Exploring the Use of AI in Offshore Engineering Analysis – Aquaterra Energy
Company Information
Aquaterra Energy designs and delivers engineering solutions for offshore energy projects. We help clients design platforms, riser systems, and equipment that are used to drill, produce, and decommission oil and gas wells, as well as support renewable energy projects. Our engineers analyse loads, safety, and performance to make sure offshore structures work safely and reliably in harsh ocean environments.
Project Overview
Aquaterra Energy designs and delivers engineering solutions for offshore energy projects. The company supports oil and gas and renewable energy developments by designing platforms, riser systems, and offshore equipment that must operate safely in harsh marine environments.
This project focuses on exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could support offshore engineering analysis. The internship is designed to help Aquaterra understand where AI tools might save engineers time, improve efficiency, or support better use of data. The project is exploratory and investigative; the intern is not expected to build complex software or production-ready tools.
Project Aim
To investigate how AI tools could support offshore engineering analysis by identifying time‑consuming engineering tasks, testing simple AI applications, and producing clear recommendations on where AI could add value to Aquaterra’s engineering workflows.
Key Research Questions
• What does an offshore analysis engineer do on a day-to-day basis?
• Which engineering tasks are repetitive or time-consuming?
• What types of AI tools already exist that could support these tasks?
• Where does AI perform well, and where are its limitations?
• How could AI realistically support offshore engineers in the future?
What You Will Do
• Learn about offshore engineering analysis and the work carried out by Aquaterra engineers
• Observe engineers and discuss typical tasks and workflows
• Research basic AI concepts and tools relevant to engineering and data handling
• Test simple AI tools using example documents, calculations, or datasets
• Record examples of what works well and what does not
• Discuss findings with engineers and mentors
• Develop practical ideas showing how AI could support everyday engineering work
• Produce a short summary report and presentation explaining findings and recommendations
Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding
• Learning how offshore structures are analysed for safety and performance
• Understanding engineering decision-making in harsh marine environments
• Exploring how digital and AI tools can support engineering analysis
• Applying problem-solving and analytical thinking to real engineering tasks
• Evaluating the reliability and limitations of AI outputs
Planning and Organisation
• Plan your work in clear stages (observation, research, testing, evaluation)
• Keep notes of tasks observed and AI tools tested
• Record examples and evidence to support conclusions
• Manage your time independently with guidance from mentors
• Review progress through regular check-ins
Skills Developed
• Engineering awareness
• Research and investigation skills
• Problem solving
• Data analysis and organisation
• Independent working
• Communication and presentation skills
Final Outputs
• A short written summary report explaining:
– What was investigated
– AI tools tested
– Examples and findings
– Clear recommendations for Aquaterra
• A short presentation to Aquaterra engineers summarising key insights and ideas
Reflection and Evaluation
Your report will include:
• What you learned about offshore engineering analysis
• Where AI showed potential to save time or improve workflows
• Limitations or risks identified when using AI tools
• How confident you are in your recommendations and why
• What you would explore next if the project continued
https://www.crestawards.org/resources/crest-gold-student-guide