UT3 August September 2013

Subsea Power Distribution Underwater Vehicles Sonar 1

THE MAGAZINE OF THE SOCIETY FOR UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGYUT3 September 2013 2

UT3 September 2013 UT3 September 2013

UT2 August September 2013

1

THE MAGAZINE OF THE SOCIETY FOR UNDERWATERUT2 AugustTECHNOLOGY September 2013

3D Sonar Image: Teledyne Blueview

Society for Underwater Technology 1 Fetter Lane London EC4A 1BR +44 (0) 1480 370007

Editor: John Howes [email protected]

Editorial Assistant: Eileen Dover

Sub Editor Emily Boddy [email protected]

Production: Sue Denham

ISSN: 1752-0592

Published by UT2 Publishing Ltd for and on behalf of the Society for Underwater Technology. Reproduction of UT2 in whole or in part, without permission, is prohibited. The publisher and the SUT assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material, nor responsibility for content of any advertisement, particularly infringement of copyrights, trademarks, intellectual property rights and 3 patents, nor liability for misrepresentations, false or misleading statements and illustrations. These are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Opinions of the writers are not necessarily those of the SUT or the publishers.

UT3 September 2013 News

Alder and Rosebank

Chevron has awarded a number of contracts for its Alder and Rosebank fields.

The subsea equipment vendor contract for the Rosebank project has been awarded to OneSubsea UK and includes the engineering, supply, and manufacturing of subsea manifolds, subsea trees and subsea control systems. Equipment manu- facturing will take place at various locations in the UK, including at its facility in Leeds.

Three contracts have been awarded for the Alder project. The detailed engineering, procurement, installa- tion and commissioning of the com- plete subsea system was awarded to Technip. This includes the main subsea manifold, subsea isolation valve manifold, 28km of pipe-in-pipe flow line, umbilical and tie-in spools.

The design, manufacture and supply of two high pressure, high tempera- ture (HPHT) vertical, subsea mono- bore trees and wellheads was also awarded to OneSubsea UK.

The design, manufacture and sup- ply of the subsea control system, including the hydraulic and electrical components to be installed both at subsea and on the Britannia Bridge Linked Platform (BLP), to Aker Solu- tions at its Aberdeen facility.

Rosebank has achieved two mile- stone events recently, with the sub- mission to government for approval of both the Environmental Statement and the Field Development Plan. The total contracts to UK suppliers exceeds £550 million. 4 Rosebank field design Inset: Rosebank FPSO

UT3 September 2013 5

UT3 September 2013 OneSubsea Formed Rimfaksdalen Cameron and Schlumberger has announced the formation of a new FMC Technologies has received company called OneSubsea, to manufacture and develop products, an order from Statoil for subsea systems and services for the subsea oil and gas market. equipment for the Gullfaks Rimfaksdalen project. The order has Cameron and Schlumberger have 60/40 ownership of the new company, an estimated value of $90 million in respectively. revenue.

Cameron, with its long history of innovation and firsts in the subsea market, FMC Technologies' scope of supply is an industry leader in design capability, manufacturing excellence and includes subsea trees, wellheads, a successful installations. Schlumberger brings a deep understanding of the manifold, control systems integration reservoir, and industry-leading well completions, subsea processing and and other associated equipment. integration platform.

Statoil and ABB Agreement Bundle Statoil and ABB have entered an “A cost-efficient and reliable power Subsea 7 is investing over £5.5mil- agreement to develop solutions supply system is a key element for Sta- lion in refurbishing its pipeline Bundle for subsea electrical power trans- toil’s ‘subsea factory’,” says Hersvik. fabrication site at Wick, Caithness. mission, distribution and power Established in 1978, the fabrication conversion systems for water depths Subsea electrical power distribution site is located six miles north of Wick, down to 3,000 metres and over long enables supply of all electrical loads Caithness in the North of Scotland. distances. using one single power cable. This greatly reduces the investment cost This unique site runs 7.8km inland, The agreement is in the form of a of the electrical system compared to covering a total area in excess of cost-shared joint industrial pro- existing solutions, which require one 300,000m2 and has a sheltered bay in gramme (JIP) led by Statoil on dedicated cable for each consumer which to launch the pipeline bundles. behalf of other participating oil com- (pump or compressor). panies, with ABB as the technology The refurbishment programme is set developer. The agreement follows Cables constitute a major cost driver to be carried out in two phases and a large subsea electrification study for subsea processing systems, and includes new state-of-the-art equip- executed jointly by Statoil and ABB cable cost can be significantly ment for five firing lines, a 230m during 2012. reduced by subsea power distribu- extension to the main fabrication shop tion. The cost reduction depends and a new office and welfare complex “The JIP will develop technolo- on distance and required electrical at the landward end of the facility. The gies needed to provide electrical power. For example, in a case with first phase which began in 2012 is now power to subsea pumps, electrical eight consumers and a distance of complete with the second phase of submersible pumps and subsea gas 200 kilometres from infrastructure, the refurbishment scheduled for comple- compressors for projects on the Nor- electrical power distribution solution tion in 2014. wegian continental shelf, in the Gulf would reduce capital expenditures by of Mexico and other places around more than USD 500 million. Commenting on the refurbishment pro- the world,” says Statoil senior vice gramme, Willie Watt, General Manager president for research, development The technology will also enable the at the facility, said, “The increasing and innovation Karl Johnny Hersvik. transmission of electrical power over success of our Bundle technology has long distances. This is important for been the main driver for this extensive Subsea pumping and gas compres- the development of remote fields refurbishment programme. Subsea 7 is sion contribute to improved utilisa- located far from infrastructure, includ- experiencing its busiest ever period for 6 tion of the oil and gas resources ing Arctic areas. The total cost for the Bundle design/installation with eight through higher recovery rates, programme, which has a duration of Bundles installed in 2011/12, and a reduced production costs, as well five years, is USD 100 million, includ- further eight installations confirmed for as enabling deep water production. ing ABB funding. the period to Q2 2015.

UT3 September 2013 One Stands for More in Subsea.

Introducing One Comprehensive Resource for Integrated Subsea Solutions.

Cameron & Schlumberger. Now together in OneSubsea™. From reservoir to PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

subsea to surface, we apply more knowledge. More technologies. More PROCESSING SYSTEMS

services. We deliver premier processing, boosting and lifting. Unrivaled flow CONTROL SYSTEMS

assurance. And world-class subsea production systems. Everything you need SWIVEL & MARINE SYSTEMS

to optimize the life of your field. All in OneSubsea.www.onesubsea.com INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS 7 AD00642OSS

UT3 September 2013

ONESUB-070_LaunchAd_UT2_0625.indd 1 6/25/13 12:03 PM Olympus

Shell’s Olympus tension leg platform (TLP) is presently being installed on the Mars field in the Gulf of Mexico, following a 425 mile, 10-day journey from Ingleside, Texas. The 120 000t platform will be moored to the seafloor by tendons grouped at each of the structure's corners.

The hull arrived at Ingleside last January, following an 18 000 mile journey from South Korea on top of the Blue Marlin transport vessel. There, it was mated with the topsides.

The Olympus TLP is Shell’s sixth and largest tension leg platform and will provide process infrastructure for two of Shell’s deep water discoveries, West Boreas and South Deimos. The project also includes pipelines that will be routed through West Delta 143C, the recently installed shallow water platform.

The Olympus TLP is expected to start production in 2014, producing at a rate of 100 000boe.

8

UT3 September 2013 9

Shell’s Olympus tension leg platform UT3 September 2013 News

l FMC Technologies has received a $500 million order from Petrobras for the supply of subsea trees for its pre-salt fields, located offshore Brazil.

The order includes 49 subsea trees, tooling, and associated subsea controls. The trees are scheduled to be installed in multiple fields for both production and injection wells. The equipment will be designed and manufactured at FMC Technologies' facilities in Brazil.

l MODEC will provide project engineering, procurement and construction management for the hull and mooring systems on Hess' Stampede tension leg platform (TLP). The Stampede TLP development is a joining of the Pony and Knotty Head discoveries and will be located approximately 170 miles southeast of New Orleans in the Green Canyon Block 468 in a water depth of 3350ft.

l Aker Solutions has won a contract worth up to US$440 million to deliver the subsea production system for an undisclosed oil field development in the UK North Sea.

The delivery includes 25 subsea trees and six template manifolds. It also encompasses associated controls, wellheads and tie-in equipment for the field. The first deliveries are scheduled for the first half of 2014.

l Subsea 7 has been awarded a U$400 million contract from Petrobras for the operation of the Pipe Lay Support Vessel (PLSV) Normand Seven for around five years. The vessel has operated for Petrobras for several years. The work scope comprises project management, engineering and installation of flowlines, umbilicals and Ocean Installer SURF equipment supplied by Petrobras.

l SBM Offshore has been contracted by Tupi BV for Ocean Installer has been awarded a Subsea structures, the twenty-year charter and operation of the two FPSOs Umbilicals, Risers, Flowlines (SURF) contract for subsea Cidade de Maricà and Cidade de Saquarema. Both lines modification work at several Statoil operated fields on are destined for the Lula field in the pre-salt province the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The total contract value offshore Brazil. (firm) is US$55 million and with an additional potential (options) of around US$95 million. Meanwhile, SBM's FPSO Cidade de Paraty has commenced oil production. It will operate under a The work scope comprises marine operations for twenty year charter on the Lula Nordeste development replacement/installation of flexible risers, flowlines, in Brazil. jumpers, structures, and umbilicals, including all associated tie-in activities. Work locations are offshore FPSO Cidade de Paraty is a third-generation FPSO with installations at Statoil operated fields on the Norwegian a weight of around 14 000t. It can to process Continental Shelf. 120 000b/d oil and 5 000 000m3/d of associated gas. It has a water injection facility for 150 000b/d. Project management and engineering will be based at Ocean Installer’s headquarter in Stavanger and 10 l FMC Technologies has received an $1.2 billion commence with immediate effect, contributing to the order from Total Nigeria for subsea equipment for the further development of the Ocean Installer Stavanger Egina field. Egina is located in Block OML 130 offshore organisation. Offshore operations will take place during the Nigeria. FMC Technologies' scope of supply includes summer season of 2014, 2015, 2016 and potentially 2017.

UT3 September 2013 SVXT Tree doe E.ON

E.ON is the first offshore company to deploy its next- generation VetcoGray SVXT S-Series vertical produc- tion subsea tree for use in a shallow water project in the North Sea. The SVXT S-Series model is designed to be run from a jack-up rig operating in water depths up to 100 meters.

E.ON used a heavy duty jack-up that was on long-term contract to deploy its SVXT S-Series tree in the southern North Sea’s Johnston field, located 85 kilometers off the English coast in the Sole Pit sub-basin of the Southern Gas Basin (Block 43/27). The project was supported by GE’s Great Yarmouth service organization, with the well pre-drilled using a GE 135/8in SG1 wellhead system that offers a cost-effective solution for shallow water produc- tion wells.

The SVXT S-Series subsea tree merges horizontal and vertical tree technology, reducing weight by 20%, decreasing height and also delivering essential func- tionality in a pre-engineered, pre-configured modular approach. Low-cost installation of the new SVXT is achieved through a design that enables deployment using standard offshore jack-up drilling rigs without the need for major modifications.

Additional SVXT design features include smaller tree and fishing trawler-friendly wellhead protection struc- tures, as well as an innovative barrier approach that removes the need for a separate tree cap.

Bibby Normand Vision

The new state of the art large construction support vessel (CSV), Normand Vision, will be utilised as the main installation vessel, with the possibility of a light construction support vessel also being employed.

SBM OSX-2 Delivery Bibby Topaz SBM has delivered the OSX-2. FPSO to, OSX 2 Leasing. With a total topside weight of over 10,000 tons and a produc- Bibby Offshore has won a contract extension worth tion capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil per day, the facility was more than £100 million ($156 million) with Talisman constructed in 27 months from contract award to delivery. Sinopec Energy for subsea work.

It will be used on the Deep Panuke project, approximately 250 The subsea installation contractor will carry out con- kilometres (155 miles) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia on the struction and inspection, repair and maintenance Scotian Shelf. The platform is designed to produce up to 300 work for the Kino-Canadian outfit using its diving million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of natural gas. support vessel Bibby Topaz. 11 The terms of the lease and operate contract are for a minimum The contract is for an additional three years, with period of eight years with annual extension provisions of up to a a further one-year extension option, marking the maximum of twelve additional years longest-ever deal secured by Bibby.

UT3 September 2013 subsea trees and wellheads, manifolds, installation tooling, flowline connection systems and associated control systems. The equipment is scheduled for delivery commencing in 2015.

Technip subsidiary DUCO has been awarded the contract to supply umbilicals for the Egina. The contract News provides 76km of steel tube umbilicals including production, water injection and subsea isolation valve (SSIV) umbilical. Water depths range from 1150m to 1750m. FMC Recognised l Technip was awarded a lump sum contract by Statoil for pipelay and subsea installations for the Last May, FMC Technologies was recognised at the

Snøhvit CO2 Solution project. The Snøhvit field is located Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) with the approximately 140km north-west of Hammerfest in presentation of two Spotlight on New Technology Awards. Norway, in the Arctic Circle, and has been in operation The awards are in recognition of FMC Technologies' since 2007, following the successful installation of the subsea boosting system developed in cooperation with subsea infrastructure, also by Technip. Sulzer Pumps, and FMC Technologies' Condition and Performance Monitoring (CPM) system. This contract covers the fabrication and installation of flowlines, including two 5km 13% chrome stainless steel FMC Technologies and Sulzer Pumps were jointly

production flowline and a 5km CO2 injection flowline, recognised for their powerful new high-speed, helico-axial installation and tie-ins of spools, jumpers and umbilicals, multiphase subsea boosting system which is optimised installation of a new combined production and injection for subsea applications. This system combines field- template and manifold. proven pump hydraulics from Sulzer Pumps with FMC Technologies' permanent magnet technology from Direct l McDermott has been awarded an engineering, Drive Systems for less maintenance with greater speed, procurement and construction (EPC) contract by efficiency and power. Exxon Mobil for its Julia development. Julia is located approximately 265 miles southwest of New Orleans in CPM is a surveillance system which enables proactive the Gulf of Mexico Walker Ridge area in water depths of maintenance of subsea production and processing approximately 7000ft. Phase 1 consists of a subsea tie- systems associated with a 24/7 collaborative expert back to a semi-submersible floating production unit. environment for diagnosis and problem solving. It combines continuous monitoring of sensors and subsea McDermott will undertake engineering, procurement instrumentation with a historic database to identify fault and construction of the jumpers, four suction piles condition and deviations from normal operating conditions. associated with the manifold, subsea pump, pump transformer and subsea distribution unit/umbilical termination assembly, as well as the transportation and installation of the manifold, suction piles, flying leads, subsea pump system, the power and control umbilicals and SDU/UTAs. McDermott will also carry out testing of the tie-back system and mechanical completion before hand over to the customer.

FMC Technologies scope for the Julia contract includes the supply of six subsea trees, a manifold and associated tie-in equipment.

2H Offshore has been contracted to conduct the detailed design of two 10in production steel catenary risers.

l Subsea 7 has won a US$450 million, five-year contract from Petrobras for the operation of the pipe lay support vessel (PLSV) Seven Phoenix. The work scope comprises project management, engineering and installation of flowlines, umbilicals and equipment supplied by Petrobras.

l FMC Technologies has received an order from High-speed, helico-axial multiphase subsea boosting system Shell for subsea equipment for its portfolio of projects in the Gulf of Mexico. The scope of supply includes 12 l FMC Technologies has been awarded a contract by enhanced vertical deepwater trees and controls. Petrobras to supply three subsea boosting stations for the Parque das Baleias development, located offshore Brazil's 12 l Technip was awarded a contract by Statoil, for the Espirito Santo state in the Campos Basin. The contract has removal and replacement of the two oil-loading systems an estimated value of $40 million. This horizontal boosting at the Gullfaks field. station is FMC Technologies' third implementation of this type of subsea boosting technology for Petrobras.

