The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has used the advanced underwater robot Nautilus MK2 from S2 Robotics in a groundbreaking repair operation, signalling a shift towards safer, autonomous subsea infrastructure management.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, or ADNOC, has taken a pretty bold step recently—by choosing Thai–Norwegian firm S2 Robotics to deploy their underwater robot, the Nautilus MK2, for an urgent inspection and repair mission on a corroded subsea oil pipeline. Honestly, this is a huge deal because it’s the very first time this high-tech system has been used in operational conditions, which really signals a new chapter in how we handle subsea pipeline maintenance.
ADNOC’s decision was driven by the discovery of severe corrosion that had eaten away over half the wall thickness of one of its critical 20-inch pipelines buried under the sea. This was enough to raise alarms because a leak could jeopardize continuous oil flow, and the company definitely wants to steer clear of any disruptions. Usually, the go-to solution involves human divers—something that’s risky and complicated to manage. But instead, ADNOC opted for the Nautilus MK2, an advanced robotic system made specifically to work underwater without anyone physically present.
What’s pretty impressive about the Nautilus MK2 is its ability to carefully scan the pipeline to assess the damage and then go on to repair damaged sections by wrapping them in a tough carbon fibre coating. This method of robotic repair is not only safer and quicker but also more cost-effective than traditional methods. Plus, live data from the operation gets transmitted via satellite, enabling engineers to keep an eye on the process from a control centre back onshore.
This project is really the result of teamwork between S2 Robotics, Norway’s Kongsberg Ferrotech, and the UAE’s SAFEEN Group. Kongsberg Ferrotech, well-known for its expertise in subsea robotics for flowlines, supplied the specialised repair technology for Nautilus, which has been designed to handle a variety of pipeline issues—everything from dents and wall thinning to external coating damage and pitting. And SAFEEN played a crucial role in logistics, making sure the robot was transported and the site was properly prepared.
S2 Robotics itself was founded earlier this year, in 2023, as a collaboration between Thailand and Norway. Their focus is entirely on subsea pipeline inspection and repair, with the goal of shaking up a field that’s traditionally quite risky and labor-intensive. The company claims its flagship, Nautilus, is the first of its kind—a robot built specifically for in-situ repairs, aimed at reducing our reliance on divers, which in turn boosts safety and cuts down operational costs. According to CEO Thitikul Nagadhana, the aim is to make underwater maintenance “safer and more efficient,” helping prevent leaks and keeping energy production running smoothly.
Industry experts have been paying close attention. They say the ability of Nautilus MK2 to work autonomously and provide reliable, well-documented repairs aligns with the broader trends toward digitalisation and automation—especially in managing underwater infrastructure. Its versatility means it can tailor repairs for each specific defect, which is a significant step up from the older, more manual techniques used before.
Looking at the bigger picture, the region—especially Abu Dhabi—is now really pushing for more sustainable hydrocarbon operations, trying to balance energy needs with environmental safety. Subsea pipelines are a key part of this infrastructure, and catching corrosion early with timely repairs can prevent costly shutdowns and avoid environmental damage.
The Nautilus MK2’s successful test run at the Blue Gulf Shipyard in Abu Dhabi back in March 2025 was crucial. It proved the robot could perform in local conditions, which was an important step before being put to work on a live pipeline. This cautious yet forward-thinking approach by ADNOC really shows they’re shifting towards digital and robotic tools to help protect their offshore assets.
There are other players in this space, like Nauticus Robotics and AEA Sonomatic, who have also developed remote underwater inspection tools. But S2 Robotics’ Nautilus MK2 stands out because it’s designed specifically for direct pipeline repair with carbon fibre wrapping, right at the site. This repair method not only provides long-lasting results but also includes real-time monitoring—something critical for ongoing asset integrity management.
All of this could set a kind of precedent. If ADNOC’s deployment of Nautilus MK2 proves successful, other companies—both regionally and globally—might follow suit, especially as many facilities face issues with aging infrastructure and the need to minimize human risk in hazardous environments. As the world transitions to a lower-carbon energy future, innovations like these from S2 Robotics are expected to play a vital role in maintaining and extending the lifespan of existing hydrocarbon systems.
