Surface treatment on offshore installations of this kind is challenging because they are particularly exposed to the elements, wave-height restrictions, and other climatic conditions. Temperature requirements also mean that hull painting can only be carried out during the summer months, so work on larger installations is divided across several summer seasons. 
 
The project to change the colour of a former Maersk rig for Repsol is a clear example of how robotic surface treatment can transform the delivery of major offshore maintenance projects. 
 
When work began last year, it marked the first use of robotic hull painting on a fixed installation on the Norwegian continental shelf. Lessons from the first campaign were systematically applied to improve planning, equipment, calibration, and execution. This year’s campaign has delivered stable operations with no downtime. 

Challenging work – high precision 

The work has been carried out on the hull, including areas with overhangs of up to 45 degrees at the bow. The Proteus painting robot has handled large surfaces, while the rope access team has tackled intricate details and areas where manual expertise remains essential. On site, four-person rope access teams have worked closely with a robot operator from Remotion, supported by surface treatment personnel and scaffolders. 

More efficient, safer and better for the environment 

Robotic painting reduces the need for extensive scaffolding and containment, allowing larger surfaces to be treated with less exposure for personnel and significant cost savings. The technology also delivers important health, safety, and environmental benefits during surface preparation, including a vacuum system that collects waste and reduces the risk of discharges to the sea. 
 
In last year’s campaign, productivity was around 16 m² per 12-hour shift. Figures from this year’s campaign show productivity of just over 26 m² per 12-hour shift, including surface preparation and three coats of paint. In total, robotic work has been completed on approximately 890 m². 
 

Lessons learnt and collaboration improved delivery 

A key success factor has been the lessons learned from the first year’s campaign. Beerenberg and Remotion brought calibration and preparation forward in the process, allowing the robot to function more effectively as a ‘plug-and-play’ solution in the field. Separate robots were also introduced for washing, surface preparation, and painting. This eliminated the need for tool changes in the field and significantly improved operational continuity. 
 
Although the robot attracts much attention, the people behind the operation have been crucial to the outcome. 
 
The robot is important, but success comes from bringing everything together. The collaboration between skilled personnel in the field, the onshore planning team and Remotion’s technology is what enables us to deliver this safely and efficiently, says Sindre Hauen, Field Supervisor for Beerenberg. 
 
The client has provided very positive feedback on the delivery, particularly the team’s ability to make the most available weather windows and maintain continuity in the work. 
 
We have seen the experience gained during the 2025 robotic campaign translated into practical improvements in this year’s delivery. A realistic and well-developed plan was prepared, and robotic operations have been significantly more stable. Downtime has been substantially reduced, which has cut paint wastage during stoppages, says Henning Langeland, Marine Section Leader, Repsol Yme. 


Leading the way in robotic surface maintenance 

The Yme project demonstrates why Beerenberg and Remotion are at the forefront of robotic offshore surface maintenance: it combines an operationally mature robotic solution with expertise in insulation, scaffolding and surface treatment, offshore experience and lessons systematically applied from the first campaign. Robotic hull painting on a fixed installation under challenging conditions, with stable operation and no downtime during this year’s campaign, makes the project an important reference for future robotic painting assignments on the Norwegian continental shelf. 
 
Work at Yme will continue, with mobilisation planned for early next year to complete the remaining section of the hull. The experience gained during this year’s campaign provides a solid foundation for the further industrialisation of robotic painting on the Norwegian continental shelf. 



Key facts: 
Project 
Robotic hull painting at the Yme field in the North Sea 
Client 
Repsol 
Suppliers 
Beerenberg and Remotion 
Technology 
Proteus painting robot 
Work area 
Hull, including areas with overhangs of up to 45 degrees at the bow 
Method 
Robotic painting, robotic surface preparation and robot-assisted offshore maintenance 
Productivity 
From approximately 16 m² per 12-hour shift in 2025 to just over 26 m² per 12-hour shift in this year’s campaign 
Total area 
Approximately 890 m² 
Health, safety and environmental benefits 
Reduced personnel exposure, less scaffolding and waste collection using a vacuum system during surface preparation 
What makes it pioneering 
The first robotic hull painting on a fixed installation on the Norwegian continental shelf, with stable operation and no downtime during the 2026 campaign. A significant improvement in both operational stability and progress compared with the 2025 campaign.