UT3 September 2013 13

UT3 September 2013

ONESUB-093_Framo Eng_UT2.indd 1 8/8/13 12:45 PM The contract covers the engineering, preparation and removal of the existing system, installation of the new systems, towing and handover to a disposal contractor of the existing Gullfaks loading system.

l FMC Technologies has received orders from Anadarko Petroleum Corporation for subsea equipment for its Heidelberg field. Heidelberg is located in the Green Canyon section of the Gulf of Mexico in 5310ft (1618m) of water. FMC Technologies' scope of supply includes five enhanced horizontal DOF Sells Skandi Bergen subsea trees, tree mounted controls, two manifolds and other associated tooling and equipment.

l 2H Offshore has been awarded a contract by Total for the delivery management of the top tensioned riser (TTR) systems for its Moho Nord field development, offshore Congo.

Located approximately 75km from Pointe-Noire and 25km west of N'Kossa in water depths ranging from 450 meters to 1200m, the Moho Nord project will target additional reserves in the southern part of the license and new reserves in the northern part.

Technip was awarded the engineering, procurement, and supply contract for Moho Nord. The Moho Nord project consists of two developments: Moho Phase 1bis and Moho Nord. This contract is part of the Moho Phase 1bis development. It is a brownfield development consisting of tie-backs to the existing deepwater Alima floating production unit (FPU) and the shallow-water N’Kossa platform.

The contract covers the project management, detail engineering, procurement and supply for the modifications of the Alima FPU, with two new subsea tie-backs.

l Technip was awarded two contracts by Husky Oil for the planned subsea tieback of the South White Rose Extension. The field is an extension of the White Rose field, located in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin.

The first, executed this year, will include the supply and installation of gas injection flowlines, umbilicals and subsea structures. The second, in 2014, will cover the supply and installation of flowlines and subsea structures to support oil production and water Blue Water Anchor Chains injection. Blue Water Shipping has provided services to ensure timely load out of chains and anchors onto Anchor l Subsea 7 have been awarded of three Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels for Bluewater Energy contracts from Petrobras with a combined value of Services approximately US$1.6 billion for the construction and operation of three new-build flexible pipe-lay support The chains arrived in the Port of Niterói in five batches vessels (PLSVs). and we have loaded five AHTS vessels in total carrying more than 9000m of anchor chain", said Tiago Bitiu, Sales The three new PLSVs are of similar design to the Manager from BlueWater's Rio de Janeiro office. Seven Waves, and will be constructed in Holland at

the IHC Merwede shipyard. The vessels are scheduled The chains arrived from the Brazilian manufacturer on to be delivered in Q3 2016, Q4 2016 and Q2 2017 local barges. In the port, the chains were stretched in the respectively. storage area before winding onto the ATHS. Simutaneously, 16t of anchors arrived to the port in two parts, and these They are designed for operation in water depths of anchors were assembled prior to load on the deck of the up to 3000m, and will be equipped with a pipe-lay AHTS. system for installing flexible flowlines and umbilicals, 14 including a lay tower with 550t top tension capability, This project is part of the construction of an oil transfer and twin underdeck baskets capable of storing up to 4000t export terminal system in the Campos Basin at a water of flexible flowlines and two ROVs. depth of 70 meters for the Brazilian Company Petrobras.

UT3 September 2013 DOF Subsea Rederi AS, an entity in the DOF Subsea Group, has entered into an agreement where the vessel Skandi Bergen is sold to an international buyer.

Delivery to the new owners is expected early 2014. Based on today’s USD/NOK exchange rate estimated gain on sale of tangible assets will be approximately NOK 200 million.

Skandi Bergen

Loading more than 9000m of anchor chain 15

UT3 September 2013 News

16

UT3 September 2013 Lewek Constellation awarded VAALCO contract

EMAS AMC has been awarded a contract by Houston-based operator VAALCO, for the expansion of the Etame Marin field, offshore Gabon, West Africa. The scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, installation and construction (EPIC) of rigid pipelines, along with the transportation and installation of flexible pipelines and two fixed production platforms.

This contract will see EMAS AMC’s new build flagship vessel, theLewek Constellation, working alongside one of the division’s pipelay vessels, the Lewek Express. The contract is worth approximately US$120 million. The Lewek Constellation is an ice-classed, high-end, multi-lay offshore construction vessel with ultra deepwater pipelaying and lifting capabilities (3000mt crane). Based on its heavy-lift capabilities, it will execute the jacket and deck installation, with the Lewek Express undertaking the SURF and rigid pipeline installation scope.

This key contract comes on the back of a string of recent EMAS AMC awards globally, including several wins in the North Sea.

In the first quarter, a US$165 million contract was awarded an EPIC contract by Det Norske for pipelines on the Ivar Aasen field in the Norwegian North Sea. This was followed by two major SURF contract awards from Statoil for the Aasta Hansteen and Smørbukk South Extension projects. In July EMAS announced a US$126 million from Statoil, for the transport and installation of two floating storage units (FSUs) for Heidrun and Mariner in the North Sea.

EMAS AMC’s foothold in the global subsea sector was further strengthened after winning work to support a deepwater project in West Africa and securing two other awards in the Gulf of Mexico.

These include a contract from Petrobras to install two power umbilicals totalling 28.5km for Cascade and Chinook, and another from ENI for the Pegasus 2 subsea tieback. This includes the installation of a pipeline, umbilical and other subsea components.

These recent awards round out an already strong foothold in Asia Pacific where EMAS is headquartered. The company is currently performing pipeline installation and heavy lift activities on a long-term contract with Chevron in the Gulf of Thailand, while a full SURF scope of work is ongoing for Apache on the Coniston field offshore Western Australia.

Further projects include the development of the Dua field as a subsea tieback to the existing Lewek Emas FPSO for PTSC on the Chim Sao field in Vietnam and the recent mooring installation and hookup of the Perisai Kamelia FPSO for Hess in the north Malay basin.

EMAS says the cumulative project awards from the Subsea Division have added significantly to the Group’s backlog which stood at more than US$2 billion as of the end of May 2013.

17

The Constellation under construction. Image: Demie Torres

UT3 September 2013 New Facilities Digital X-Ray reduces subsea cable repair times

Cameron has opened its new Global Marine has developed a new capture and assessment that CAMSERV aftermarket drilling facility digital x-ray technology to replace has traditionally been needed for in Singapore. While the facility will traditional film as a new standard for cable repair work. In addition to primarily serve major ship yards and subsea cable repair capability. The reduced time and cost of repair, offshore drilling contractors across DXr1 camera is the first of its kind the DXr1 also enhances the quality, Asia, it will also provide aftermarket for the subsea industry and employs efficiency and record keeping support for Cameron’s global similar technology to that already capability of the cable jointing customer base. proven in the medical field. assessment process.

The DXr1 allows for digital capture The camera is windows compatible, of a cable joint during repairs, with with touch screen control, offering real-time review as the x-ray images a simple operating interface and are taken. This process significantly image assessment.The DXr1 was reduces the time required for image developed in conjunction with JME.

Cameron's CAMSERV Quickflange Subsea aftermarket drilling facility Quickflange, has launched a new As it is up to 60% shorter than other Rosneft and ExxonMobil have subsea pipeline repair solution – the pipe-end connectors, it is easier to signed final agreements establishing Quickflange Subsea. The new sys- handle with straightforward diver a joint Arctic Research Center tem, designed to bring low impact, operations and no specialist diver (ARC) in Russia and a technology robust and cost effective flange- training required. The solution can sharing agreement to support the to-pipe connections to subsea be used on multiple pipe ranges companies’ joint ventures worldwide. operations, is applicable for pipeline with the installation being fully sizes of up to 12in with larger sizes retrievable and reusable, thereby Seatronics has moved its Singapore to follow. being ideal for emergency repair operations to a facility with triple and contingency repair systems. the capacity of the previous within The system can be used in a num- the recently upgraded Toll Offshore ber of subsea scenarios, such as Thanks to the simplicity of the con- Supply Base. emergency and contingency pipe- cept, the Quickflange Subsea also line spool repair, but also applica- delivers significant cost savings in Technip has inaugurated its tions in pipe lay, decommissioning, regard to subsea repair time, sub- Innovation and Technology Centre and modification. sea operations, diver and support located in France, close to Paris, on vessel costs. This includes reduces a site in Rueil-Malmaison The Quickflange Subsea is slid onto lead and delivery times and faster the pipe with a hydraulic tool then implementation with a reduction Halliburton has opened its new used to activate the flange. This in required diver time and less Technology Center at the Federal results in a mechanically robust required pipe preparation, such as University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) flange-to-pipe connection and a coating removal and deburial. Technology Park, located at Ilha do less onerous installation compared Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. to other more cumbersome me- There are no moving parts, grips chanical systems. or other components, ensuring that Aker Solutions has laid the less can go wrong. foundation stone of a new plant Third party testing in Paraná that will double the has demonstrated company's subsea production that it is equivalent capacity in Brazil. to welded weld-neck flanges in terms of Tracerco will build a brand new pressure retention 61 000ft2 bespoke research and and load resistance, development facility in the Tees with the assembled 18 Valley The new Measurement joint being stronger Technology Centre, which is a £8.6 than the flange itself. million investment will include a state of the art underwater testing tank. The Quickflange Subsea

UT3 September 2013 Right People. Right Solutions. Right Now. Together We Deliver

The EMAS Group comprises over 5,000 employees with assets and services across five continents. With a combined fleet of over 65 offshore construction and marine support vessels and strategically located offices and facilities worldwide, EMAS delivers 19 subsea construction, offshore installation, floating production, well services and marine support to the global offshore energy industry. www.emas.com EMAS is part of EZRA Holdings Limited SPE OFFSHORE EUROPE 2013 Meet us at Booth 3D71 UT3 September 2013

UT2_EMAS_AD_Aug_2013.indd 1 08/10/2013 11:29:30 AM Ice Vessels

Oblique Ice Breaker Aker Arctic Technology has unveiled Arctic Supply Vessel a novel oblique vessel designed for ice management and pollution Damen has developed the Arctic AMTSV control in thick first-year ice. Modular Towing Supply Vessel (AMTSV). The 100m double acting Another argument This follows the construction of the supply ship is capable of operating for this concept is ARC 100 design that is due delivery in the Barents Sea year round and that, while sailing through ice, the to the Russian Ministry of Transport in the Baffin Bay and Beaufort Sea thrusters will create a flow around the in early 2014. The newbuilding, for 8 months. It has the ability to sail hull which decreases friction. however, is a breakthrough in through 1.6m of level ice at 3kts. asymmetric three-thruster conceptual Because the vessel can sail in design. The vessel actually has two bows; both directions, she also has to be when she sails through open water the capable of towing in both directions. The 76m long vessel is accommodation will be in the front. A 300t double acting winch is a game changer in year- Through ice however, she will sail with therefore, installed. round oil spill her thrusters first. response. The crew and temperature sensitive Research has shown this to be cargo inhabits an Enclosed an optimal solution, because the Superstructure (ESS) located behind shape of an ice bow is completely the conventional superstructure. This different compared to an open can be kept up above zero degrees water bow. When using two bows, with an outside temperature of no compromises have to be made. -55deg.

98m long and 26m across the beam cut a 50m wide channel through 1.5m vessel. The vessel can draw on 24 thick ice," said Mikko Niini, Managing 000 kW of engine power and 19 500 Director of Aker Arctic Technology. " In kW of propulsion power to offer 190t of broken ice, its vertical side will push bollard pull in open water. This is 2.5 ice pieces and its inclined side will times the pull offered by the previous break ice floats." model. ARC 100 HD As well as increased size, power and Planned to be classed by the Russian manoeuvrability, the ARC 100 HD It can cut Maritime Register of Shipping as an adds new ice management and oil channels Icebreaker 7, the design is based on spill response functionality. Its dynamic through ice for extensive model tests at Aker Arctic, positioning capability will mean it can cargo ships to Helsinki. These demonstrated that ‘spin on the spot’ to widen channels. follow as wide as two the ARC 100 HD will be able to break It will also be able to assist during ice equivalent conventional through 1.5m thick ice when moving field direction changes – effectively icebreakers moving ahead ahead and astern at 5kts (2 kts through cutting ice alongside the cargo vessel side by side. 2m thick ice). exposed to unfavourable ice flows.

The Heavy Duty ARC 100 HD is "In the oblique mode, it will be able to Aker Arctic has incorporated specific oil recovery measures. As with the ARC100 design, instead of the vulnerable rubber arm sometimes seen in oil spill response operations, the ARC 100 HD’s vertical hull side itself will act as a sweep arm up to 60m across in heavy waves.

The vessel will also feature a skimmer system, including a side door, effective 20 in-built brush skimmers/collector tanks for oil separation, recovered oil transfer High-speed, helico-axial multiphase pump pumps, and a discharge pump.

UT3 September 2013 Welcome to the factory floor

Subsea production and processing systems

You are looking at the ‘subsea factory’ – oil and gas Today only Aker Solutions offers the right subsea production facilities located directly on the seabed. It’s technology portfolio, multidisciplinary knowledge and an ingenious response to today’s challenges of declining large-scale project experience required to build, run reservoir pressures and longer step-outs, and the next and maintain a production system on the seafloor. frontier in offshore engineering. We are making the subsea factory vision Operating 24/7, it’s a factory that runs continually a welcome reality. throughout the life of the field, making long-term reliability and maintainability a critical part of every subsea component. 21

www.akersolutions.com/subsea UT3 September 2013 Seabed Drilling ROVdrill Revolving and Evolving

