This month, we are exploring SMD Horizon, the digital platform bridging the gap between offshore assets and onshore teams.
As the ability to access expertise, data and operational insight from anywhere in the world becomes increasingly valuable, SMD Horizon has been developed to support this shift.
Neville Varley, our Business Development Manager (New Technologies), explains how SMD Horizon is shaping the future of subsea missions.
What is SMD Horizon?
SMD Horizon is our remote operating centre, developed to connect onshore operators with offshore missions. It enables real-time video and data streaming from the subsea vehicle, meaning stakeholders can monitor and support operations without increasing offshore personnel.
What operational benefits does SMD Horizon deliver?
One of the key drivers behind SMD Horizon’s development was the ambition to unlock digital connectivity for smarter, safer and more sustainable subsea operations. By linking offshore assets with onshore teams, it reduces operational costs by enabling key roles to be performed remotely, minimising crew requirements and vessel size without compromising quality.
This cloud-based platform delivers live data, mission tracking, and trend analysis, giving operators and clients full visibility of subsea activities in real time. With a compact, self-contained cyber-chair and web-based interface, SMD Horizon can be deployed anywhere with power and internet access. It enables pilots, supervisors, and analysts to work remotely while simultaneously ensuring all stakeholders have access to consistent, up-to-date information.
This insight enables potential issues to be identified early, reducing downtime, avoiding delays, and limiting the need for reactive maintenance missions.
What progress has been made so far?
Significant progress has been made over the past year, with SMD Horizon’s video and data streaming capabilities now operational. These systems enable onshore teams to view and
monitor offshore activities, supporting more collaborative operations between vessel-based crews and onshore specialists.
Our development team is now focused on improving how operational data is processed. A key aim is to reduce the time required to convert raw data into meaningful information that can support operational decisions.
How does SMD Horizon support changes in the offshore workforce?
In minimising exposure to high-risk environments, health and safety outcomes are improved across operations.
We are also seeing a shift in workforce expectations, with offshore teams increasingly striving for improved work-life balance flexibility.
In enabling remote piloting, SMD Horizon is meeting these demands head-on by reducing the number of personnel required offshore. By removing the need for extended offshore rotations, experienced personnel are encouraged to remain involved in offshore operations, improving career longevity and supporting talent retention.
What comes next for SMD Horizon?
A key focus for the next stage of SMD Horizon’s development is remote piloting, particularly for work-class ROV operations. Elements of this capability are already being implemented in close collaboration with our clients, with commercial deployment targeted for 2027. The technology will extend to other subsea vehicles, including trenchers and ploughs.
