ROVs and drones: how inspection technology is changing offshore asset management
Key takeaway: Combined drone and ROV inspection services are reducing offshore inspection downtime by up to 4x. The technology is being adopted across vessels, offshore installations and port infrastructure.
Ned Marine has launched combined aerial drone and subsea ROV inspection services, claiming up to 4x faster asset inspections. The technology is spreading across offshore energy, ports and maritime infrastructure.
- Ned Marine launched combined aerial drone and subsea ROV inspection services in May 2026
- Company claims up to 4x faster inspections for vessels, offshore installations and industrial assets
- Technology reduces downtime, improves safety and accelerates inspection campaigns
- Applies to offshore energy, port infrastructure, vessels and maritime assets
- Part of a broader trend toward remote and autonomous inspection in the North Sea
What Ned Marine launched
Netherlands-based Ned Marine Services expanded its non-destructive testing (NDT) capabilities in May 2026 with the launch of subsea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and flying drone inspection services.
The company said the new services will support inspections of vessels, offshore installations and industrial assets, combining aerial drone inspections with subsea ROV capability in a single offering.
The claimed benefit: inspections up to four times faster than traditional methods, with reduced downtime and improved safety outcomes.
Why this matters for the North Sea
The North Sea has thousands of offshore installations, subsea pipelines, cables and port infrastructure that require regular inspection. Traditional inspection methods are time-consuming, weather-dependent and often require personnel in hazardous environments.
ROVs are tethered underwater robots used across offshore energy, marine science, infrastructure inspection and defence. AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) are also seeing increased demand, with sea trials completed in the North Sea using DP-2 multi-role vessels.
The trend is clear: remote inspection technology is becoming standard, not exceptional. This affects vessel operators, offshore asset owners, port authorities and the suppliers who service them.
The supply chain angle
For marine suppliers, this creates demand for ROV operators, drone pilots, data analysts, sensor specialists and the software platforms that process inspection data.
It also creates demand for training: GWO modules, ROV pilot certification, drone licensing and data management skills are all growing areas.
Smaller suppliers who can offer or integrate remote inspection services are well-positioned as the technology becomes standard across the North Sea.
Read the subsea technology sector page for more on ROVs, sensors and inspection trends.
Sources
- World Oil report https://www.worldoil.com/news/2026/5/12/ned-marine-adds-subsea-rov-and-aerial-drone-inspections-to-ndt-portfolio/
- Offshore Energy report https://www.offshore-energy.biz/dutch-ndt-firm-expands-with-subsea-rov-and-flying-drone-inspections/
- The Marine Times https://themarinetimes.com/ned-marine-launches-drone-rov-inspection-services/
- Global Underwater Hub news https://www.globalunderwaterhub.com/media-centre/news-feed/