In any offshore development, it is alternatives. It soon became evident, By this time, new ownership had necessary to ensure that the seabed that many of these drawbacks could established a union between Perry is strong enough to withstand any be negated if the sample was taken, Slingsby, Seafloor Geoservices(SGI) weight placed upon it. It is vital to not from a floating vessel, but directly and Geoscience, Earth and Marine ensure that fixed platforms or jack- from the seabed. Services(GEMS).The company was up rigs do not sink into the seafloor keen to invest in a new and enhanced sediment. In 2007, Perry Slingsby and Seafloor vehicle that was applicable to Geoservices began to look for ways more general subsea geotechnical Even in deep water developments to marry existing remotely operated investigation. It was to build upon the that are characterised by floating vehicle (ROV) systems with land- previous field-proven designs while production, the seabed may have based drilling technology. This was addressing the lessons learned from to support pipelines, subsea the starting point for the development previous operations. Specifically, it production equipment or just mooring of Rovdrill. was intended to satisfy Nautilus’ new foundations for floating structures. critical functional requirements. This first generation model was The most common way of ostensibly a remotely operated "The new Rovdrill 3 was a determining the suitability of the vehicle ROV combined with a fundamental departure from the seabed to support heavy loads, miniature drilling system, integrated previous versions," said Rory is to carry out a geotechnical into a single body. It was capable of Satterfield, Director, Custom Products investigation. This can range drilling up to 18m into the sea floor. at Forum Energy Technologies, the from inserting cones or bars into company that soon after, purchased the sediment and measuring the Two vehicles, the Rovdrill1 and Perry, SGI and GEMS.. "Instead of resistance, to drilling cores for Rovdrill 2 were employed to carry the integrated unit, the new design subsequent laboratory testing. out assaying sampling on Nautilus consisted of a greatly enhanced Minerals' deep-sea Solwara 1 drilling module assembly which Core sampling is particularly useful prospect, offshore Papua New was better suited to provide the when looking at the competency of Guinea. These investigations were operational improvements." the seabed for supporting deeply- carried out in 1500m–1600m water penetrating foundation piling. The depths. This was supported by a separate traditional way of carrying out these free-swimming Perry Slingsby coring activities is by specialised These first-generation Rovdrill workclass ROV, which was to provide drillships. designs proved to have limitations. the necessary hydraulic and electrical Some holes were terminated power to the drilling module by means Drillships, however, can be relatively prematurely due to hole collapse. of wet-mate stab interfaces. expensive to deploy and exhibit Two of the main contributory factors other inherent drawbacks. As with for this were reliability of the drilling "Importantly, the drilling module was all floating vessels, their operational system and the steep sloping terrain to be compatible with any locally window – governed by the prevailing of the drill site. The latter issue meant available 100-150hp ROV or vessel weather and sea state – can be that in some cases, the entire hole of opportunity with a 50t, 10m deck seasonal and limited. Furthermore, was drilled at an angle. crane," said Satterfield. deeper waters require long lengths of drillstring, sometimes thousands Following the initial sampling, Nautilus "One of the main features to be of feet. Minerals subsequently followed this addressed was the landing of the up with a series of electromagnetic drilling module on the seabed. Some Such coring systems can not only surveys, which began to suggest target sites are characterised steep be time consuming to deploy the existence of a large ore body. gradients, loose unconsolidated and retrieve, but the constant By 2010, the operator was ready to formations. Achieving the correct accelerations and movement of the launch another drilling programme angle of entry was fundamental to drillstring as it is taken to the floaing to delineate this seafloor massive the entire project. The result was the vessel, can also potentially disturb sulphide (SMS) deposit. design of a four-legged, jack-up-type the core inside. foundation integral to the module Nautilus Minerals specified that the assembly," said Satterfield. In some cases, drillships can be next stage of investigation would 22 technically and operationally over- require a minimum penetration depth "Another main redesign was the specified for some investigations, of 40m. It would also demanded a coring system," he said. "Most however they are still employed core recovery rate of at least 75% operators would typically, only require simply because of the lack of overall, rising to 90% in target layers. coring operations to be conducted in

UT3 September 2013 specific zones of interest, rather than a Rovdrill 3 has continous sampling capacity for single continuous core from the start. 70m. If the sampling plan includes intervals, however, there is enough pipe onboard the unit to Lowering the "Similarly, some seabeds have an drill a total of 200m. Samples and CPT data can ROVdrill system upper unconsolidated zones, and it be taken at any point along that 200m length. into the water is necessary to penetrate through the underlying layers before sampling The working depth is only limited by depth begins." limitations of the ROV. The retrieved samples are stored in sampling "The function of the drilling system is to trays housed within the drilling module. They are get the bottom hole to the point where kept there until the entire unit is returned to the the sampling should commence. Once surface for analysis the sample has been taken, the hole is drilled to the next sampling point," said While taking samples in hard rocks can be Satterfield. demanding, it is often equally difficult to take samples in the unconsolidated muds and clays. The drilling is carried out by a diamond or carbide coring bit on the end of a Forum’s engineers have responded by developing string made up of 3m-long, 4in OD a novel suction pile which allows the Rovdrill 3 to (outer diameter) core barrel joints. The sit on a stable and level foundation. The drilling rotation and drilling action is enabled by commences through a stinger in the centre pile. a top drive system while new core barrel joints are added to the top of the main “The Rovdrill 3 is now proven technology" string by an semi-automatic racking said Satterfield. "We recently system. carried out six geotechnical borings – four at 80ft and two at Once the sampling point has been 150ft – in the Gulf of Mexico alone. reached, an inner wireline drilling and The seafloor unit was recovered sampling system is run through the and redeployed many times from inside of the tubular, down to the bottom the suction pile, and we were able of the hole. The actual core sampling is to re-enter the existing drillhole." then carried out. Once the core reaches the correct length, it is then retrieved by The company now has plans for a the wireline. Rovdrill 4 on the drawing board.

“In conventional coring systems," said "At the moment, we are limited Satterfield, "the operator would drill to a by the size of the structure, to given depth and then take a core. This the number of samples we pipe would then have to be brought can carry, " said back to the ship in order to retrieve the Satterfield. If there core samples. were some way of putting these in a "On the ROVdrill 3 unit, however, the cassette and flying outer pipe remains in place while the them to the surface, central core is removed by wireline. This this would no longer significantly reduces the risk of hole be a constraint." collapse and also improves sample quality.” "One way of measuring the soil strength is to use a "Once the wireline lifts the core back penetrometer. A cone device to the Rovdrill 3 sitting on the seabed, is already available as part of grabber arms swing across to take and the Rovdrill 3. In the next store the core sample in a tray. The version, we could also wireline can be then sent back down incorporate other types of device such as T-bar, ball 23 the core barrel to take another sample, deploy a downhole tool or drilling can penetrometer, vane testing commence to the next sampling point." tooling, etc.

UT3 September 2013 Setting up the Rovdrill system on deck

24

UT3 September 2013 25

UT3 September 2013 Subsea Power: Challenges for Subsea Electric Supply

Last year, the American Bureau According to Korn, there are a number In many ways, the physical effects of Shipping (ABS) began a series of key technical areas where the are similar to how pipelines move of multi-year projects directed organisation is focusing its research by lateral buckling. There are similar toward solving petroleum industry and development efforts. “There is geological forces acting on the cable. challenges. a general need to increase step-out distances for power transmission and The industry must decide on the best In 2013, the company expanded subsea distribution systems,” he said. way to manage cable installation the scope of its projects to include and positioning, either by preventing power system simulation and One such area is operational voltage movement or by accommodating analysis and low-voltage/high- and frequency. At present, no movement in the design. voltage transmission. standards have been established, and the operational frequency is wide Power system stability also is an ABS Senior Managing Principal open. important area of investigation, Engineer Milton Korn talked according to Korn. “We will likely have about these projects at the 2013 “It is not going to be 50Hz or 60Hz and multiple large loads connected at Offshore Technology Conference in could be nearer to 16Hz,” said Korn. various points along a transmission Houston and how the organisation “This is related to the voltage drop line and need to maintain stable is addressing the need to deliver along long transmission lines. The use voltage and frequencies at these the energy and power necessary of high-voltage DC is some ways away points as well as along the length of to supply the next generation – five or ten years at least.” the line. It may be difficult to manage of seabed-based processing large voltage surges or transients.” equipment. With regard to transmission lines similar to those on land around the Another area that must be considered “Operators are increasingly world, power line compensation is a involves developing suitable considering the advantages of concern. connection techniques to join power relocating key pieces of oil and lines to the subsea equipment or to gas processing to the seabed,” he “Every place where you draw power join two lines. said. “At the moment, this includes from a line, you want to have a subsea separation, compression and known voltage,” Korn explained. “If “The SEPS JIP is leading the pumping. a domestic house runs at 120v or development standards for wet mate 240v, for example, and only 80v is connectors in the range of 3.6–36kV,” Many operators have experience available, the household appliances Korn noted. “This industry JIP is being working with electrical submersible aren’t going to work properly. Likewise, augmented with the participation of pumps that are placed downhole if a subsea compressor is designed to the IEEE and IEC, both of which are to lift oil out of the hole,” Korn be operated at 32kV and the voltage expected to begin collaboration with continued. “The ambient available at that point is 15kV, it is not the SEPS JIP. temperatures and pressures are going to operate properly.” considerable. Any motor placed Existing standards focused on land on the seabed has to be capable One way to mitigate the issues related or surface applications do not cover of working as intended in a hostile to power line compensation is to use a aspects such as the making and environment.” current transmission line, which allows breaking force to join or unplug each load to draw the necessary the connectors, nor the relative “Eventually, the aim is to effectively power from the loop at any point. applications of single and multi-pole replace the surface platform and “Interestingly work similar to this was devices in a subsea environment. install an entire subsea processing done in the 1920s to address street- unit on the seabed,” he said, adding lighting circuits,” said Korn. “When an ROV goes down to plug or that these devices are “very power- unplug a flying lead, it is vital to know hungry.” While subsea cables are engineered the force that will be required of it,” with known geometries, physical Korn said, adding that the method One of the projects ABS has selected interactions can take place between for determining the required force for for its 2013 programme includes the cable and sea floor that can result coupling and uncoupling should be simulating subsea transmission and in a cable being moved, resulting standardised. distribution. “With the long electrical in cable exposure or burial. This 26 cables and step-outs, we don’t really movement can influence the capacitive “It is inconsistent that one know how the transmission and coupling between the line and the determination yields a coupling force distribution lines are going to react ground can influence how the power of 800N and another method yields a together,” Korn said. line works. coupling force of only 600N.

UT3 September 2013 Milton Korn ABS Senior Managing Principal Engineer

Subsea Power: Challenges for Subsea Electric Supply

The industry also needs to address Conditioning monitoring and switching “A promising alternative is ceramic expanding the high end of the voltage arrangements also represent a ferrite magnet technology. This is range. “Some companies are looking challenge, Korn said. essentially iron oxides in a ceramic to go up to 112kV AC or more as well package that can be magnetised,” as DC. The DC connectors are very “Traditional circuit breakers are Korn explained. different from the AC connectors,” designed to operate at sea level Korn said. ambient environment,” said Korn. “On The ceramic ferrite magnets are the seafloor, it is not known how these relatively immune to elevated Subsea transformers can be used in are going to work within the available temperature, while rare earth the subsea environment to minimise reliability envelope. magnets can demagnetise around transmission losses, provide galvanic 350°F. This is the temperature of isolation and match the capabilities of "This realisation has prompted some of the well fluids and at the the power electronics to the network engineers to look at solid state cusp of where they might start to voltage. switching utilised in conjunction with cause problems. mechanical isolation switching that “Even if they are not used for voltage can be used to provide galvanic Long life ultra-reliability bearings matching, they are still likely to be isolation when maintenance work is represent another area that requires used for galvanic isolation,” said Korn, being conducted.” further research. Both contact (roller explaining that transformers prevent or ball) bearings and magnetic problems on one side of the transformer Cables are another concern. Long bearings are being selected for from moving to the other side. step-out lines coming from shore are service. Active magnetic bearings likely to carry power only or possibly use a magnetic field – modulated to Transformers, like other pieces could include a communication maintain the rotating element position of seabed equipment, require an capability in a hybrid line. The lines throughout the operating environment enclosure that protects electrical also can be bundled with hydraulic – to maintain rotating element position hardware from the harsh ambient control fluids, for example, in the case within the stator assembly. Backup environment. Enclosures could be of risers. Communications can be bearings allow the machine to spin 'pressure vessels' with near-sea-level fibre-optic or dedicated copper. down and stop without the rotating ambient pressures or pressure- elements contacting the stator if compensated enclosures with internal The electrical power cable has to be power is lost or there is a magnetic pressures just above sea floor ambient. constructed to operate in a harmonic, bearing control system failure. rich environment, especially if it is Pressure vessel enclosures must being utilized as the “leads” from “Machinery cooling is another area of be strong enough to withstand the a drive to a motor. It must also be great concern and study” said Korn. large differential pressures between strong enough to be connected to The designs of many motors used the external sea floor ambient and service equipment many thousands in traditional applications typically atmospheric within; sealing of of metres above the seabed in riser achieve cooling using air. Existing penetrations for electrical power, applications. motors facilitate cooling utilizing communication and control cables is fans. To reduce the chance of a challenge. Pressure compensated “Electrical rotating machinery presents failure in subsea machines, they are enclosures afford the opportunity for yet another challenge,” said Korn. being designed with passive cooling lighter enclosure construction as the “There are two basic topologies – systems that have no or minimal interior pressure is slightly above the synchronous and asynchronous moving parts or external systems. external sea floor ambient is small. motors. Some asynchronous motors are based on squirrel cage technology “Everything is in its infancy at The tank is filled with oil. A double while others use wound rotor designs. present,” Korn added. “There are no bellows system transfers the external Various techniques are used to control standards at the moment. If you look sea floor ambient pressure to the the speed.” at the projects being announced, oil within the tank. This effectively execution is years away, much of the strengthens the tank allowing for lighter Synchronous motors may be existing effort is concentrated on pilot construction. One of the beneficial implemented using wound rotating projects as well as work in “test pits,” elements of the subsea environment is field or permanent magnets. One flooded dry docks or shallow coastal that the water temperature is cool. So problem with permanent magnets is waters.” as long as there is natural circulation that they are often formulated from rare 27 through the tank, there is conduction earth materials–that are in relatively Clearly, more work needs to be done, of the heat through the tank walls and short supply and tend to be sole- and ABS will continue to invest in convection outward. sourced. developing solutions.

UT3 September 2013 Subsea Power: Tiebacks

The large seabed production submarine cable connection there is to 'push' the gas down the pipeline systems of the future are likely to a fundamental decision to be made to shore terminal," said Jones. "What become a useful technology key in in using either traditional HVAC (high we did on Troll A was to replace this unlocking reserves lying in remote voltage alternating current) or the latest turbine with a high voltage variable areas, long distances from existing HVDC (high voltage direct current) speed cable-wound motor driven fed infrastructure. These systems, technology. According to Jones “there directly by AC from the HVDC Light however, will require considerable are no exact rules, each installation converter (inverter). This approach amounts of power. needs to be evaluated on a case by eliminates the need for a bulk and case basis according to distance, expensive step-down transformer.” On most offshore installations, power and depth”. the power generators and large Expanding on the advantages of compressors are driven by onboard “Generally, for distances less than this approach, Wayne Neasham, gas turbines or diesel engines 50km HVAC is used. For more than ABB’s Sector Manager for EPC and with total efficiencies that can be 100km then the natural capacitive Petrochemicals, said: as low as 20–25% even under effects of the cable will normally ideal conditions. As a result, fuel require HVDC to provide the requisite "When an AC motor is turned on, there

consumption and CO2 emissions are power level at the far end. But between is a sudden and massive inrush of unnecessarily high. 50–100km then either AC or DC might current to overcome the inertia of the be used.” rotating drum. This can be six times Ever since the Kyoto Protocol, which the amount of current that would be allows trading of green-house gas In 2005, ABB commissioned the required for the motor to spin normally.

emissions, high CO2 emissions world’s first offshore HVDC Light "If there was not a strong and robust have become a cost factor for the oil transmission system to Statoil’s Troll supply, this sudden demand might be and gas industry. On top of this, in A gas platform 90km from shore. enough to trip local circuits and could some exploration areas, such as the This consisted of two parallel 44MW even place an unacceptable strain

Norwegian shelf, there may be CO2 transmission cables supplying 132kV onto the onshore grid. " taxation, making emissions costly of power to the platform. Soon after even without trading. this, a similar project supplying BP’s One of the many advantages of a Valhall field also came on stream. Most variable speed drive (VSD), however, If the electrical power for all this recently, ABB received a second order is that it can be soft started, rotating equipment can be supplied from for Troll A that will add an additional the motor slowly and then gradually

shore, the CO2 emissions of offshore 100MW of power when it comes on line bringing it up to speed. installations are eliminated, saving in 2015. operators a considerable sum of "If you have large compressors, it is money. "A typical gas platform would use a necessary to have suitable switchgear. compressor driven by a gas turbine With the compressors getting to such a But, according to Peter Jones, ABB’s Engineering Manager for Grid Systems, there are many Subsea Transformer other factors driving this trend, “transmitting electrical energy from shore is also more efficient in terms of equipment maintenance, lifetime and availability. In fact, the overall environmental bonus of eliminating low-efficiency offshore power plants is considerable.

