Bratland emphasised DeepOcean’s transition to remotely operated and autonomous vessels

In a groundbreaking presentation at ADIPEC 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, Torbjørn Bratland, machine learning lead at DeepOcean, showcased the company’s pioneering efforts in autonomous subsea operations, positioning the firm at the forefront of sustainable and intelligent ocean engineering.

Bratland emphasised DeepOcean’s transition to remotely operated and autonomous vessels, highlighting dramatic efficiency and environmental improvements.

“We control this remotely from a remote operation center, and we can control it from our base, anywhere in Europe,” he explained.

This capability eliminates the need for human presence on vessels, resulting in up to a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions, which is a significant step toward greener marine operations and reduced risk for personnel.

One of the most complex aspects of subsea work, Bratland noted, is the safe launch and recovery of expensive remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in often unpredictable ocean conditions.

To mitigate risk, DeepOcean has deployed a suite of machine learning and AI solutions that synthesise real-time data from vessels, ROVs, and environmental sensors.

AI taking full control

Bratland clarified, “When we don’t have people on board, we have to use machine learning and AI to determine if we can launch and when we can launch. But we want to be able to explain why we can’t launch now, and how do we correct that?”

The company is pushing boundaries further by developing autonomous path generation for ROVs that function deep underwater, beyond the reach of GPS.

Bratland described how digital twin technology currently aids path creation but expressed the ambition for AI systems to take full control: mapping, navigating, and adjusting to subsea challenges in real time.

Machine vision is being integrated, enabling ROVs to identify and analyse inspection points, reacting dynamically to new discoveries beneath the ocean’s surface.

Bratland’s passion for innovation was clear as he concluded, “I think this is really cool. I think we’re very lucky to be able to have these problems to work with, and to have all the great collaborators to solve these problems.”

With these initiatives, DeepOcean is not only advancing its technological leadership but also setting a new sustainability benchmark for the offshore industry, delivering safer, smarter, and greener solutions for the future of subsea operations.

Gordon Docherty, vice president of Druck. (Image source: Druck)

At ADIPEC this year, Oil Review Middle East spoke to Gordon Docherty, vice president of Druck. Docherty talked about the company's products, technological solutions and prospects in the Middle East. Read on: 

How do you see Druck connecting with customers and partners in this dynamic region?

It’s a real pleasure to be at ADIPEC for the first time. The conversations happening here are not just about today’s challenges but about how we can collectively accelerate progress through smarter, more sustainable technologies.

And I think that’s where Druck’s pressure measurement technologies fit in. The ability to capture precise and dependable pressure data and calibration not only boosts productivity but also helps organisations eliminate inefficiencies and reduce emissions.

For Druck, ADIPEC is an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with our partners, customers and potential customers across the globe, not just the Middle East. This region has always been central to the global energy landscape, and we see tremendous potential for collaboration; particularly as companies focus on digital transformation, operational efficiency, and safety.

We came here to listen, share our expertise, and explore how Druck’s advanced pressure measurement and calibration solutions can help our partners enhance reliability and performance in their operations. I have to say that the positive feedback, and the interest in our solutions, in particular our handheld portable calibrators, far outweighed our expectations.

It’s also been fantastic to spend time with our regional channel partners who play such a vital role in ensuring that Druck products reach every corner of the planet. Seeing the strong engagement they have with customers reinforces how important these relationships are in ensuring our technology and support are available where and when they’re needed. Their commitment and local expertise are key to our continued success in the region. ADIPEC provides a great platform to celebrate that collaboration.

What are the main applications for Druck pressure sensors and calibration equipment in the oil and gas industry, and the main challenges they are designed to address? Are there any products on display you would like to highlight?

Druck pressure sensors and calibration equipment play a critical role across the oil and gas value chain from exploration and drilling to production, transportation, and refining. Druck instruments ensure accurate measurement and control in pipeline monitoring, gas compression, storage, and refining processes.

