The transition towards uncrewed / minimally crewed Offshore Operations, made possible by technology advancements in Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), is driving a pivotal shift in subsea operations, introducing a data-first approach, the need to reduce or remove human intervention. The goal is to reduce operator workload, improve repeatability, and lower risks and operational cost. 

For ROV operations to be viable in this scenario, the switch towards autonomous operations is a need, more than an option.

This presentation details outcomes from in-water testing of EIVA’s NaviSuite ROV autonomy software focused on vertical general visual inspection (GVI) of subsea production systems (SPS). We share quantitative performance metrics across core capabilities – distance keeping, path following, adaptive path following, and safety-critical monitoring with operator override – alongside qualitative findings from operator feedback during offshore trials at Level of Autonomy 3/4.

Beyond raw results, we discuss key learnings around perception robustness in turbid water, controller tuning across heterogeneous ROV platforms, and the human-factors challenges of supervised autonomy. Central to our approach is a Technology Qualification framework applied throughout development, aligned with industry best practices and standards, which provides a structured pathway from concept through operational acceptance. We outline how this framework has shaped test planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder assurance, turning promising prototypes into field-deployable capability.

Looking ahead to 2027, we will present our journey towards broadening autonomous capabilities.

The focus is on advancing intelligent workflows, operator interaction, and mission oversight to achieve higher levels of autonomy, while enabling scalability across a wide range of use cases and platform providers.