Land-based power plant can be much more efficient. So even if high losses of 10% were assumed for a long AC-transmission line to an offshore shore installation, the overall 28 saving will still be significant for most installations.”

In making a power from shore

UT3 September 2013 Subsea Power: Tiebacks

That level of power would easily the platform as much as 75m in any exceed the requirements of one direction. platform. However, according to Jones, power from shore schemes should be Traditionally, a lead sheath is used viewed as just part of an overall bigger to protect subsea cables from stress picture: and water ingress, but on a dynamic cable like this the lead sheath would “Imagine a 2GW socket in the centre wear very quickly and have a short of the North Sea. Platforms could draw service life. ABB developed an power from it or feed power into it. alternative solution that withstands These trunk routes could also be fed fatigue and the extreme conditions, by offshore wind and tidal generators, and is expected to have an interconnecting grids and creating the operating life of at least 35 years. power motorways colloquially known as the Supergrid.” In addition to the topside equipment, ABB is also developing new While ABB is pioneering HVDC subsea power systems, as Colin connections for offshore platforms, Green, ABB’s Head of Regulatory it is also leading the way in HVAC Affairs and Technology, explains: connections. When electrical power “A key innovation is our subsea Motor windings was connected to Statoil's Gjøa transformers. This is because, while platform in July 2010, the platform many items of subsea equipment size, however, there is either not the started to use the world's longest can be successfully evolved as switchgear available for these high AC cable from land to a floating marinised versions of proven voltages, or it becomes so bulky that installation. topsides equipment, the hostile there is no available space. Installing environment and extreme pressures a VSD can deliver unlimited control The transmission link includes a static required the creation of a new design of the compressors and allows AC cable that delivers 40MW of power from first principles.” the use of smaller, more compact at 90kV from the Norwegian shore, switchgear. It is far more energy at a depth of 380m, over a distance ABB has delivered subsea efficient than a more traditional of 98.5km. Then a 1.5km dynamic transformers for fields in the North switched method of changing the cable connects the static cable on the and Norwegian seas and the Gulf of speed in an AC motor. seabed to the platform. It is this short Mexico for operation at depths of up dynamic cable that constitutes the ABB to 2000m. Another key aspect of the Troll A innovation and makes the entire project project was also to specify a suitable technically and economically feasible. Later this year ABB will deliver nine cable to carry the power. ABB subsea transformers for the world’s selected an extruded cross-linked The dynamic cable weighs about 85 first subsea gas compressor station polymer (XLPE) design. A 300 mm2 kg per meter and has a total weight of at the Åsgard oil and gas field in the copper conductor is surrounded by around 130t. Suspended in the water Norwegian Sea. Although they will a very strong and robust polymeric between the platform and the seabed, operate at a depth of 400m, they are insulating material with two layers the cable is subject to substantial capable of operating in the deepest of armouring steel wire laid counter mechanical stress and fatigue from the fields on the planet – 3000m below helically. sea, wind and waves, which can move the surface.

"The inherent strength of the cable Valhall field development allows it to be installed at large depths," said Jones. "As the cable hangs off the vessel, the high tensile forces created by its own weight could otherwise cause it to break itself even in the installation process.” 29 At present, the highest rated submarine power cables can carry around 1GW (1000 MW) of power.

UT3 September 2013 Subsea Power: Subsea Connectors

Siemens 60v Connector Subsea Power Connection

One of the main challenges that must not only be overcome in the development power lines of future fields, is reliable subsea that require connectors. Connecting equipment connection, together on land (called dry-mate) but also error-free fibre optic and subsequently installing them communication cables." in the water is unsuitable for the in fully, its tip enters the majority of applications. The more "When the technology started to secondary diaphragm to make a full common solution is to be able to be developed, most of the subsea electrical connection with the plug's connect cables into equipment items electronics were relatively low contact pin. Once again, the ring under the water. This is called wet power.It was about 25 years ago, diaphragm wipes any moisture from mate. that high power versions started the pin. to emerge. Devices able to carry "This is a key enabling technology," 10kV, 400Amp are becoming more Because the system is designed said Wayne Jackson at Siemens. common in supplying multiphase for use in deep waters, the plug "Powering individual trees to setting pumping projects. is pressure balanced. The design up entire subsea grids would not can be envisaged as enclosing the be possible without connectors. It is In 1994, Tronic, now part of connection systems in a diaphragm Siemens, was used for the world's enclosed by a metal outer shroud first electrical submersible pump for which provides the strength. 1 Petrobras. At present, companies are able to provide reliable A hole in the metal shroud and allows connection systems rated for 36kV. ambient seawater pressure to act on the diaphragm to ensure that the A number of companies have pressures acting on two sides are the competitive devices, but they same. generally work using similar principles of operation. This is known as the Controlled SEA CON 2 Environment (CE). A useful feature The Marine Renewable Energy is dual redundancy which allows market has emerged over the last few operation even if one of the seals years as a very important new area are breached and localised flooding for the use of subsea connectors. occurs. However, this sector brings with it a number of new challenges to the "Inside the connector, is a series of long-term performance of connectors, diaphragms and seals separating penetrators and terminations. barriers. The diaphragms contain 3 dielectric insulating oil," said "As with other markets we have two Jackson. basic types of connector, wet and dry-mate," said David Pye, Renewable "In the first step, the pins of the Energy Business Development receptacle are introduced to the Manager at SEA CON. "Dry-mates are plug body (1).These receptacle plugged together on the surface and pins engage with the spring-loaded then submerged whereas wet-mates shuttle pin (2). Continued movement are mated fully submerged." 4 causes the receptacle pin to enter the primary oil chamber (3). "In the Marine Renewables sector, both will eventually be used in significant "The diaphragm seals are very tight numbers – dry-mates mainly for – this is essentially what enables instrumentation on the generator and the cable connection to be made wet-mates for the connection of the subsea. As the pin goes through it main power umbilical. The use of is subject to a very strong wiping wet-mates allow the removal of the 30 generator from its base structure or action. Any moisture is removed." Connection sequence for a Siemens mooring without having to retrieve this subsea wet-mate connector When the receptacle pin is pushed to the surface."

UT3 September 2013 "Presently, the power connectors warmer than deep locations – this Deepsea Challenger are rated at up to 6.6kV and 1MW promotes the formation of marine but there are indications that these growth and also accelerates corrosion. The Deepsea Challenger recently ratings may both increase to 11kV and made an 11km descent to the decrease to 3.3kV. "In addition, this shallow water will bottom of the Marianas Trench. cause cyclic pressure changes due Almost everything on vessel was "All systems to date have included to wave action and the change of the custom designed for a specific optical fibres for instrumentation tides – again not something that is of purpose, as the vehicle could only connections – these having many significance in deep water. rely on the most expertly engineered advantages over copper including systems and components. They increased reliability and immunity to "Finally, the power connectors will see had to function unfailingly under electromagnetic interference (EMI). differing levels of current and voltage enormous strain. The many stainless as wave action changes and the steel PBOF and bulkhead SubConn "There are a number of new challenges tides reverse. Both the design of the connectors were supplied by Ocean for these products which do not occur connector and the materials used in its Innovations. in to the same extent in other areas construction will have to be considered such as deepwater oil and gas. with these factors in mind. These industry standard connectors were used to interface the vehicle The shallow water in which these Connectors designed for these battery packs, the spot and LED generators are deployed is highly applications have to take into panel lighting arrays, HD and 3D oxygenated and to some extent consideration these factors but at cameras, along with and other vital the same time be no more expensive instruments and sensors used on the (or hopefully cheaper) than existing vessel. products. "In addition, SubConn connectors, The connector industry has thus to including glass sphere modified develop almost entirely new products units, were widely used to interface for the Marine Renewables sector the two unmanned robotic landers without at present any early prospect that descended to perform pre- of quantity production – quite a programmed tasks in the abyss, 31 challenge," said Pye. prior to the arrival of the Deepsea Challenger, " said a MacArtney SEA CON's wet-mate spokesman.

UT3 September 2013 Subsea Power: Direct Electrical Heating

Flow assurance is the general Adding chemicals can positively under some sort of covering and is term to describe the measures ensure that the hydrates and never in contact with the water, it applied to a wellstream in order waxes do not form, but this can be is known as a dry heating system. to ensure that its passage to the expensive, not very environmentally Because it lies within the confines of production facilities continues friendly and requires a separate the pipe structure, it is known as a unimpeded. A well recognised chemical pipeline. closed system. flow assurance problem is when Alternative systems that have been the wellstream cools. Any waxes In recent years, an alternative proposed by some companies, and hydrates present can come solution to this problem has been to include placing power cables inside out of solution. add thermal energy to the flowline, steel tubes that are then strapped to keeping the stream above a critical the flowline. The cable induces eddy One critical zone where this may point. In some fields, heavy oils may currents in the steel tubing, using occur is the point at which the high only become mobile with the addition resistance to produce heat. temperature hydrocarbons emerge of heat. Electrically-based heating from the well and into the subsea systems have proven to be the most Alternatively, the steel tube acts as pipeline. flexible method. a return conductor, using resistance to produce heat. In both cases, the These lose temperature to the "There are two main electrical flowline contents of the flowline is heated by surrounding cold seawater, with heating (EFH) technologies – indirect thermal conduction. hydrates and waxes blocking the and direct," said Björn Rasch, Head of infield flowlines as they solidify. Subsea Power at Siemens Energy. Direct Heating In general hydrates are formed "Their selection depends on the The main competing technology around 25oC, a temperature found specific application, but both have is using a wet insulated system. within the range of any production track records." The system essentially works by area/deep in the world. passing a high alternating current Indirect Heating directly through the steel wall of In general, the longer the step- Sometimes called trace heating, the production pipeline. Resistive out distances, the greater time this method essentially consists of current losses generates heat. the wellstream has to become strapping electrical cables to the cooler. This may be a potential flowline. Electrical resistance caused Power is taken from the surface to issue as the industry looks to by loading high alternating current the seabed by means of a dynamic ever-increasingly long tiebacks. (AC) through the cable's metal wires, riser cable. This line may also A cooler wellstream from a third generates heat. This is transferred into incorporate data lines and steel party tie-in might also affect the the pipe by thermal conduction. tubes. On the seabed, the cable flow regime in the main flowline. is connected to a twin-conductor This heating element may lie under armoured feeder cable (AFC). Elsewhere, as many fields mature, the pipe coating. More recently, their natural temperature may companies have developed and One of these two conductors decline. proved electrically heated systems is connected to the insulated in association with pipe-in-pipe production flowline just below the A major challenge concerns the technology. platform. The other is connected routine temporary shutdown of a to a piggyback cable (PBC) that field for maintenance. The heat Because this heating system lies runs, outside, along the length of loss from the static oil may cause hydrates and waxes come out of solution and set. When the field Power Supply re-starts operations, the oil flow Spoolpiece Manifold cannot re-start. Piggyback Power Cable Historically, these problems have been partly offset by passively insulating the pipe to help maintain Cable the internal temperature. This can Connection take the form of a pipe coating or Current Current loss Current flow 32 returns in water through water a pipe-in-pipe arrangement, with a rockwool or aerogel material filling the annulus. Direct Electrical Heating

UT3 September 2013 Subsea Power: Direct Electrical Heating

the pipeline. At the far end, the piggyback line and the One area where this direct electrical technology is likely production flowline are connected together. Both the to be particularly applicable, is when combatting the flow connection points are grounded. assurance issues associated with the next generation of long distance tiebacks. The alternating current (700A–1600A) supplied through the piggyback cable is partially returned through the The maximum step-out distance that present generation production flowline’s pipe walls, with the remainder of technology will allow is around 50–70km. The power dissipated through the seawater. required to heat a pipeline is related to the pipeline's length. It depends on many other factors as well, fluids, It is because of losses in the seawater, that the diameter, water temperature, insulation etc. efficiency is not particularly good, and as such, the operating costs can be larger than a heat trace system At distances greater than this, the voltage would be with better efficiency. Passage through seawater so high, that it would reach the limits of the topsides makes this known as an ‘open system’. switchgear, connectors, etc, presently available.

Because the pipe and surroundings are grounded to the seabed, they are all at the same potential. This has positive safely ramifications. Nevertheless, if the cable is accidentally damaged and exposed, it can arc.

Anodes are distributed along the length of the umbilical and particularly in the two current transfer zones where power source is connected to the flowline. These are installed for corrosion protection and to there is no leakage to surrounding metalwork.

Direct heating can be particularly advantageous when considering large pipes. Open loop systems, such as these have been used on Asgard, Huldra, Kristin, Urd and Tyrihans, all for Statoil.

Instead of a single piggyback cable, another derivative concept envisages applying direct electrical heating to C

a pipe-in pipe system. M

Y This essentially consists of a double skin assembly CM MY

separated by electrical insulating material in the CY annulus. The current is sent along the inner pipe until it CMY meets a conducting bulkhead. It can then return along K the outer pipe to complete the circuit.

The point where the power source is attached to the line may be at one end of the line, maybe just below the platform. This was the arrangement on Shell's Serrano and Oregano developments.

An alternative design envisages placing this current injection point midway along the line. This was the case in Shell/BP's Na Kika and Shell's Habanero fields.

If it was decided that heating might be required at some future date, it would be difficult to retrofit a DEH system onto an existing pipeline. In some applications, however, the operator might pre-install 33 the necessary connection points, etc, on the pipeline for this eventuality without adding all the necessary equipment.

UT3 September 2013 Underwater Vehicles: Gliders

Gliders Slocum In order to understand oceans on Teledyne Webb has recently added In the case of a deep, 1000m a global scale, it is often desirable a propeller or thruster to its glider glider, oil bladder moves the water to take a variety of measurements vehicle. This will add considerable in and out of the nose cavity. at the surface and down through enhancements in its abilities and Gliders have the advantage over the water column. These physical, follows an over 12-month testing profiling floats in that it is not chemical or biological measurements programme. permanently located in a stationary may be used to help understand place or taken or moved by the the oceanographic processes. The addition of the thruster allows tides and they can take a three They could be for environmental for gliders to travel horizontally, push dimensional profile. monitoring, storm monitoring, through lower surface density layers for intelligence, surveillance and or travel faster, or all three. The new They move at around 1km/hour reconnaissance or providing data as vehicle continues works in the same but can go slower or faster as a navigation aid. manner as earlier systems. required. Floats, on the other hand, go where the currents take them. Some projects use data buoys which "It glides through the water a sawtooth are normally boat-launched. These profile by flushing water out of the When the gliders reach the sink and rise through the water forward cowling. Depending on what surface, they call to base via the column, taking measurements at depth the vehicle is programmed Iridium network. This gives the pre-arranged intervals. These have for. Ben Allsup from Teledyne Webb user the option to send data to the an inherent disadvantage that they Research said, "we have a number glider or take data from it. drift with the tides and currents, and of different assemblies that are cannot be directed to an area of optimized for depths of 30m, 100m The propeller is a new feature and interest. 200m and 1000m areas. is still optional and will now allow users to pilot their gliders and This shortcoming was offset by the A piston drives or oil fills a bladder collect data in ways not previously development of the subsea glider. to push the water out of the nose, possible. One advantage will be These can move at around 1km/ although it is not this that specifically energy savings in shallow water hour ( although they can go slower or makes the vehicle more buoyant - it for users of the 1000m pump, faster as required) and steered in a is the fact that this makes the vehicle which requires a lot of torque to given direction by receiving satellite larger by increasing it volume. push against a water column of navigation signals. 1000m. "The working principle is that the These are autonomous underwater gliders have a fixed mass however If a pilots is flying this deep vehicles in that they move the gliders has adjustable volume. designed engine at 80m, it is not independently and do not require an It arrives at the surface, receives optimally designed and is using umbilical for power or control. They a position and transmits data and excess energy at this depth, so should not, however, be confused with when it comes time to dive again, it using the thruster to fly horizontally, the more sophisticated AUVs that are retracts water back into the nose and at glider like speeds, will be an increasingly used for pipe tracking becomes smaller. energy savings for these vehicles. and observation purposes, etc.

