A groundbreaking tele-ultrasound system developed by Norway’s University of Stavanger in collaboration with Equinor has been awarded the UAE’s $1 million Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award at ADIPEC 2025. The portable ultrasound devices, linked via secure telemedicine software, enable nurses on offshore oil rigs to perform live scans under the real-time guidance of onshore radiologists. This innovation is already operational at five North Sea installations, with 40 nurses trained to conduct ultrasound examinations remotely. The technology has proven instrumental in making faster and safer medical decisions during emergencies, reducing unnecessary helicopter evacuations and identifying critical conditions promptly. Project lead Nina Hjertvikrem highlighted its impact, stating, “We can now look inside the body immediately and decide whether to manage the patient on-site or evacuate them.” The system’s success has also transformed the handling of respiratory and cardiac cases, offering precise diagnoses that were previously based on guesswork. Steven Wines, CEO of Prometheus Medical International and co-founder of the award, praised the project for its practical application in extreme environments. The Stavanger team plans to use the prize money to expand the program to other remote healthcare settings, including ambulances, ships, and rural clinics. The project exemplifies the award’s mission to recognize innovations that protect workers in challenging conditions. Additionally, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the UAE’s NMDC Group were honored for their contributions to employee health and wellbeing.
UAE: Tele-ultrasound machine wins $1 million prize for saving lives on oil rigs
