The Reach Remote 2, a cutting-edge Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), has set sail for Australia, marking a pivotal moment for both Reach Subsea and the broader offshore energy sector. This isn’t just a vessel crossing oceans—it’s a technology crossing thresholds, proving that autonomy isn’t a distant dream but a present-day reality.
The USV will perform reservoir monitoring on Woodside Energy’s Scarborough gas field, wielding Reach Subsea’s proprietary gWatch technology. This isn’t just another data-gathering exercise. gWatch is a game-changer, measuring time-lapse gravity and seafloor deformation to detect subtle shifts in reservoir mass and pressure. For operators, this means sharper insights into gas reserves and aquifer dynamics, reducing uncertainty and refining production forecasts. It’s not just about collecting data—it’s about making data actionable, turning raw signals into strategic decisions.
The deployment also signals Reach Subsea’s expansion into Australia’s inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) market. This isn’t a one-off trial. It’s the beginning of a new operational model—one where uncrewed systems take the lead in high-risk, high-value tasks. For Woodside, this means leveraging Norwegian expertise to enhance reservoir management and operational efficiency.
Jostein Alendal, CEO of Reach Subsea, put it bluntly: “Seeing the Reach Remote 2 vessel sail ‘down under’ to deliver world-class services to a company like Woodside Energy is a proud moment for all of us at Reach Subsea. This project clearly demonstrates that the transition to a robotic future is not a vision—it’s happening now.”
This isn’t just about replacing humans with machines. It’s about redefining what’s possible. By removing personnel from hazardous environments, the USV reduces health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks. It also slashes operational costs and cuts the carbon footprint of offshore activities by up to 90%. That’s not just efficiency—it’s a paradigm shift.
For the industry, this deployment is a wake-up call. If autonomy can deliver such tangible benefits today, what’s stopping others from following suit? The answer is simple: inertia. But as Reach Subsea proves, the future isn’t waiting. It’s already here—and it’s sailing to Australia.