Gliders use a buoyancy propulsion Buoyancy Front main Science payload Rear main section Antenna and systems whick is very energy efficient pump section housing including optical including main computer. steering fin and allows mission periods of over 9 main batteries sensors Iridium modem, GPS, months and distances of thousands Attitude sensor of kilometers rather than just a few days and tens of kilometers, typical of propeller-driven AUVs.

The use of gliders are, however, more numerous than many people realise. Altimeter While up to 2010, there were around CTD 629 AUVs, there were also as many Wings as 404 gliders built*. 34 Inflatable Bladder Propeller *Source: World AUV Report 2010- 19 Douglas Westwood Slocum glider

UT3 September 2013 T.TSS UT2-DMS500.p 25/1/13 11:30 Page 1

Slocum

Propeller 35

The Sea Explorer glider

UT3 September 2013 Underwater Vehicles: Gliders

SeaExplorer Seaglider

The SeaExplorer is the latest glider design on the market and follows a six-year research and development programme at the French company ACSA.

"It has a particularly innovative design," said Patrice Pla, Sales and Marketing Manager at ACSA. "It does not have a wing, thus avoiding breakage during launch and recovery or collision in surface.

"Due to its high ballast volume, the SeaExplorer can achieve a cruising speed of 1kt. This allows it to explore persistently large areas and Seagliders preparing for launch acquire Gigabytes of data in only a few months. It is suitable for work Earlier this year Kongsberg successfully us to further expand into new segments in shallow water down to depths of completed negotiations with the of the marine technology market. 750m. University of Washington's iRobot group to produce and continue the "It fits very well with our philosophy The glider features large development of the glider which has of providing comprehensive "Full interchangeable wet and dry been renamed Seaglider. Picture" solutions to our customers. payload sections located behind a In the coming years we believe that dedicated nose cone. "One of the main reasons is that autonomous systems will start taking Seaglider provides us with tools that will on a larger and larger role in our core Power is only by rechargeable significantly increase the capabilities of markets – marine research, naval and batteries. As well as avoiding our already market-leading autonomous offshore oil and gas. pollution from primary batteries, underwater vehicle product line," said the Li-Ion solution makes the Rich Patterson, General Manager, "Many of our customers are facing glider safer as the vehicle does Underwater Glider Systems at the challenge of operating on smaller not need to be opened, and more Kongsberg. budgets, and Seaglider provides an cost-effective by avoiding the extremely cost effective instrument for need to replace the batteries and "This extremely long endurance vehicle collecting a wide variety of ocean data. re-balance the vehicle for each will be a great complement to our mission. propeller driven systems and will allow "Seaglider has an excellent reputation in the marine research and naval markets, and we hope to build on that with the development of additional capabilities. As we move forward we will also work on the transition of technology into the commercial sector. This is something that we have been very successful in doing with our HUGIN AUV programme, and we hope to continue that success with Seaglider."

The design dates back from the 1990s when it was originally funded by the US Navy's Office of Naval Research. Since then, more than 190 units have 36 been delivered to research institutions, naval organisations and commercial operators. It can dive as deep as The SeaExplorer 1000m.

UT3 September 2013 MERMAC R-series Electrical AHC winches for ROVs

Remote support over ethernet High capacity, low maintenance

High performance, Flexible and low noise modular design

37 Worldwide solutions Denmark Norway United Kingdom USA France Netherlands Germany Bahrain Australia Singapore UT3 September 2013 Underwater Vehicles: Gliders

Exocetus Spray

Many of the original subsea gliders – sometimes know The Equatorial Undercurrent supplies much of the water as legacy gliders – had been designed to conduct that upwells along the equator and modulates equatorial long-duration sensing operations in the open ocean. sea surface temperature and particularly air–sea However, these legacy designs are not particularly interaction such as the El Niño – sometimes called the El suitable for use in coastal waters. Coastal areas are Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO). typified by much higher currents, especially around river estuaries and there are also large water density Despite their importance, neither the transport nor variations, especially where the fresh water from rivers temperature on the isopycnals had been measured in the enters the sea. key Solomon Sea area except in the region above 300m depth. "It was against this background, that we decided to develop a more suitable glider for shallow coastal Quantifying the mean and variability of mass and waters," said Ray Mahr, Vice President of Sales and heat transport through the Solomon Sea is central to Marketing at Exocetus Development. diagnosing the mechanism of seasonal-to-decadal climate variability. The development of this new glider design was supported by funding from the US Office of Naval Beginning in mid 2007 and continuing through today, Research. Eighteen gliders have been delivered to Spray underwater gliders have been collecting repeated customers over six years, accumulating a combined transects across the Solomon Sea (over twenty-four multi- 4500hrs of operation. month deployments to-date), as part of the Consortium on the Ocean's Role in Climate (CORC) programme on "Rather than trying to adapt an existing model, we boundary current measurement. elected to design a new system from the start. That way, we could determine the likely requirements and size the Most cruises were roundtrips from Gizo Island in the equipment accordingly," said Mahr. Solomon Islands to Rossel Island in Papua New Guinea, although three used Honiara on the Solomon The basic Exocetus Coastal Glider can operate for Island side. The first glider was deployed from theR/V around 14 days with an alkaline battery pack, rising to Alis off Rossel Island, but most have been deployed and 60 days duration using a lithium pack. It is possible, recovered from open boats close to shore, however, to extend the times even further by using the glider's variable speed capability along with fewer A typical round-trip takes about 3 months, well within excursions to the surface for data telemetry. The glider is the glider's endurance. However, there have been some capable of flying at speeds between 0.5–2kts. instances where advection by strong boundary currents have greatly increased the travel distance, requiring Coastal gliders require a larger buoyancy engine (BE) almost five months to complete the mission – nearly than a legacy glider would. After full hydrodynamic exhausting the glider batteries. appraisal, it was determined that a BE volume of approximately 5lit or 5% of the total vehicle volume Initial transects consisted of sequential dives to would be necessary successfully operate in the coastal 500m–600m depth but most missions sample to 700m. environment. Early sections were spaced by a few months as users learned how to operate effectively in this remote region. The patented buoyancy engine system is based upon Later, successive transects usually overlapped. a piston driven by a hydraulic micro pump. A solenoid valve allows the pressure differential between the Spray gliders gather temperature and salinity profiles seawater and the vacuum chamber to drive the piston on every ascent (typically spaced about 3km) using back, ingesting water and forcing the hydraulic the oil a continuously operated pumped Seabird CP41 back into an accumulator. conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) sensor. Although the energy costs of running the CTD pump The location of the BE in the nose of the glider provides are significant, it is necessary for accurate salinity gross control of the pitch angle. The 5 litre BE capacity measurements. is sufficient to allow the glider to operate in waters against up to 2kts of current. The CTDs are typically recalibrated every couple of years and spot-checked (accuracy 0.05) before and after each 38 Exocetus cruise. Depth-average currents are deduced from navigation and the vehicle’s through-water velocity. Because the descent

UT3 September 2013 and ascent speeds vary little, the flow past the vehicle and the plane calculation. It varies as the vehicle difference between glider movement at of the vehicle’s wings and hull," becomes biofouled." the surface and the distance travelled said Dr. Jeffrey Sherman, scientific relative to the water during the leader of the Scripps Institution It is also necessary to know how intervening depth cycle, equate to the of Oceanography Instrument vehicle roll causes the glider to slip depth-average current velocity. Development Group. sideways, causing the direction of vehicle motion to differ from its Through-water speed is computed "This small angle determines the glide heading. from vertical velocity (from pressure path and the lift produced by the change), measured vehicle pitch, and wings. An approximation of the attack "The work proved that the Spray a simple model of vehicle dynamics. angle is adequate for general velocity could be used to economically estimates, but accurate measurement monitor subsurface flow, properties, "The lynchpin of this calculation is the of transport requires knowing vehicle and transport, even in remote angle of attack a between the relative drag, which affects the velocity regions with moderately strong boundary currents," said Russ Davis, Research Professor of Oceanography at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. "The data quality is high enough to support detailed scientific studies.

"There are some limitations to this type of sampling. Strong currents control the sampling paths and generally preclude repeating the same track.

Furthermore, the absence of shear measurements in the along-track direction complicates describing the patterns of transport fluctuations. "Nevertheless, credible analyses can 39 be carried out using data gathered with modest effort in remote western A Spray glider. Image: Robert Todd boundary currents."

UT3 September 2013 40

UT3 September 2013 Surface Vehicle Subsea gliders and data buoys have been very successful in providing a platform for deepwater oceanographic and other measurements. They can drift with the tides and currents take profile measurements through the oceanic waters. While they have good niche applications, the heavier payloads and larger big electrical units required by some oil and gas activities, means that the design is always going to be limited by the physics of waves.

This prompted Portchester, UK-based Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV) to designed and built station- keeping buoy that can remain in a given position and transmit information back to a base via UHF or other data links.

The floating platforms can be used for a variety of applications. In surface mode, the buoy could be used for work such as subsea positioning.

"In some applications, it is the very drifting that is inherent in a subsea glider, that could become a problem," said Dan Hook, Managing Director of ASV. "While it can be a benefit to move with the current, this scenario may not The company is to undertake the detailed production be ideal in cases that may want to record information design, building, commissioning and sea trials of a from one specific site. Alternatively, subsea electronics fully operational, open ocean going C-Enduro 4 vessel. suspended from the buoy could be used for tracking This second phase work will build on research and autonomous or remote vehicles replacing ships." development from the phase one of the LEMUSV project.

The user supplies a start point and an allowable radius, The main design brief for the vehicle is that it will be and the buoy automatically uses its onboard power system capable of being deployed at sea for periods of up to to stay within that envelope. three months in all weather conditions and sea states.

"We have developed two versions," said Hook. "One is a In order to satisfy the energy budget, the C-Enduro 2.4m diameter buoy which has an typical endurance of 10 concept centres on a ‘three pillar’ energy system days, although this depends on currents and speeds. It providing a flexible and fault tolerant solution to energy can move at an average speed of 2.5kt. supply. This includes solar panels, a wind generator and a lightweight diesel generator as energy sources. "There is also a larger vehicle called C -Worker 6. This has a 30 day endurance and is designed specifically for oil Detailed calculations and tests show that this selection, and gas applications. This vehicle will fit into a combined with efficient power management and 20ft ISO container." command and control systems packaged in a rugged self-righting vehicle, provides the greatest likelihood of ASV has also recently won the meeting the performance requirements of this project. second phase of the recent Small Business Research "We have a large solar array and a micro diesel Initiative (SBRI) to develop generator. There is also a small wind turbine," said Hook. a Long Endurance Marine "Between the three energy generating sources, all areas Unmanned Surface covered. In the Canaries in the middle of summer, for Vehicle (LEMUSV). example, you do not need to solar generation. Working in Scotland over the winter, you principally need wind. Diesel is a good back up for both." C-Enduro vehicle Other parts of the team includes Cosworth, who are looking at generator systems, Hyperdrive who will 41 investigate motor options and power management systems and Cranfield University who will be considering collision avoidance technologies.

UT3 September 2013 Underwater Vehicles

ROV-mounted cleaning system

A common method of cleaning it can remove the marine subsea structures is by water jetting. growth without affecting This technique is based on high the coatings. It works well capacity pumps feeding a water on fibreglass and gel-based through a hose into a cleaning lance coatings systems. Evidence directed at the target. The pumps also shows that a cleaned area will may be located at the surface or remain growth-free for demonstrably Mariscope ROV with the subsea. longer than alternative techniques. McClean system The company is now speaking to The water is ejected from a nozzle The technique is often carried out by clients to discover new applications head in a fan shape, or for even divers, however, ROV developer for the system. higher pressures, by a turbo tip. Mariscope has recently carried out Some of the larger lances can exercises mounting the system to an One example is the cleaning produce pressures exceeding ROV. of archaeological sites without 14 400psi. damaging the ‘treasures’ that need "Divers are good at directing lances to be investigated. In fact, due to In general, the greater the pump at a specific focus," said Christian the low pressure of the cavitation pressure, the better its cleaning Haag, MD of Maricsope. " The ROV- jet, the different layers of material capacity. It is important, however, mounted version can compete in this on an archaeological site can be that the stream is regulated to area, however, by using a rotating readily removed without involving ensure that the pressure is not so head, this can increase the diameter the pieces of interest. great that it starts to remove the anti- of coverage. fouling paint protecting the subsea structure underneath. The company has a cooperation Predator agreement the Kentucky-based SeeByte and Seatronics have Another factor for consideration company Acamar Maritime Solutions. announced that the Predator ROV will is water depth. The deeper the The pair have worked together to now be fully integrated with SeeByte’s cleaning operation, the higher develop the McClean ROV cleaning SeeTrack CoPilot software. the ambient water pressure and system. The McClean is the first ROV therefore, the greater the cleaning with rotational heads using cavitation This collaboration will allow Seatronics pressure above this point must be in jetting technology to clean many types to offer the advanced applications order to produce enough pressure of underwater structures. available through SeeTrack CoPilot to carry out cleaning duties. as an integrated package and as a At the official presentation, results rental option for their customers. One cleaning method that has were achieved cleaning heavily fouled demonstrated particularly good mooring chains and fish nets in the The software allows control and results is cavitation cleaning. A local aquaculture industry. flexibility of the vehicle, giving the refinement to the conventional water operator time and confidence to jetting technique, it works passing "At an early stage, we found that we focus on the job at hand, and not on the water through a cavitation only need to clean one side of the piloting the ROV. nozzle. curtain of netting, for the other side to be clean as well. Predator ROV with SeeTrack CoPilot In this, water molecules compress software to a point where they collapse and "We have developed different head in doing so, produce energy. The assemblies for the ROV to cleaning point extends to around accomplish many types 6-8cms from the end of the nozzle of tasks with the same equipment. The temperatures within the collapse One of particular zone can reach 2800oC, however, importance, was the area covered is no smaller than a three-headed a pin-point which it is why unlike design, each of some conventional cleaning lances, which contain a 42 it is safe if divers accidentally put rotating head. This their hands over the jet. gives a considerably larger diamater cleaning The system has the advantage that circle.

UT3 September 2013 THE FULL PICTURE FOR INHOSPITABLE SEA EXPLORATION

For over 30 years Kongsberg Maritime has been leading the way in manufacturing underwater cameras and lamps for demanding ROV, Plough, Trencher and manned submersible navigation, surveillance and inspection tasks in the deepest and most challenging applications around the globe. More recently, Kongsberg Maritime’s cameras were used in manned deep-sea applications to record breaking depths in excess of 7,000 metres.