For instance, Druck sensors deliver precise pressure and temperature measurements throughout the oil and gas extraction process. Our subsea sensors are engineered to operate reliably for up to 30 years, enduring the extreme conditions found at depths of 3,300 m beneath the ocean surface. The advanced technology required to consistently provide accurate data in such demanding environments over decades is truly remarkable, underscoring our commitment to long-term performance and reliability

Meanwhile, our calibrators support these applications by providing precise, traceable pressure measurements that help customers maintain compliance with international standards, improve operational efficiency, and ensure safety.


Our solutions are engineered to excel in the most demanding and unpredictable environments, such as high pressures, high temperatures, vibration, and corrosive media all of which demand exceptional sensor stability, repeatability, and long-term reliability. We also address the industry’s need for digitalisation and reduced downtime by integrating smart calibration solutions and digital communication capabilities that support predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics.

At ADIPEC this year, we showcased Druck’s latest calibration and instrumentation solutions, including the handheld DPI 610E, the high-performance PACE 5000 E and 6000 E pressure controllers, and the compact UPS 4E loop calibrator. These instruments are designed to deliver unmatched accuracy, reliability, and connectivity for both field and lab applications, and are widely used for instrumentation commissioning, asset maintenance and process optimisation across the Oil, Gas and Energy value stream. 

How do you view prospects for the development of Druck’s business in the Middle East?

The Middle East is a very strategic region for Druck, and we see strong prospects for business development here. The region continues to invest heavily in oil and gas exploration, refining, and infrastructure modernisation, while also advancing its digital transformation and energy transition initiatives. These trends align with Druck’s core strengths delivering high-accuracy, reliable pressure measurement and calibration solutions that perform in the most demanding environments.
Our sensors and calibration equipment are already trusted in critical applications such as wellhead monitoring, subsea systems, and pipeline operations across the region.

As operators focus more on safety, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance, Druck’s digital calibration technologies and smart sensors provide real value; helping customers reduce downtime, ensure compliance, and extend asset life.
We also recognise the importance of strong local presence and partnerships in the Middle East. Expanding our service and support capabilities locally is a key part of our strategy to deliver faster response times and build long-term customer relationships.
Overall, we view the Middle East as a growth market where Druck’s proven technology, reliability, and commitment to customer success position us very well for the future.


How do you think measurement and instrumentation technologies will evolve in the future?

At Druck, innovation is absolutely central to how we operate. For more than 50 years, we’ve built our reputation on engineering excellence and pushing the boundaries of pressure measurement performance. Today, our focus is on integrating digital intelligence, connectivity, and sustainability into our technologies; ensuring our customers can rely on accurate, stable data while optimising operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Innovation for us is not just about new products, it’s about continuous improvement, collaboration with our customers, and anticipating the challenges they’ll face tomorrow. By integrating innovative calibration technologies and digital intelligence, Druck aims to deliver the next generation of measurement solutions that empower industries to operate more safely, efficiently, and responsibly.

What are your biggest takeaways from ADIPEC 2025? Are you planning to visit again?

ADIPEC 2025 has been an inspiring and highly productive experience, showcasing the energy industry’s commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable operations. I’ve been particularly impressed by how companies, including many of our customers, are leveraging smart measurement technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability – it has reinforced the important role Druck’s pressure sensors and calibration solutions play in supporting these goals. Meeting with our channel partners and seeing the strong engagement with customers highlighted the value of local collaboration in the region. Most importantly, seeing the exceptionally strong interest in Druck technologies was extremely rewarding. Overall, it’s been a fantastic event, and I’m very much looking forward to coming back to continue these conversations and explore new opportunities with partners and customers alike.

The partnership will boost localisation of Baker Hughes' products and solutions in the region. (Image source: NMDC)

NMDC Group, a provider in engineering, procurement, construction and marine dredging, and NMDC Energy PJSC, a provider of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for offshore and onshore energy clients, have signed several agreements, exploring strategic partnerships with local and international entities at ADIPEC 2025

NMDC Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baker Hughes to boost localisation of some of Baker Hughes products and solutions in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and India (MENATI) region by leveraging NMDC’s state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities. Gas technology products will be explored specifically, including Gas Compression Stations up and LNG Modularisation, to serve the local regional market in its energy transition objectives.

