DNV renews the Statement of Qualified Technology for Co.l.mar’s ALD® technology
Co.l.mar is pleased to announce that DNV has renewed the Statement of Qualified Technology for its patented ALD® (Acoustic Leak Detector) technology.
Continued qualification through 2030
The renewal, issued on 24 August 2026, confirms the continued qualification of the ALD® methodology for its designated use in accordance with DNV’s technology qualification framework. The renewed statement is valid until 24 August 2030.
ALD® is a passive acoustic leak detection technology developed to locate leaks in subsea pipelines and installations following a pressure loss during hydrotesting. It provides an alternative to methods such as dye injection and visual inspection.
Proven subsea leak detection performance
The technology has been qualified for both diver- and ROV-operated inspections. Its successful use has also been demonstrated at a water depth of 1,300 metres.
Qualification scope and operating conditions
Under the conditions specified in the qualification documentation, ALD® can typically detect leaks at differential pressures as low as 5 bar and flow rates of 0.1 litres per minute.
Renewal based on operational experience
For the 2026 renewal, DNV reviewed the operational track record supplied by Co.l.mar together with the ALD® software change log. This assessment follows DNV’s original involvement in the qualification process, which included a review of the testing capabilities at Co.l.mar’s facilities.
The renewed statement represents an important recognition of the reliability and continued development of the ALD® methodology. It also reinforces Co.l.mar’s commitment to providing innovative, field-proven solutions for subsea pipeline inspection and pre-commissioning activities.
Scope of the DNV statement
The DNV statement acknowledges the ALD® leak detection methodology; it is not a product certificate.
Potential application in submarine pipeline pre-commissioning
DNV states:
The technology may be applied as a replace technology for pre-commissioning of submarine pipelines subject to an agreement on a case-by-case basis, ref /5/. This statement alone does not ensure a level of safety equivalent to or better than that achieved through conventional pre-commissioning.