 Dependable colour zoom inspection cameras  Affordable HD cameras  Extremely low light BIT navigation cameras Cost saving 3D cameras Powerful HID and LED lamps Robust digital pan & tilt and rotator units

Visit us

Innovativeive design and technologytechnology, unriunrivalledv build quality, exceptional image quality and world wide support ensure Kongsberg Maritime’s products offer the best price-performance and reliability. Booths #614, 616 & 618 43

Discover more: Telephone: +44 1224 226500 [email protected] www.km.kongsberg.com UT3 September 2013 Underwater Vehicles

MUNIN Kongsberg Maritime has combined configuration, places MUNIN as one of technology available its experience in developing the the lightest, most compact and most to survey operators. HUGIN and REMUS AUVs to bring capable AUVs for offshore survey Communication is via the compact MUNIN AUV to the available today. Kongsberg Maritime's market. cNODE acoustic Despite its small size, MUNIN is command and data link, In Norse mythology, MUNIN (Muninn) capable of carrying a complete subsea Wi-Fi and Iridium. and HUGIN (Huginn) were a pair of survey payload, consisting of world ravens that flew around the world of leading sensor technology. It features The Kongsberg Midgard, collecting information for an advanced new rigid design which Maritime NavP aided Norse God Odin. integrates the navigation systems inertial navigation and acoustic payload sensors in a system (AINS) with The new MUNIN AUV, however, is single mechanical housing, which is Honeywell HG9900 designed to collect high resolution factory calibrated and requires no inertial measurement sonar data geo-referenced by a re-alignment after transport or re- unit (IMU) feature within the navigation survey grade positioning system. mobilisation. system alongside cNODE and HiPAP This efficient compact vehicle design (option), which offer precise, reliable provides for easier launch and The IHO special order (S-44) compliant acoustic positioning. recovery and the possibility of using sensor payload includes a custom smaller launch vessels. version of the EM2040 multibeam echo Specifications sounder, 200-400 kHz, 1deg by 1deg MUNIN features a modular structure beam width, swath 120deg in addition • Overall length 300-400 cm that provides the ability to install extra to an EdgeTech side scan sonar depending on configuration batteries to extend operational scope 230/540 kHz and forward looking sonar • Vehicle outer diameter 34 cm for missions lasting up to 24hrs at with advanced terrain following and • Weight in air: < 300 kg depths as deep as 1500m. collision avoidance. Maximum operating depth • 1500 m standard (600 m version Weighing in at less than 300kg in Also included is an NBOS conductivity optional) air, its 34cm diameter and length and temperature (CT) sensor whilst • Vehicle speed Up to 4.5 knots between 3and 4m depending on a sub-bottom profiler and still image • Energy: Internal 5 kWh standard cameras can be specified. and Exchangeable 5 kWh lithium ion battery modules Highly user configurable, MUNIN's • Endurance:12-24 hours MUNIN transverse view flexible communications and • Navigation: Kongsberg NavP aided navigation systems feature an array inertial navigation system (AINS) with of some of the most sophisticated Honeywell HG9900 inertial

Navigation and Payload

Nose Cone with FLS 44 Replaceable and CT sensor battery

UT3 September 2013 RS Aqua SV3 Wave Glider RS Aqua has secured the first order from a UK user for a next generation model SV3 Wave Glider as manufactured by Liquid Robotics Inc. This will be a major acquisition for the UK ocean research fraternity.

The SV3 Wave Glider is an expanded, enhanced and extended version of the original SV2 model of which some 200 units now collect data on a wide range of ocean parameters. The SV3 offers greater payload capacity, powerful computational capabilities and a thruster for short term, boosted propulsion. The new model generally takes the Wave Glider series forward by utilising and applying all the experience gained from the SV2 version.

The ordered unit will be kitted out with a full range of oceanographic and meteorological sensors – wind speed/direction, air temperature/pressure, sea temperature, waves, CTD, dissolved oxygen, current speed/direction MUNIN rear view and below: side view profiles, etc – along with a Sonardyne 6G modem payload kit for acoustic communications and data recovery.

Delivery of the new SV3 will be completed before the end of the year.

measurement unit (IMU) • Advanced new rigid design Iver2 for Hopkins integrating IMU, DVL, MBE and SSS in Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has a single mechanical housing, calibra- purchased a second Iver2 AUV. This system provides additional capability tion free after transport or re-mobiliza- for APL’s general research, including the development of underwater tion (factory calibrated) sensor systems. • IHO special order (S-44) compliant • Acoustic positioning using Johns Hopkins APL will be taking delivery of an Iver2 EP42 platform that cNODE and HiPAP (option) includes a second (user) CPU and intuitive API. The AUV will be equipped • Novatel L1/L2 GPS with the new EdgeTech 2205 (400/900 kHz) high resolution side scan • Broadband 300/600 kHz doppler sonar. velocity log • Paroscientific Digiquartz depth sensor The Iver’s 'open' software architecture and defined hardware interfaces • Terrain referenced navigation allow researchers and OEMs to quickly adapt the Iver for a variety of (option) applications. The EP42 vehicle includes OceanServer VectorMap Mission Planning and Data Presentation tool, which provides geo-registered data files that can be easily exported to other software analysis tools. The VectorMap program can input any geo-referenced chart, map or photo Control Tail section image, allowing the operator to intuitively develop missions using simple and Battery with cNODE point-and-click navigation. Section transducer

Iver2 EP42

45

UT3 September 2013 Automatic or Semi-Automatic?

One of the most common actions its memory. There are at least three a typical display panel in the ROV conducted by an ROV, is to grab an different species of handle, but the operating room, one camera would object in the jaws of manipulator and principle still holds. track the manipulator while another place it in a specific location. This would point at the swinging crane might, for example, to be to pick up "The handles are normally defined hook. a flying lead and insert the pin into by the ISO standard 13 6 28-8 a stabbing plate or engage a torque and API 17D & H which has "We would start by directing the tool into a receptacle. recommended geometry for the pan and tilt towards the hook," various configurations. Interrogating said Schilling. "Once at the centre Most tools have rigid T-handles the database immediately tells the of the screen, the software would attached to them. These are operator exactly what tee this is automatically lock onto the target. No designed as the optimum shape connected to, possibly preventing an matter where the target moves, the to allow the jaws at the end of the error in the poor light. There are often software would cause the pan & tilt to manipulator arm to grab onto. writing or readable characters on the continually track it. T-handles may equally protrude from panels that can also be recognised by subsea trees and manifolds, allowing the vision software." "The next step would be to have the ROV to turn them and over-ride a camera located at the tip of the the electrical or hydraulic valve in Once this stationary handlle is manipulator. This would similarly move case of emergency or other reason. matched, and its orientation defined in to point at the hook, independently of three dimensions, the grab can reach the ROV. From the operators viewpoint, The first exercise when commencing out for the T-handle in an automated the heaving crane hook would also a job, therefore, could be to engage process. If the shape moves, the appear nearly motionless." the fingers of the jaws around the manipulator arm automatically T-handle's horizontal bar. In practice, readjusts. If the pilots wanted to grab onto however, even this relatively simple the hook, they could issue simple operation can be quite demanding A more difficult problem arises when up-down, right-left, open-close especially if the ROV is being moved the ROV and the target that the commands. These would be by subsea currents. manipulator is attempting to grab, say, superimposed on the automatic a crane hook, are both moving. From commands. From the pilot's The co-pilot will often use the main manipulator arm to grab the handle while the pilot tries to steady the Software can assist the ROV pilot vehicle by the thrusters or sometimes by automating or semi-automating attaching the auxiliary manipulator manipulator arm movement in three arm to any bars mounted on the side dimensions of subsea equipment . This reduces relative movement between the two and makes the connection easier.

Many argue that in these days of automation, such common, routine actions should be carried out automatically. One such is Tyler Schilling, President of FMC Technologies subsidiary, Schilling Robotics.

"We are investing a lot of time and money into software solutions in order to make the job of the pilot and co-pilot a lot easier, and allow them to concentrate on the work in hand," 46 "We can use vision recognition software, to compare the image of the T-handle on the screen with the three-dimensional model in

UT3 September 2013

manipulator camera viewpoint, it would seem as if they were moving slowly in a controlled way around a stationary object. An observer from another ROV would see the manipulator constantly moving relative to the ROV and hook.

"At the moment, we are very close to achieving this. Manipulator arm with lintegral ighting and One common function carried out by camera the operator is to push a peg, such as at the end of a flying lead, into a receptacle hot stab plate. This and The approach that Schilling Robotics keeping. We are now taking that many other tooling operations involves has taken has been software-driven functionality right the tip of the an inserting movement at an angle solutions to this problem. manipulator or the tool you have of 90deg, ie,– normal to the panel. If in it. it is not exactly 90deg, damage may "We initially looked at stereo cameras occur. or laser beams to help positioning of With tool DP, the operator brings the peg correctly, but decided that this the tool close to the panel, or If the peg is not inserted into the was over-complicated. We are more whatever it is they are working receptacle correctly and is damaged, keen, on finding solutions to problems on. The software maintains the it may have to be replaced. If the that don't require the addition of more relationship between the tool and receiving receptacle is damaged, hardware." worksite. All the commands that part or all of the subsea structure may the operator provides is a relative theoretically have to be retrieved to the "We have a large installed base of motion between the tool and the surface. A clean connection, therefore, manipulators all around the world. work surface. is vital and involves all the pilots' skill. Putting a new software utility to them is really easy. Putting new hardware to "One thing we learnt over the years, "We have written software to them can be a major headache. is that in a lot of cases, fundamental automatically position the torque motion utilities provide more benefits tool or hot stab peg at exactly the Schilling Robotics has taken the to the operator than full automation. correct 90deg angle to the stab plate, approach of writing software that uses The more you fully automate regardless of the orientation of the information and makes assumptions complex processes, the more fragile ROV manipulator relative to the panel." that are safe to make about the object the automation becomes. in view. "All the user had to do is say that they "For example, the hot stab might want to move the peg up or right a "If, for instance, we look at one of the have a starfish laying over half the little, and the software should do this panels on the tree, we see a lot of receptacle hole. The fully automatic while automatically without disturbing ports that the software can recognise system might not be able to all the other degrees of freedom. as circles. If these are not exactly understand what is happening. If we circular but instead ellipsoid, we know are just providing the motion utility, Automatic interfacing is a subject that the camera is not exactly normal however, then the user can just that becomes particularly important, to the hole. simply push the Starfish to one side. especially as parts of the subsea industry are slowly gravitating towards "The software simply measures the "This is a shared control relationship working remotely or in extreme minor and the major axes of the ellipse between the human which is great conditions. and the rotation of both, and can at making decisions, formulating accurately determine the orientation of intent, and the software which A number of companies have been the camera relative to the panel. is fantastic at simultaneously looking at ways of improving or controlling the many complex simplifying underwater intervention The latest thing that Schilling is looking motions of the machine." techniques. One idea has been to introduce, maybe very early next to incorporate some sort of year, is called tool dynamic positioning. "When you get that partnership 47 sensor electronics in the peg and going and connected at the right the receptacle so that they are "For years, we have supplied ROVs levels, you can get really wonderful automatically guided together. with dynamic positioning or station productivity without a lot of training."

UT3 September 2013 Sonar

RAMS on QUAD 204

Tritech has been awarded a contract life-of-field monitoring capability and for its real-time riser and mooring line we are delighted that BP has the monitoring system (RAMS). continued confidence in our system to insist it is the real-time monitoring The Tritech has been selected system deployed on the new FPSO by Single Buoy Moorings (SBM), for Quad 204.” designer and supplier of turret mooring systems (TMS), to supply the primary safety tool for real-time CP on OLympus mooring line failure detection and riser monitoring for the new build Deepwater Corrosion Services has Floating Production Storage and provided a cathodic protection Offloading Unit (FPSO), for the BP (CP) system for the Olympus TLP’s Quad 204 development. RAMS system near the riser array wellheads and permanent guide bases (PGBs) installed in the The RAMS technology will provide deployment chutes in the FPSO turret, Mississippi Canyon in the Gulf of 24/7 real-time simultaneous following its anchoring approximately Mexico (24 total PGBs). monitoring of the presence and 161km (100mi) off the West Coast of precise position of all subsea targets Shetland, in a water depth of 350- The RetroPod XL is an anode beneath the FPSO. 450m. Tritech has contracted Subsea sled that was deployed from 7 IAS team to design, develop and Oceaneering’s ROV support vessel, Tritech is to supply a full hardware supply the deployment system. the Ocean Alliance, and installed on and software solution to comply the seabed in approximately 3000ft with detailed project specification, Angus Lugsdin, Tritech’s Business of water. This cathodic protection including DNV high availability and Development Manager for RAMS said, system, in conjunction with the redundancy requirements. In addition “The level of interest and research into existing PGB anodes, is designed to to the software’s ability to assign FPSO monitoring systems and asset provide protection for 45 years. user-defined alarms for early warning integrity management has heightened failure detections, data gathered amongst operators as the number of Four RetroPod XL units were from the RAMS system’s continuous FPSOs in operation has grown. deployed around the perimeter of the real-time monitoring will be analysed well bay. To reduce the number of for asset fatigue studies. This has shown an increased subsea lifts, each anode array was requirement for a real-time monitoring designed to accommodate 6 wells The RAMS system will be safely solution which can actively monitor by use of the RetroClamp electro- deployed through dedicated the asset. Tritech’s RAMS offers a full mechanical grounding clamp.

Each RetroPod-XL supports approximately 12 000lbs of aluminium anodes, arrayed to provide 32 Amps of CP current for the 45-year service life.

In addition, SunStation CP monitoring systems are contained on each RetroPod-XL to allow instant confirmation of CP readings during installation and for future integrity surveys. These solar-powered CP monitoring systems allow an ROV to take CP readings without the need to mobilise a CP probe and without the ROV flying within the tightly clustered subsea equipment. 48 The installation of these 4 RetroPod- XLs and 24 RetroClamps as well as the SunStation CP survey occurred in Read-out for a riser and mooring line monitoring system (RAMS) less than 30hrs.

UT3 September 2013 The Widest Range of Vehicles in the Industry From the two most experienced and respected brands Sub-Atlantic™ and Perry™

GLOBAL SERVICE FOOTPRINT Our worldwide network of service centers provides continued support and solutions after you take delivery. From our headquarters in Houston and Aberdeen, and our support centers in Brazil, United Arab Emirates and Singapore, we offer continued support and customized tooling solutions to our customers.

To learn how Forum can help you solve your next subsea challenge email: 49 [email protected] visit: www.f-e-t.com/subsea

UT3 September 2013

FOR255 UT Subsea Ad_022713.indd 1 2/27/13 11:57 AM Sonar

Imagenex Release

In recent months, Canadian sonar Both models are equipped with an voltages for each of your sensors. developer Imagenex has released optional echo sounder and a built-in Sensor messages are time stamped some new additions to product line. orientation module as well as depth and stored at their native update and temperature sensors. rates with a timestamp accuracy of The new Model 878 Sidescan 100 microseconds. Sonar is the next generation in high The new DT100 Sensor Interface Relay resolution sidescan sonar. The (SIR) provides a central connection The DT100 Multibeam Echo Sounder unit runs two simultaneous sonars point for all your bathymetric sensors reaches a new performance level in on each side at different sound including sonar (1 or 2 units), global the new DT101 – a single instrument wavelengths providing enhanced positioning system (GPS), motionn integrating the sonar, motion reference image clarity. reference unity, Gyro/Heading, and unit and sound velocity sensor into Sound Velocity. one sleek and compact unit. The Model 878 “RGB” Sidescan (triple simultaneous frequencies) Powered by AC or DC, the SIR box The DT101 requires only one cable has undergone a facelift and provides DC operating for operating all three sensors. become more affordable.

