In the bustling world of technological advancement, one company is making waves—quite literally—in the depths of the ocean. ZeaQuest Co. Ltd., emerging from the collaborative efforts of Mermaid Subsea Services (Thailand) Ltd. and Rovula (Thailand) Ltd., under the auspices of the AI and Robotics Ventures (ARV) division of PTT Exploration and Production Plc., is setting its sights on a daring venture. Their mission? To train 30 adept Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) pilots over the span of the next five years. The intentions behind this initiative encompass the burgeoning demand within Thailand’s petroleum exploration and production (E&P) industry and the ever-evolving global energy market.
The maritime industry is witnessing an exhilarating technological revolution. As needs for sophisticated solutions in engineering activities swell, including underwater pipeline installations, safety inspections of subsea structures, and underwater geological surveys, companies are integrating robotic marvels like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). In the burgeoning realm of Thailand’s E&P sector, ROVs are stealing the show, accounting for a whopping 70% of the operations, leaving AUVs and USVs to share the remaining 30% of the limelight.
With the charismatic Mr. Thasaphich Thavornsuk at the helm as CEO, ZeaQuest is visionary in its approach. “We at ZeaQuest perceive a profound opportunity,” he states with optimism, “to harness the capabilities of ROVs and cutting-edge technologies in underwater operations. Our aim is to slash the costs associated with underwater engineering services, mitigate the risks traditionally faced by divers, curtail operational expenses, and bolster the accuracy of inspections, maintenance, and surveys of subsea structures.”
Yet, amid this promising surge of innovation, a pressing concern looms—Thailand is grappling with a stark shortage of skilled ROV technicians. This scarcity stems from the intricate nature of ROV equipment and the rigorous training needed to master it. Adding fuel to the fire, other companies in the same industry fiercely compete to attract qualified talent, resulting in an unsettling rise in labor costs for these coveted skills. Resorting to freelancers or foreign experts has been a temporary band-aid, but it’s a solution lacking the long-term development continuity that the sector desperately needs.
“Our current shortfall in trained personnel is a chink in Thailand’s armor in the E&P sector,” Mr. Thasaphich notes with candor, comparing the nation to competitors like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. With a resolve to turn this challenge into an opportunity, ZeaQuest has launched the ROV Pilot Development Program. Nestled in the idyllic Pinthong Industrial Estate in Chonburi, this program is equipped with a 7-metre-deep training pool designed to simulate demanding wave conditions. Participants don’t just learn theoretically—they work shoulder-to-shoulder with international experts, forging real-world experience and confronting genuine challenges. Already, three participants have attained the international benchmarks for entry-level ROV pilots, with a pipeline of talent expected to follow. With ongoing exploration, inspection, and maintenance undertakings, ZeaQuest is steadfast in its confidence to groom a cadre of proficient technicians through this pioneering program.”
The program doesn’t merely impart skills; it aligns meticulously with the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) standards. ROV pilots evolve through four distinct levels: Pilot Level 1, Pilot Level 2, Sub-Engineer, and Supervisor. Much akin to the rigorous training of airline pilots, participants must log substantial operational hours to ascend these ranks.
Currently, ZeaQuest boasts the certification of three ROV pilots, with aspirations to elevate four more by the year’s end, totalling a robust team of seven experts.
The significance of the ROV Pilot Development Program reaches far beyond mere numbers. It serves as a cornerstone to amplify Thailand’s competitive edge in the petroleum exploration and production sector, all while uplifting operational safety and efficiency in accordance with global standards.
Looking towards the horizon, Mr. Thasaphich shares ZeaQuest’s ambitions, “In due course, we plan to significantly enhance our training facilities. By incorporating simulators, maintenance structures, and wave generators, we aim to emulate the most realistic training environments possible. Such foresight is essential to equip Thai personnel for staunch global competition, in a sustainable manner. Our vision extends beyond the training of ROV technicians; we are committed to nurturing 30 skilled experts over the next five years, thus propelling industry growth and positioning Thailand as a formidable competitor on the world stage. Plus, ZeaQuest is wholeheartedly devoted to preserving marine ecosystems. By integrating technologies that champion a transition to a low-carbon society, we are adamant about achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
As ZeaQuest navigates the seas of innovation and skill-building, it not only charts a course for Thailand’s energy sector but also lays down the compass for a more sustainable and tech-savvy future.
This initiative by ZeaQuest to train ROV pilots is impressive, but is it really the best way forward? Wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on autonomous vehicles instead of training more human pilots when technology is rapidly advancing towards automation?
Autonomous technology is great, but having skilled ROV pilots is crucial for managing unexpected situations undersea. Machines can’t fully replace human intuition yet.
True, but if we invest more in AI, those machines will soon be able to handle those unpredictable situations better than humans.
Autonomous vehicles have their limitations too! ROV pilots can react and adapt in ways machines can’t. Let’s not put the cart before the horse.
The lack of skilled ROV technicians in Thailand seems like an oversight in educational planning. Why haven’t local educational institutions caught up with this demand?
Perhaps because education systems are often slow to react to industrial needs. Also, these are highly specialized skills that require a lot of resource investment from educational institutions.
Maybe it’s time for a public-private partnership to bridge this gap faster. The industry benefits directly, after all.
Let’s not forget that ROV training is expensive. Not all universities have the funds or expertise to offer such niche programs.
ZeaQuest is doing an amazing job with this program. It not only uplifts Thailand’s industry but can also raise global competition standards.
It’s great to see local companies stepping up. But shouldn’t there be more focus on sustainable practices in the industry too?
Absolutely! The commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a step in the right direction. But let’s keep sustainability front and center.
While commendable, I can’t help but wonder about the environmental cost of these underwater operations. Is ZeaQuest doing enough to protect marine life?
Exactly! Technology isn’t beneficial if it compromises the environment. I’m curious about what specific measures are being taken.
Frankly, I think ZeaQuest should slow down. More technology means more chances for something to go wrong underwater.
ROV might be a game changer, but what about the job losses for traditional divers? This industry shift could leave many people without work.
ZeaQuest’s training program is not just about jobs. It’s about securing a sustainable future for energy production. We need to keep that perspective.
True, but let’s not ignore the impact on those who rely on old jobs. There needs to be a plan for them too.
I think the rise of ROVs is inevitable, but there should be a focus on retraining traditional divers for these new roles.
Super cool to see Thailand making strides in tech. But it seems they could learn a lot from countries that are already more advanced in ROV tech.
Agreed, they should definitely collaborate more internationally to harness existing experiences.
This is a brilliant move to reduce costs and improve safety in the E&P sector. It’s about time someone took this seriously!
Why are we focusing on underwater E&P when renewables are the future? Isn’t this just postponing the inevitable shift?
Exploration and production are still required for certain industries. Not everything can run on renewables just yet, unfortunately.
These shifts in the industry are exactly what’s needed to push energy production forward globally. Kudos to ZeaQuest!
Well, they better not forget about the environmental impact while they’re at it. Balance is key.
With the pace of technological advancement, do we really think it will take five years to train 30 pilots? Seems like a long time.
The training is pretty intensive and requires a lot of hands-on experience. Quality over quantity!