ExxonMobil is deploying advanced drone and sonar technology to transform inspection practices across its offshore oil and gas operations in Angola. The US energy giant invests around $1 billion annually in pioneering technologies, with drone-based inspections and 3D sonar imaging now enhancing safety, reducing downtime, and improving data quality across its Angolan projects.
During an ExxonMobil-sponsored pre-conference session at the Angola Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition 2025, Vera Veloso, Integrity Engineering Supervisor at ExxonMobil, outlined how the company is shifting from traditional inspection models to technology-led solutions. ExxonMobil holds stakes in three deepwater blocks spanning nearly two million acres in Angola, including long-standing assets such as Block 17.
“These drones are able to reach hazardous areas, without the need for human intervention. This improves the efficiency and safety of inspections. They can also be done when the operations are underway – so, we don’t have to shut down operations,” said Veloso.
The adoption of drone-based inspection has already cut inspection times by 60%, while delivering more accurate data than conventional methods such as rope-access inspections. This enables faster decision-making and minimises operational disruption.
ExxonMobil is also leveraging echoscope technology and 3D sonar imaging to enhance subsea inspections. The approach enables validation of trench dimensions, real-time monitoring, and operations in zero-visibility conditions, strengthening both surveillance and risk assessment capabilities.
“The 3D sonar imaging uses sound pulses. That data enables us to map the seabed, taking all the measurement and identifying the anomalies around the suction pipe. The main benefit of this technology is data accuracy – we are able to access more dimensions of the trench. It also improves the efficiency of the surveys as we are not limited by the visibility,” Veloso explained.
Looking to the future, ExxonMobil plans to integrate AI-driven robotics, digital twins, autonomous drones, and next-generation connectivity solutions such as 5G and Starlink to further optimise offshore operations in Angola. These tools are expected to deliver autonomous inspection, enhanced risk management and fully remote monitoring across unmanned sites.
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