The Coastal and Marine Operators (CAMO) group in the US reports that it is working on a joint pilot project with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to utilise automatic identification system (AIS) technology to monitor vessel activity in close proximity to submerged pipelines.

The joint pilot project, with PortVision and the USCG, aims to develop an application that will warn AIS-equipped vessels stopping or anchoring near gas and liquids pipelines that their activity represents a potential safety risk, and is part of a CAMO initiative focused on marine pipeline damage prevention and awareness.

CAMO was developed several years ago with the aim of closing the gap between onshore and offshore pipeline damage prevention efforts. A major component of the group's goal is to educate marine stakeholders and the public about the risks that damage to offshore utilities and pipelines can pose to personal safety and the environment.

Although pipeline operators generally have vigorous inspection and maintenance programmes to insure the integrity of their assets, the risk of third-party damage to a pipeline remains a threat.

The project is backed by a grant partnership with the Port of Fourchon and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Source: The Digital Ship