Subsea Pipeline Leak Detection in the Far East: CO.L.MAR Successfully Identifies Two Leaks with ALD Technology
ROME / LA SPEZIA – CO.L.MAR. S.r.l., a leading specialist in underwater acoustics, has successfully completed an advanced Acoustic Leak Detection (ALD) campaign in the Far East
Project Overview: Pipeline Integrity Inspection
The project was carried out under subcontract for one of the leading companies in the Asian oil and gas sector and involved the inspection of a 10-kilometre crude oil subsea pipeline.
The survey was conducted as part of a pipeline integrity programme and presented several technical challenges, including:
• A 146 mm concrete weight coating
• Significant burial depth
• Complex acoustic conditions affecting signal propagation
Advanced Leak Detection Performance
Despite these constraints, CO.L.MAR’s proprietary ALD technology successfully identified and confirmed two leak locations during the initial inspection phase.
The results further demonstrate the sensitivity and reliability of CO.L.MAR’s DNV-qualified Acoustic Leak Detection systems, capable of detecting minimal acoustic signatures even in demanding subsea environments.
Integrated Methodology for Maximum Accuracy
To ensure full coverage and precision, the inspection campaign combined two complementary techniques:
- Towed Fish ALD – enabling fast and efficient screening along the entire pipeline route
- iALD (diver-held system) – allowing precise localization and verification of detected leak points
The combined methodology provided rapid screening capabilities while ensuring precise localization and validation of detected anomalies.
Hydrophone Technology at the Core
At the heart of the inspection campaign were CO.L.MAR’s advanced hydrophone technologies, specifically designed for underwater acoustic monitoring, leak detection and subsea integrity assessment.
Engineered to operate in complex and high-noise environments, these sensors ensure reliable signal acquisition and accurate interpretation even under challenging offshore conditions.
Leadership in the Underwater Domain
CO.L.MAR continues to deliver advanced acoustic solutions for:
• Offshore energy infrastructures
• Subsea pipelines and leak detection campaigns
• Defence and maritime security applications
• Environmental and underwater monitoring systems
As an active member of the Polo Nazionale della Dimensione Subacquea (PNS) and the Ligurian Cluster of Marine Technologies (DLTM), CO.L.MAR. continues to drive innovation in the underwater sector.
Contact
To learn more about CO.L.MAR’s subsea leak detection technologies, hydrophone systems and offshore inspection services, contact our team or explore our dedicated solutions for underwater acoustic monitoring.
