NGI develops a new method for seabed environmental monitoring
A new research project, carried out in collaboration with industry partners, aims to develop a high-tech rover capable of collecting environmental data directly from the seabed.
AI-generated illustration of a potential SEEBED platform equipped with sensors and sampling tools designed to collect chemical and biological data directly from the seabed in real time.
The goal is to transform how environmental impacts from offshore petroleum activities are monitored, shifting from manual point sampling to sensor-based measurements that deliver real-time data.
“With a mobile seabed platform for sensor-based environmental surveys, we can collect data and assess environmental conditions on the seabed in real time,” says NGI project manager Espen Eek.
This approach will make investigations far more efficient, allowing survey scope to be adjusted continuously and enabling assessments of pollution with significantly higher measurement density.
“The result is that both oil companies and authorities gain a much stronger knowledge base,” says Eek.
The project, named SEEBED, builds on an industry-funded pre-study initiated by Equinor.
A need for better and more comparable data
The pre-study demonstrated that combining multiple types of measuring instruments into a single underwater platform can capture key data necessary to assess seabed environmental conditions. NGI tested equipment that can detect petroleum residues in sediments, measure concentrations of heavy metals and other contaminants, and record biological indicators such as benthic fauna and microplastics using advanced cameras.
“This technology will make it possible to measure both chemical and biological parameters directly on the seabed. By integrating the sensors into one platform, we get a precise and holistic picture without relying on time-consuming laboratory analyses,” Eek explains.
Participants from NGI and industry partners gathered for a full-day workshop as part of the SEEBED project, which aims to develop a seabed rover equipped with sensors and sampling tools to collect environmental and chemical data from the seabed. ( Photo: Per Olav Solberg / NGI)
Collaboration between industry and research
SEEBED is funded by operators on the Norwegian continental shelf: Equinor, Shell, Vår Energi, Repsol Norge AS, DNO Norge AS, TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS, Aker BP, OKEA, and Harbour Energy. Offshore Norge also participates in the project. The mobile sensor platform will utilize a tracked undercarriage and be developed in collaboration with experienced ROV designers. It will feature a modular design that allows for the addition of new sensors as needed. Advanced sensor systems are tailored in partnership with international suppliers.
“This is a great example of what can happen when industry and research join forces to find better solutions. We are building knowledge that can improve environmental monitoring and reduce costs,” says Guro Grøneng, Director of NGI’s GeoEnvironment division.
The project recently held a kickoff workshop with external partners at NGI. SEEBED will run until summer 2027 and is led from the GeoEnvironment division in close collaboration with Geodata and Technology.
Real-time data as decision support
A key objective is to secure better data flow—from the seabed to decision-makers. Data from SEEBED will be transmitted directly to onshore experts, enabling continuous assessment of environmental impact.
“Real-time data will open new opportunities for decision support. We can respond faster and give more precise recommendations on environmental conditions and potential measures,” Grøneng says.
Field tests are planned to evaluate and validate the technology during the project period. Over time, the platform could have a much wider use.
“The technology is also relevant outside the oil and gas sector—for example, in ports, coastal areas, and offshore wind developments where environmental impacts must be documented with precision,” Grøneng adds.