Imagenex Model 878 "RGB" Sidescan Sonar with simultaneous triple frequencies (120 kHz / 260 kHz / 540 kHz)

Meridian Gyros Achieve China Type Approval

The Meridian Standard and The company has responded to this is available as surface or subsea Meridian Surveyor gyro compasses demand by pursuing a sustained versions and there are now known manufactured by Teledyne TSS have development programme that has to be more than 4000 Meridian been given type approval by the resulted in a range of products that set gyrocompasses in use aboard ships, China Classification Society. bench marks for performance while boats and submersible craft around being built to the highest standards of the world. The approval was granted after precision engineering. the Society inspectors completed The Meridian Surveyor is positioned a detailed study of the gyros, their The Meridian range is already IMO, at the top of the Teledyne TSS range performance and reliability and the Wheelmark and Russian Maritime and is a high-precision gyrocompass manufacturing processes and quality Register of Shipping approved and capable of providing dynamic control methods employed at the includes versions with High Speed heading accuracies of ±0.2o even in Teledyne TSS factory in Watford, UK. Craft certification. extreme sea conditions. With a settle time of 40 minutes, the Meridian The approval will now open the The original Surveyor is a British-built precision Chinese shipbuilding and offshore Meridian instrument capable of maintaining survey markets for these products gyrocompass heading accuracies through turn where it is expected that their was launched rates as high as 200o per second. performance and pricing will be in 2001 and welcomed. since then it By using state-of-the-art digital has achieved electronics and advanced The need for commercial shipping extensive world- manufacturing processes, exceptional 50 to carry type-approved mechanical wide sales. It reliability is built-in by Teledyne TSS gyro-compasses has maintained a so that users can benefit from a mean Meridian demand for the high quality products time between failures (MTBF) of more Surveyor gyro manufactured by Teledyne TSS. than 30 000hrs. compasses

UT3 September 2013 Outstanding Applications

Reliable imaging and ancillary equipment. We understand your underwater needs. #whatsyouruse

Gemini 720i sonar image of dolphins >

#mammaldetection Visit: www.tritech.co.uk to discover more.

B23 Visit us on Stand 6

at Offshore Europe 3 – 6 September

UK • NORTH AMERICA • BRAZIL Visit us on:

iXBlue DP-PHINS on Simar Esperança Super Wide-i SeaCam iXBlue DP-PHINS Inertial Navigation System has been Wide-i SeaCam installed on the Simar Esperança and has shown to operation offshore West Africa for Subsea 7. The system has shown to deliver a robust and secure position reference in the case of corrupted positioning from satellite systems due to ionospheric Interference.

The iXBlue system was connected to the Kongsberg K-POS DP-22 and the Kongsberg HiPAP500 system. The advanced inertial navigation technology contained within the DP-PHINS system fuses the acoustic positioning data DeepSea Power from the ultra-short baseline (USBL) with measurements & Light has of vessel rotation and acceleration to produce a blended enhanced its already position solution with smoother characteristics and a versatile Wide-i SeaCam. higher update rate than is possible from the acoustic system alone. The-newly designed version, the Super Wide-i SeaCam, has a smaller housing, proprietary Operating in 1364 m (4 475 ft) of water' GL Noble Denton lens and a dome port which eliminates vignetting and oversaw proving trials which confirmed the minimises image distortion. ability of DP-PHINS to integrate tightly with the DP system. Both This compact camera is only 104.9mm (4.13in) long, static and dynamic tests were weighs 0.23Kg (0.51 lbs) and provides an astonishing conducted, with the vessel holding 150deg horizontal by 120deg vertical field of view in position under control of the DP- water. PHINS to satisfactory tolerances. In the test, the vessel took excursions Combining the wide field of view with its low-light from the holding position, 20m North capability has created a perfect camera for day to South, East and West, followed by day underwater applications. a 360deg vessel rotation while 51 maintaining auto position. The Super Wide-i SeaCam is directly interchangeable with the standard Wide-i SeaCam and the Multi- DP-PHINS SeaCam family of cameras.

UT3 September 2013 Sonar

New Applications for 3D Sonar

ROV-mounted sonar heads are used to scan the target from different viewpoints to produce a 3D image

scanning sonar as a metrology tool," said Jon Robertson, Field Operations Manager, Blueview, "followed an appraisal of how routine 3D topographic laser scanning was carried out in the terrestrial survey industry using technology. The basic idea was to employ acoustic beams Subsea measurement on the Auk field instead of light."

In 2010, BlueView Technologies Part of its development strategy was "After research, it was soon concluded launched its 3D Mechanical to look for parallel subsea applications that high resolution sonar could pro- Scanning Sonar. This pioneering in which the technology can be duce the required angular and range imaging system was used for the used. While metrology, remains a measurements to produce a rich 3D first time by the offshore industry in key application, its potential use has point cloud with millions of data point subsea metrology applications. extended into other markets such as measurements. civil engineering, construction and port Since then, Teledyne BlueView has and harbour inspection. The data produced by this acoustic now become a part of the Teledyne system was found to be so similar to Marine Acoustic Imaging Group. "The original decision to use the optical laser data that it could be pro- cessed very successfully with optical laser software. This would enable full access to a wide range of pre-existing software tools as well as unique appli- cations combining laser and acoustic data.

"The advantage of a 3D side-elevation view of a damaged structure is clear," said Robertson, "The ability to see and quantify numerous elevation aspects including height,angle, depth etc, of

Right: A model of a 215ft steel clad steamer sunk in 1992. The vessel has posed a navigational hazard by blocking over 60% of the channel. The scans were performed to aid in removal plans. The BV-5000 was able 52 to operate over shallow obstructions A model of severely scoured bridge foundations with exposed steel H-piles below. where traditional multibeam cannot The model was used to document extents of scour and obtain volume calculations for be safely positioned. Image courtesy repair. image courtesy of Collins Engineers, Inc of Collins Engineers, Inc

UT3 September 2013 S-Boom Geophysical Systems

By harnessing the combined power of three of their AA202 Boomer Plates to provide a single pulse, the Applied Acoustics’ S-Boom System is re-defining the boundaries of shallow seismic surveying. Already recognised for producing high resolution seabed profiles, the fusion of these three transducers delivers a source level high enough to significantly increase sub-bottom penetration without loss of data quality.

Shallow water seismic reflection surveys Deep penetration >200mtr Ultra high resolution <0.25mtr Clean, stable, repeatable pulse signature Single and multi channel streamer compatible

+44 (0)1493 440355 : [email protected] : www.appliedacoustics.com

S-Boom ad_UT2.indd 1 08/02/2012 16:58:28

53

UT3 September 2013 Technical Trainer Part-time contract role Full training Locations worldwide Knowing that people are benefitting from your expertise is a fantastic feeling. It means that your knowledge is being passed on, creating the next generation of industry experts. What’s more, at Jee it’s possible to teach on your own terms, without the commitment of a full-time role. If you’re an authority in the subsea area, we can give you the freedom to work on a flexible contract basis, sharing your specialist knowledge. As well as an in-depth understanding of our field, you’ll need to be professional and authoritative, with a gift for imparting knowledge. If you’ve got the confidence and credibility, there’s no limit to what you could achieve – or what others might learn. We’re also keen to add fresh talent to our team in Engineering and Support roles. To find out more please visit: 54www.jee.co.uk/careers

REACH FURTHER

UT3 September 2013

333304_p Jee 297x210.indd 1 13/08/2012 15:15 Technical Trainer Part-time contract role Full training Locations worldwide Knowing that people are benefitting from your expertise is a fantastic feeling. It means that your knowledge is being passed on, creating the next generation of industry experts. What’s more, at Jee it’s possible to teach on A model of the main span of a bascule bridge with abandoned submarine cables scattered around the channel bottom. This model your own terms, without the commitment of aided in safely navigating an inspection diver around the debris during the inspection. Because the BV-5000 is deployed from a a full-time role. If you’re an authority in the tripod on the channel bottom, fine resolution can be obtained regardless of water depth. subsea area, we can give you the freedom to image courtesy of Collins Engineers, Inc work on a flexible contract basis, sharing your specialist knowledge. As well as an in-depth the structure and its surroundings mapping, they normally cannot to provide inspection services of the enable project managers and provide enough side elevation detail outflow tubes of a freshwater dam understanding of our field, you’ll need to be engineers to better ascertain the as-is/ to effectively determine its 'as-found' in a remote location. The inspection professional and authoritative, with a gift as-found condition of the structure. condition. was to confirm or discount the for imparting knowledge. If you’ve got the existence of debris that would confidence and credibility, there’s no limit to "Furthermore, placing the proper The key to providing project managers disrupt the outflow of water when the what you could achieve – or what others might data gathering equipment near and engineers with condition data is underwater gate doors were opened. The tubes are more than 25m deep learn. We’re also keen to add fresh talent to our the structure enables visibility into to change the perspective of the data the structure from multiple angles, collection from traditional top-down and traditional multibeam and team in Engineering and Support roles. providing critical information to vantage point, to side and bottom-up sidescan methods were ineffective from their perspective. To find out more please visit: determine the exact structural elevation vantage points. BlueView’s www.jee.co.uk/careers condition." BV5000 Mechanical Scanning Sonar can gather this critical side elevation The BV5000 captured data from There is a vital requirement to remotely data. all six outflow tubes and a single mosaic image proved that there were 55 inspect and monitor underwater structures. While these are generally One recent use of the system followed no obstructions inside the tubes suitable for bottom surveys and a contract for an engineering company back to the gate doors. REACH FURTHER

UT3 September 2013

333304_p Jee 297x210.indd 1 13/08/2012 15:15 Underwater Equipment

Kongsberg Mesotech

Kongsberg Mesotech has released The operating frequency of Titan the release of the new 1171 Series the cone transducer can be BIRNS has launched its latest Multi-Frequency High-Resolution selected by choosing one of four marine illumination system –a Fan/Cone Sonar Head, specifically different ‘pre-set’ frequencies hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide designed to produce the highest (675/900/1200/1300 kHz). (HMI) lamp system called Titan. resolution sonar images possible. This robust 4000W lamp delivers, The operating frequency of the 380,000 lumens of intensely bright Designed for imaging and profiling, fan transducer can be selected light. the scanning sonar head is intended by choosing one of three for applications where data and different ‘pre-set’ frequencies image clarity supersede any other (900/1000/1100 kHz) or by requirement, including, underwater choosing ‘tunable’ mode where construction support, site clearance the frequency can be changed and bridge and pier inspection. in 5 kHz increments. Increasing the frequency will result in The sonar head supports multi- narrower beams and sharper frequency operation on both the fan data. and cone transducers. “This new sonar head operates at high frequency to provide ultra-fine resolution data, delivering a superb image The Titan HMI light system from BIRNS quality typical of Mesotech scanning sonars,” said Bogdan The powerful lamp features a high Constantinescu, Product Group Color Rendering Index (CRI) of Ra Manager, Kongsberg Mesotech. > 90 and 6,000K color temperature. It provides massive light output, “Not only is there increased mixing mercury vapor with metal resolution but the multi- halides in a quartz-glass envelope, frequency capability and energising the resulting mixture opens up new with two tungsten electrodes of opportunities medium arc separation. for exploring the texture and The housing on this innovative new other frequency- light system is especially rugged— dependent crafted from tempered cast characteristics aluminium. The lens is powerfully of smaller constructed to withstand intensely acoustic targets rigorous salvage, security and in the underwater offshore applications, made from environment.” tempered borosilicate 19mm thick glass. Kongsberg Mesotech has also released a The BIRNS Titan also comes with new version of the a sturdy stainless steel mounting MS 1000 processing yoke, so the light can be adjusted software (Version and set in a wide range of 5.23), which supports positions. all multi-frequency sonar heads with It includes an exclusive power selectable and system which integrates BIRNS tuneable frequencies, high performance metal shell and is required to subsea connectors, and a robust 56 access the features braided shielded cable. The of the new multi- light’s output is controlled with an frequency high- advanced dimmable electronic Sonar Image resolution sonar head. ballast.

UT3 September 2013 A drive towards competitive advantage

The modern production environment demands safety, reliability and flexibility from plant and deck equipment, allowing it to cope with the wide range of variables which may occur. This is Visit our stand 4B140 at essential if high productivity is to be sustained and profit levels SPE Offshore are to be maximised. Europe 2013 AECC, Aberdeen 3rd-6th September 2013 Rexroth puts you in touch with leading engineers in heavy systems engineering incorporating hydraulic drive systems, servo drives and controls, pneumatics, linear and factory automation. The scope of Rexroth products for engineering projects is unrivalled and thanks to its application expertise, Rexroth provides a comprehensive service and unique solutions providing real competitive advantages.

Rexroth is renowned in heavy industries with its hydraulic systems technology and supporting products, enhanced now with unique Hägglunds direct hydraulic drives. This brings High quality, containerised hydraulic systems customised significant benefits such as starting with full load, low inertia, and designed to suit Offshore specifications and demanding fast response and accurately controlling torque to prevent applications. Full documentation packages and fully FAT tested overloads throughout the wide speed range with reversing and prior to delivery ensuring the time to position and commission on deck is short and economical. All self contained and bunded as dynamic braking as standard. This wide range of products and required with cooling, heating, lighting and easy to adjust its formidable engineering knowledge, ensures the best drive and maintain. and control solution for your marine and offshore operations.

Handling and deploying heavy machines underwater Complete systems for driving umbilical winches, using the unique Viking motors to control tension accurately, and the A Frames for deployment are now common in our production. As are the hydraulic components such as pumps, motors, valves and cylinders used in the large underwater machines now operating everywhere in offshore exploration and production operations.

Motors and brakes for Winches of all types and sizes Hydraulic systems are still the most versatile and compact way of powering winches. The Hagglunds motor range offers very efficient and easy ways to drive and control winches eliminating the need of gearboxes so simplifying the design and interfacing needed. Our product range is vast including valves to improve functionality with proven technology and reducing cost and piping.

Large hydraulic cylinders The offshore industry is rather special in terms of the scale of things and the environment. Rexroth provide the largest hydraulic components available with cylinders up to 1.5m bore and 24m stroke, with the new Enduroq rod coating to improve the life of the cylinders in harsh environments and unique patented Bosch Rexroth CIMS position measuring system. 57

Bosch Rexroth Ltd. 15 Cromwell Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2ES Tel: + 44 (0)1480 223 200 [email protected] www.boschrexroth.co.uk UT3 September 2013 Nexus Mk VI

MacArtney has introduced the multiplexer channels, the NEXUS MK housing is manufactured from hard NEXUS MK VI HD video and VI will allow the new ROV to carry HD anodised aluminium. multibeam sonar multiplexer. This cameras, providing optimal results can carry a large number of signals during close-visual-inspection jobs and Flange mounted connectivity over one single mode optical fibre other ROV inspections tasks. interfaces include SubConn via coarse wavelength division anodised aluminium connectors multiplexing (CWDM). Primary applications for the NEXUS and a MacArtney OptoLink fibre MK VI include the interfacing of MB- optical connector. The multiplexer is designed and built sonar heads with appurtenant survey to be a rugged, efficient and versatile sensors (eg, gyro, MRU, INS, SVS) and For depth ratings over 3000m of HD solution for interfacing a wealth up to 3 HD-camera signals on ROVs, water, the subsea pressure housing of different sensors, equipment and ROTVs, trenching vehicles, towed is manufactured from titanium subsea systems. As a frequently sledges and other kinds of underwater or high tensile Duplex steel. The selected option, the instrumentation platforms. topside multiplexer unit comes in a 19in rack mountable casing with On the NEXUS MK VI, power switching LEDs for system status indication. is software controlled and can be installed on any computer with at The NEXUS MK VI has recently least one real or USB COM port. The been acquired by UK based protocol is open and can be integrated MODUS Seabed Intervention, to NEXUS MK into customer software for monitoring VI HD video provide the telemetry interface convenience. and multibeam on a new state-of-the-art subsea sonar construction support ROV system. In order to secure optimal system multiplexer comes control, factors such as sensor power Another confirmed user of the with integrated (P)ECL status, leak alarm and telemetry link are NEXUS MK VI system is the subsea and 10/100 Ethernet cards. continuously monitored by the software. rental company and equipment Empowered by its three HD As standard, the subsea pressure specialist, Ashtead Technology.