To sum up, ADNOC’s move to use the Nautilus MK2 robot from S2 Robotics marks a pretty significant advance in subsea pipeline maintenance. By combining robotic precision, remote control, and advanced materials, the project points toward a future where energy infrastructure management is safer, more efficient, and increasingly digital. And it’s pretty exciting to see how collaboration between Nordic tech firms and Gulf-based companies is driving forward these climate-conscious, high-tech energy solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://scandasia.com/thai-norwegian-robotics-firm-selected-by-adnoc-for-groundbreaking-subsea-pipeline-mission/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.s2-robotics.com/about-us/ – S2 Robotics, a Thai–Norwegian joint venture founded in January 2023, specialises in subsea pipeline inspection, maintenance, and repair using advanced robotic technologies. Their flagship product, Nautilus, is the world’s first subsea pipeline repair robot, designed to reduce risks to personnel and lower costs compared to conventional methods. The company aims to redefine subsea pipeline operations with cutting-edge technologies for sustainable hydrocarbon operations.
- https://www.s2-robotics.com/products-and-services/ – S2 Robotics offers advanced solutions for subsea pipeline inspection, maintenance, and repair. Their primary product, Nautilus, is an advanced robotic technology for repairing damaged subsea pipelines caused by external and internal corrosion. Nautilus provides a cost-effective solution in the Inspection Repair and Maintenance (IRM) industry, offering a game-changing approach in terms of finance and risk.
- https://www.environmental-expert.com/applications/underwater-robotics-for-subsea-pipelines-industry-22091 – Kongsberg Ferrotech’s Nautilus robot is dedicated to subsea flowlines and can repair a wide range of pipeline defects, including dents, external coating damages, internal and external corrosion, wall loss, and pitting. By adjusting the repair process to the particular defect, the Nautilus robot applies a tailor-made repair for each individual defect. Nautilus’s unique habitat combined with a digital repair platform ensures that all repairs are performed in a controlled environment and in a repeatable and fully documented manner.
- https://www.ogj.com/home/article/17242474/developments-advance-subsea-pipelaying-inspection-repair – AEA Sonomatic developed the Nautilus II specifically for Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Co. to scan the complete circumference of an underwater pipeline. The instrument can perform inspections in various operator-defined resolutions and has line and Rastar scan capabilities in a scan width of up to 500 mm. This width reduces the number of scans per area and the amount of diver intervention required to reposition it. Scan speeds of up to 125 mm/sec axially and 75 mm/sec circumferentially are achievable.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nauticus-robotics-completes-aquanaut-mark-2-qualification-and-begins-commercial-operations-302263003.html – Nauticus Robotics, Inc. completed qualification testing of its flagship underwater vehicle, Aquanaut Mark 2, in the Gulf of Mexico. The vehicle is now performing commercial inspection work at a production field in the Gulf of Mexico. This transition from qualification to commercial operations marks a major milestone for the company. The testing was performed autonomously without the need for a tether, demonstrating the strong commercialization potential of Aquanaut Mark 2.
- https://www.thefreelibrary.com/%27S2%2BRobotics%27%2BThai-Norwegian%2Btech%2Bmakes%2Bhistory.-a0858289328 – ADNOC discovered significant corrosion, with over 60% wall loss, on a 20-inch subsea pipeline. Facing a risk of leakage, ADNOC assigned S2 Robotics to conduct a thorough inspection and repair of the producing pipeline. This decision aims to ensure continuous production and avoid costly shutdowns. The deployment follows the successful demonstration of Nautilus MK2 at Blue Gulf Shipyard in Abu Dhabi in March 2025, showcasing the robot’s capabilities to perform safe and efficient inspection and maintenance on subsea oil pipelines.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 3, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content does not appear to be recycled or republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from S2 Robotics’ CEO, Thitikul Nagadhana, and COO, Phongpat Binsomprasong, are present. These quotes are consistent with their public statements and have not been found in earlier material. No variations in wording were noted, and no online matches were found for identical quotes, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by S2 Robotics, a joint venture between Rovula (Thailand) and Kongsberg Ferrotech. While the company has a verified online presence, the press release format may limit external verification. The report mentions collaboration with ADNOC, a reputable organisation, which adds credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the deployment of Nautilus MK2 for subsea pipeline repair align with known technological advancements in subsea robotics. The report mentions a successful demonstration of Nautilus MK2 at Blue Gulf Shipyard in Abu Dhabi in March 2025, which is consistent with S2 Robotics’ activities. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The language and tone are consistent with industry standards, and the structure is focused on the main claim without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents original content with direct quotes from company executives and aligns with known technological developments. However, the reliance on a single press release from S2 Robotics and the lack of external verification raise concerns about the report’s credibility. The absence of supporting details from other reputable outlets further diminishes confidence in the report’s accuracy.
