeaGamma is recognised for delivering rapid and reliable flooded member detection. Its proven accuracy and flexible deployment makes it particularly well suited to platform-based inspections. In this project, it was integrated with Geo Oceans’ platform-launched ROV operations, supporting efficient inspections and reducing offshore time.
Challenges faced
This inspection did not present significant operational difficulties. The main requirement was strict compliance with client specifications and the ability to deliver services locally without relying on international mobilisation. While this could have created delays and added costs for other providers, STR’s established presence in Perth ensured the project was executed smoothly with the necessary equipment and expertise available on the ground.
Technical expertise
To operate the system, STR supplied one of our most experienced Field Engineers, Martin O’Connell, who is also a qualified CSWIP 3.4U subsea inspection engineer. Martin’s dual qualifications brought a high level of technical capability to the FMD work, ensuring the surveys were executed efficiently and to a high standard. This combination of specialist expertise and advanced technology delivered reliable data collection and clear verification of structural integrity for the client.
Project success
The FMD inspections were completed efficiently and in line with the client’s programme requirements, with the SeaGamma system verifying member conditions and providing the assurance needed to meet regulatory commitments.
Delivered under a single point of responsibility, STR’s service covered equipment, personnel, data management and reporting, ensuring continuity from mobilisation through to final outputs. Mobilising through our Perth base avoided the delays and costs often associated with international supply, giving the client measurable savings on freight, visas and travel.
In addition, STR’s in-house reporting produced regulator-ready outputs, supporting compliance obligations and enabling results to be acted on without delay. This project highlights how STR’s global reach, local capability and integrated inspection services make us a trusted partner for operators seeking efficient, reliable solutions.