A non-exclusive strategic cooperation framework in offshore energy and adjacent sectors was put in place by NMDC Energy and Hyundai Heavy Industries, with the intent to leverage NMDC’s regional presence and HHI’s EPCI and fabrication capabilities. The entities will cooperate on a non-exclusive basis and may jointly pursue opportunities on a case-by-case basis within the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This partnership has the potential to be extended to additional segments, including offshore oil & gas facilities and renewable and decarbonization areas. NMDC and HHI are currently tendering on multiple mega tenders in the region, on the back of the large fabrication resources of both companies and their rich EPC experience in the industry.

NMDC Energy also signed a MoU with UAE company, Energy Masters Enterprises (EM), to cooperate in areas related to Electrical Submersible Pumps and adjacent sectors, leveraging NMDC’s regional presence and EME’s Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) supply, installation, commission, and repair capabilities. Both companies intend to cooperate on a non-exclusive basis and may jointly pursue opportunities on a case-by-case basis within the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia.

Furthermore, NMDC Energy signed an MoU with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to confirm their intent to collaborate for the joint tendering and, if successful in award, extend the collaboration to the execution of onshore projects in KSA across sectors such as Oil and Gas Processing, Refineries, Petrochemicals, Pipelines, Storage Terminals and Energy Transition. The collaboration related to the delivery of Onshore EPC projects in Saudi Arabia across the full spectrum of oil & gas segments, leveraging the fabrication facilities owned by NMDC in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia, and the design center established by EIL in Al Khobar.

Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of NMDC Energy, said, “At ADIPEC 2025, NMDC Energy showcased the power of collaboration through landmark partnership agreements with global companies that align with our ambitions for the industry. Through NMDC Energy’s cutting-edge technologies and AI-backed capabilities, we recognize the near and intermediary steps needed to ensure our sector evolves in tandem with the realities of the world around us. That’s why collaborating with partners who share our vision is vitally important, as we can share best practices, combine capabilities, and deliver innovative solutions to embrace the evolving dynamics of the sector.”

The paper offers actionable insights for engineers, operators, policymakers and executives.

In lines with ADIPEC 2025, GE Vernova has launched a whitepaper, “AI at the Helm: Redefining the Future of the Grid,” highlighting the central role of cybersecurity in building scalable, sustainable, resilient and safe grids based on AI-enabled applications

The paper offers actionable insights for engineers, operators, policymakers and executives, as it demonstrates advanced digitalisation strategies powered by artificial learning and machine learning.

The Gold Sponsor at ADIPEC 2025, GE Vernova will also exhibit at the event its technologies that help maintain reliable, affordable, and secure electricity systems. Visitors can find them on Stand 7135 in Hall 7, covering topics such as industry-leading gas turbines, synchronous condensers, software-defined automation, distributed energy resource (DER) management, grid cybersecurity, predictive analytics and AI driven diagnostics, and CERius emissions management software for utilities. 

The company will showcase their vibrant portfolio, including grid applications with GridBeats – AI/ML enabled digitalisation, grid automation, and other advanced solutions, like GE Vernova’s GridOS orchestration software.

In keeping with ADIPEC 2025’s theme - “Energy. Intelligence. Impact.” - GE Vernova will underscore the power of AI in redefining the electrical grid landscape. As power systems evolve with rapid renewable integration, the proliferation of electronic devices, rising regulatory and cyber requirements, and growing system complexity, AI-enabled applications can help enhance grid stability, resilience, and efficiency while improving energy availability and affordability.

“As the region accelerates the energy transition, grid operators need scalable digital tools, grounded in cybersecurity, to keep power reliable, affordable, and secure. AI, together with virtualization and predictive decision-making, helps human operators plan, operate, and protect increasingly complex and distributed systems in real time,” said Joseph Anis, president and CEO of EMEA, for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business. “Building sustainable, resilient, and safe energy infrastructure is a shared priority across the GCC and beyond. At ADIPEC, GE Vernova will be bringing the full breadth of our portfolio across power generation, transmission, distribution, conversion, storage, and software solutions, and showcasing our longstanding collaborations to enable customers to be future-ready for the energy systems of tomorrow,” he added.