Precision Under Pressure: Delivering Accuracy in Offshore Construction

Offshore construction isn’t just about putting steel in the seabed, it’s about enabling the energy infrastructure of today and tomorrow. Whether it’s driving a wind turbine monopile, the installation of a subsea template, or jacket alignment and topside installation, precision matters. And when you’re working at depths of up to 3,000 metres where visibility is low, currents are strong, and seabed conditions are constantly shifting, that precision becomes even more critical.

The offshore industry has evolved rapidly, with modern installation projects demanding exact coordinates, headings, inclinations and depths. Even minor misalignments can result in costly rework, project delays or structural stress.

Advanced monitoring solutions support the preparation, installation and integrity of offshore energy infrastructure. From traditional oil and gas developments to the growing offshore renewables sector, this technology ensures projects are delivered safely, efficiently and with confidence.

The tools behind the precision

Over the past 30 years, installation monitoring systems have evolved significantly. Today’s integrated systems are lighter, more power efficient and make more data available to engineers. Technologies like Fibre Optic Gyros and Ring Laser Gyros have made the acquisition of heading, attitude and pitch and roll measurements possible in the most demanding environments.

Installation Monitoring Systems (IMS), Deflection Monitoring Systems (DMS) and Attitude Monitoring Systems (AMS) have become essential. Powered by long-life lithium-ion batteries and connected by high-speed optical or acoustic communications, these systems provide near real-time visibility on the movement and orientation of critical structures.

Ashtead Technology’s DMS for example, can integrate external sensor data such as suction anchor pressure, giving engineers actionable, real-time information during installation. By tracking twist, deflection and vibration, these systems help reduce mechanical stress and mitigate risk.

We’re also pushing the boundaries of integration, combining subsea cameras, GNSS receivers, AHRS, altimeters and next-generation data modems into streamlined, bespoke systems. Whether it’s for monopile positioning or large-diameter drilling, these solutions enable smarter decision-making and faster operations.

Field-proven innovation

In the field, our technologies have enabled success in some of the world’s most challenging offshore environments. A laser-based IMS for instance, delivers non-contact, shock-resistant measurements ideal for high-precision monopile installation. Other projects have relied on ultra-compact, man-portable monitoring units capable of delivering real-time structural data from the seabed to the surface.

Across all deployments, the goal remains the same: provide reliable, high-resolution insight to reduce installation risk, avoid costly rework and ensure long-term performance.

Future-focused capabilities

Offshore structures are becoming larger, more complex and more interconnected – demanding smarter, leaner and more accurate monitoring solutions. Vessel uptime is imperative. Accuracy remains critical. Efficiency is key.

Technology is making that possible. With remote operations, automated measurement, high-speed data transfer and compact, precision sensors, the industry is better equipped to execute projects with confidence than ever before.