GAIA Marine delivered a subsea inspection technology demonstration for port infrastructure, showing how compact ROV systems, high-resolution visual inspection, imaging sonar and photogrammetry workflows can provide a safer and more data-rich alternative to conventional diver-based pile assessment.
The demonstration was developed to assess the practical application of remotely operated vehicle technology for subsea infrastructure inspection within an operating port environment. The proposed inspection approach focused on vertical pile assets, using an observation-class ROV fitted with high-definition video, ultra-high-definition still-image capture and imaging sonar to inspect submerged structures from the waterline to the seabed interface. The intent was to show how ROV-based methods could reduce personnel exposure, improve repeatability and generate a broader range of inspection data products than manual visual assessment alone.
The inspection methodology was structured around controlled vertical transects of selected piles, with the ROV descending and ascending at consistent speed, heading and offset from the structure. Each pile was to be surveyed from multiple headings around its circumference, with separate passes for digital camera and sonar acquisition to account for the different stand-off distances required by each sensor. The workflow also allowed targeted close visual inspection of anomalies, gap-filling where required, and capture of the seabed interface around the pile base.
The project was designed to demonstrate an integrated inspection workflow rather than a simple video fly-by. High-resolution imagery could be used for general visual inspection, close visual inspection and photogrammetry model generation, while imaging sonar provided additional coverage in low-visibility conditions and around areas of marine growth. The proposed deliverables included digital still images, video, sonar image files, photogrammetry models, daily progress reporting, anomaly reporting and a final inspection report.
This demonstration is a useful example of GAIA Marine’s structural inspection and integrity capability because it shows the direction of travel for port asset inspection: less reliance on diver exposure, more consistent data capture, and outputs that can be used for asset management, anomaly tracking and future maintenance planning. By combining ROV operations, sensor integration, structured inspection methods and digital deliverables, GAIA can help port and infrastructure owners move from one-off visual checks toward repeatable, auditable subsea inspection programs.