Location tracking for Falcon Innovatum, maker of the world’s with precise manoeuvrability comes charts showing accurate cable smallest system for the location, from six thrusters, along with a fast- route and depth of burial along the tracking and survey of submarine acting control system. route. pipelines and cables, has added to its fleet of Falcon ROVs. The Innovatum model is fitted with This data is required by installation its own Smartrak system along with contractors, owners and regulatory “Adding a Cougar XT Compact,” a high-resolution imaging sonar and authorities, to ensure that the cable said managing director Terry Slater, dual-headed scanning profiler for mean is properly buried and not in danger “will bring more power to survey seabed level measurement. of being exposed to damage. work when operating inshore, in the strong currents and tidal flows of the Innovatum’s Smartrak is the southern North Sea.” only system in the world that can sense cables carrying Designed especially for working in either AC or DC current as shallow waters, the low-profile Cougar well as cables carrying no XT Compact minimises the effect of current or signal at all. It current with its reduced frame size, can also undertake passive buoyancy and weight. It has a thinner tracking of steel pipelines. Cougar XT 58 Compact 17mm tether cable that reduces fitted with the effect of drag. Its power to hold The Innovatum system creates a Smartrak steady in cross currents and work comprehensive reports and system

UT3 September 2013 SUT Houston 2013 Conference New Frontiers and Emerging Technologies

Wednesday, September 18th - Thursday, September 19th, 2013

in Houston, Texas at the Norris Conference Center, City Centre 816 Town & Country Lane, Suite 210, Houston, Texas 77024

The Society for Underwater Technology will hold the fourth Annual Subsea Technical Conference in Houston, Texas at the Norris Centre (City Centre). The aim of the conference is to identify the technical challenges and showcase solutions within the subsea arena. It will provide a forum, which will bring together diverse fi elds of science and engineering, to share ideas and to maintain high standards in marine science and technology. If you are involved in this exciting subsea industry, we urge you to regiester for this hallmark event as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming you to Houston for the SUT Subsea Technical Conference.

Major Topics Include: • ROVs • New Technology Qualifi cation • Deep Sea Mining Technology • Intervention • Arctic • Decommissioning • HIPPS • Offshore Site Investigation and • Subsea Processing Geotechnics • Subsea Boosting • Early Career Engineers • Reliability • Engineering in our Universities

For more information please contact Jodi Roberts of SUT Houston: Phone: (713) 835-6735 59 Email: [email protected]

For further details and to register see http://suthouston.com/Events

UT3 September 2013 Underwater Equipment

Subsea Cable Detection

Together with technological progress magnetic or electromagnetic sensing – much higher in salty water than in and an increasing number of offshore are predominantly used for cable and non-conductive environments. The installations there is a growing need pipeline inspection. magnetic attenuation in the ocean for better, faster and more reliable water can reduce the strength of the connections. The submarine cables The visual inspection – often performed signal inversely proportional to the not only provide a link between by a diver – is difficult, costly and risk cubed distance from the source. coastlands but also connect a prone, and assessing the burial depth rapidly increasing number of marine is practically impossible. Most of the electromagnetic methods platforms. use a deterministic approach based Recent developments in hydroacoustic on the inverse calculation to find Although marine cable technology methods make it possible to penetrate the magnetic source. They are often is developing at a fast rate, the the seabed and even differentiate sensitive to magnetic noise and methods for searching for and its structure or locate large objects. neighbouring magnetic fields, and are tracking underwater utilities have not However, these methods are often considered to be difficult to use shared this rapid progress. There is a problematic when the object is thin and unreliable. great need for a new reliable method or the object’s surface is acoustically which would be available to a wide shiny, as in the case of the modern A Penzance-based company, Subsea range of surveyors. cables. Cable Tracking, is working together with Plymouth University to alleviate The fast tracking of submarine cables The third survey method involves these problems associated with the and determination of burial depth is detecting the buried utilities by reading magnetic fields. a critical factor in ensuring adequate the change of magnetic field around protection of (and remedial work on) ferromagnetic objects or the induced Tomasz Szyrowski, a PhD researcher, these valuable assets. field from flowing currents. will be developing mathematical and statistical tools for data acquisition, Three survey methods – visual The main problem in this method is processing and interpretation of the inspection, hydroacoustic and magnetic field attenuation, which is burial depth in simulation and real time.

60

Horizontal coil response

UT3 September 2013 Based on papers published in the current issue of the Society for Underwater Technology’s journal Underwater Technology: ‘Developments in subsea power and telecommunication cables detection: Part 1 – Visual and hydroacoustic tracking’ by T Szyrowski, SK Sharma, R Sutton and GA Kennedy (31.3, pp 123–132) and ‘Developments in subsea power and telecommunication cables detection: Part 2 – Electromagnetic detection’ by T 61 Searching coils set up on the side of Szyrowski, SK Sharma, R Sutton and a survey rib GA Kennedy (31.3, pp 133–143).

UT3 September 2013 SUT

SUT London Branch Evening Meeting SUT North of England Branch Evening Meeting The Pazflor Development GADGETS & WIDGETS

Thursday, 14 March 2013 Wednesday, 20 March 2013

By Daniel Wong, Process Engineer, Wood Group Kenny By Lindsay Dunn and Mariana Socariceanu, Technip

This SUT evening presentation on 14th March involved two speakers from The evening began with an FMC Technologies detailing the challenges faced on the Pazflor Development, introduction from the Chairman, which at the time of contract award, was the largest subsea development. The Dr Alan Dobson, Research and key feature of this project was the use of two phase subsea separation – a Development Manager at Technip world first – enabling the successful extraction of production fluids. Umbilical Systems, who welcomed everyone to the SUT Gadgets and Dr Bob Allwood chaired the meeting, initially introducing the project and the Widgets seminar at the Royal Station speakers. Hildegunn McLernon started off the presentation with a video, Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne. Alan explaining FMC’s scope in the project, which included: Dobson gave a brief overview of the format, which consisted of six l 49 subsea trees ten-minute presentations with quick- l 3 four-slot production manifolds fire questions, and then went on l 3 subsea separators, each around 1000 tonnes to introduce the first speaker, Lee l the production control system and umbilical distribution system Robins. l first oil, August 2011 Lee Robins, Head of Subsea Services The crucial features of managing such a large project, which involved many at Tracerco, presented ‘A Newly different offices all over the world, were identified. A key to the project’s Developed Non-intrusive Pipeline success came from a successful initiation phase, in which the scope of work for FMC was clearly defined for the whole project. This enabled the later stages (planning, execution and closing) to run smoothly, as a strong SUT Perth Branch Evening Meeting foundation had already been set in place. Subsea Heavy Lifting McLernon also explained FMC’s successful testing philosophy, which was used for new technology qualification, and proved the novel equipment was Wednesday, 12 June, 2013 capable of delivering the planned 20 year service life. By Marin Abélanet, Perth Branch Committee Next, Terje Eiken went through the separation system for the project. Initially, The topic of the evening did attract he gave us a background as to why subsea separation was required in the an unprecedented interest in the project. The Pazflor development serves two different reservoir types; one type Perth Subsea Engineering community is a Miocene reservoir with relatively heavy crude at a relatively low pressure as some 300 engineers and other (60 bar), and at a water depth of around 1000m. As such, conventional professionals attended the Argyle Ball methods of recovery were not possible due to low reservoir pressure and Room at the Parmelia Hilton to listen to deep water depth. three very interesting presentations.

Various options were considered including multiphase pumping, gas lift and The evening was opened by SUT subsea separation. The chosen option involved two phase separation in a Chairman, Ray Farrier and chaired by vertical separator, to separate the liquid and gas phases. This enables the gas Marin Abélanet, Engineering Director phase to then flow up to the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) with Subsea 7. One presentation is vessel unassisted, whilst the liquid phase is pumped (using helico-axial already on the SUT Perth branch centrifugal pumps) to overcome the hydraulic head at the 1000m water depth. website. Other presentations will potentially be available as authorization The two phase separation increases the efficiency of the liquid pumps (by to distribute further is being sought after eliminating the need for multiphase pumping), reduces liquid slugging and from the respective clients. allows for a reduction in the operating pressure for the gas phase, taking the operating conditions outside of the hydrate formation region. Henk Jan Bakkenes, Project Manager for Heerema Marine Contractors During and after his presentation, Eiken successfully addressed a plethora of (HMC), in charge of the Ichthys questions from the engrossed audience. Project commenced the evening with an introduction of the Aegir, HMC’s Overall, a fascinating insight into the Pazflor development was given, new vessel, with her outstanding 62 conveying FMC Technologies’ achievement of successful project planning capabilities. This was followed by a through to the qualification of cutting edge technology, within the constraints presentation of the HMC’s scope on of the project. The end of the presentation gave way to some final questions, INPEX Ichthys development with a after which we retired for some cheese and wine. particular emphasis on the installation

UT3 September 2013 SUT North of England Branch Evening Meeting

By Lindsay Dunn and Mariana Socariceanu, Technip

Visualisation Tool’. This new technology data capture technology, called light who presented ‘The Multi Quick uses gamma ray scanning to detection and ranging (LiDaR). This Connecting (MQC) Tool’. The MQC determine the integrity and contents of 3D scanning is required for laser tool provides quick and effective unpiggable coated pipelines. The initial surveys and inspection on manifolds mating between subsea structures project was supported by Statoil with and pipes. It uses a camera-like and flying leads. The MQC remains some involvement from BP. The tool instrument that takes many scans from connected throughout the lifetime itself clamps around the circumference multiple locations and creates a point of the umbilical structure. The tool of the pipe and can take a 360° scan. cloud, which is similar to a 3D image is ROV- deployable, and therefore It is suitable for 300m water depth, but is made up of many points based is designed to have a highly pipes of 20”–28” diameter, and is ROV- on a series of x, y and z values. These accurate alignment system to allow deployable only. point cloud images can be meshed mating without the likelihood of into 3D AutoCAD images, therefore damage. Various other key points The second presentation, ‘Improving this process can also be used to of the MQC tool were highlighted the Design and Fabrication Process reverse engineer a product. during the presentation, i.e. it is using 3D Laser Scanning’, was relatively lightweight (<75kg), delivered by Ben Bennett, Chief The third speaker was Steven Frazer, offers multiple stage indication to Technical Officer at Digital Surveys. Senior Development Engineer at the ROV, is able to withstand 55T 3D laser scanning uses advanced Technip Umbilical Systems (TUS), separation force and is capable of holding 17 off ½” standard couplings. SUT Perth Branch Evening Meeting The fourth presentation, ‘An introduction to MaXccess’, was Subsea Heavy Lifting presented by Steve Binney, Senior Engineer at Osbit Power. The MaXccess range was developed By Marin Abélanet, Perth Branch Committee as it can be extremely dangerous of the Riser Support Structure, which, members the Subsea 7 experience when stepping from an offshore with its impressive 7000 t mass, of installation for the first subsea platform to a boat due to the landed perfectly in the evening theme separation systems installed in West difference in movement between of Subsea Heavy Lifting. Africa during the development of the two. MaXccess provides a safer the Pazflor project offshore Angola. and secure transfer system that Questions post presentation needed He also described the plan for the clamps from the boat to the buffer to be held back to make sure we could installation of the large subsea tubes of the offshore structure. respect the prescribed timing. structures that will be deployed on Once clamped the system extends Ben Witton, Subsea Installation the IO Jansz at a record 1300m ½m between the vessel to create a Engineer, consultant for operators, water depth. safe distance. It allows rotation but delivered a very lively and interesting not translations, therefore the force talk about applicable Rules and The presentations concluded at is kept to a minimum. MaXccess Regulations in Lifting in Australian approximately 7.30 pm at which have been designed to be low tech waters. He highlighted the particular time, Ray Farrier, SUT Chairmen, and relatively simple to use. They differences of lifting in air and through closed the evening by thanking are designed to be compatible the water column explaining the theory the presenters and the public for with already existing wind farm of resonances. He concluded with all the very good presentations structures and can readily integrate a clarification on dropped objects and associated questions and with most vessels. cone and lift offset required during discussions. He also reminded all the first step of subsea lift which is present about the forthcoming SUT The next presentation was on ’The overboarding and lowering loads clear events for 2013 and encouraged Inspection of Flexible Risers using of subsea assets. all of us to continue our strong Ultrasonic Scanning Technology’ participation. Afterwards the which was presented by Andrew Guillaume Allegret, Engineering participants enjoyed networking over Lake, SURF Director at Flexlife. Manager for Subsea 7 Australia and drinks and nibbles provided by the Ultrasonic scanning technology is 63 New Zealand, gave the 3rd and evening sponsors, Heerema Marine used to detect flooding, corrosion last presentation of the evening. Contractors and Subsea 7, until after and degradations in flexible He shared with enthusiasm to SUT 9.00 pm. pipes. This technology can scan

UT3 September 2013 SUT In Depth

What is SUT In-Depth’? SUT In Depth is a series of collaborative technology events which will address specific ocean, subsea and deep water industry issues and challenges.

The aim is to bring together the best minds and expertise in a particular area of technology – both management and operational – to address the topics in a relaxed and more informal setting.

These events are highly participatory and future looking with a strictly limited number of attendees. Attendees will be asked to come prepared to contribute their knowledge and experience to further the development of the technology being discussed.

Summit style sessions will be facilitated by senior level industry professionals and technologists who are experts in their field.

An important aspect of the event will be networking with peers both one-to-one and in small groups.

SUBSEA POWER – BEYOND CURRENT LIMITATIONS 3-5 December 2013 - UK This high-level technology event aims to innovate and seek solutions to progress the development of subsea electrical power to enable and secure the future of underwater operations, principally in the offshore energy industry.

Topics include: • Electrical power requirements • Subsea power equipment – VSDs, transformers, switchgear • Connectors and cables • Control and communication • Applied technologies outlook – AC/DC, Standardisation

Summary of outcomes and results will be made available to all participants after the event.

Cost – fully residential - including hotel accommodation at South Lodge Hotel for 3 & 4 December and all meals and refreshment breaks: £1575 plus VAT

Who should participate? • The event will be of particular interest to professionals, technologists and managers working in the sphere of subsea electrical power supply - generation and transmission; developers of technology, equipment and solutions in the area of subsea power –eg VSDs, transformers, switchgear, connectors, cables, control systems; academics and researchers with an interest in subsea power issues.

• Attending an In-Depth event builds a professional network amongst peers that will last a lifetime with opportunities to interact with senior executives, senior engineers, innovators, experienced professionals and leading technologists.

• In-Depth sessions provide an excellent opportunity for early incubation of future trends and technologies.

• They offer an opportunity to establish a reputation throughout the industry that benefits both the individual and the company.

Benefits to You and Your Organisation SUT ‘In-Depth’ sessions allow you to: • Gain insight and perspective through discussions and exchanges with peers that share similar interests and 64 differing experiences. • Meet with other experts from international companies, research institutes, and universities in a confidential environment. • Form professional relationships that will continue beyond the summit.

UT3 September 2013

Steering Committee David Brookes – Senior Advisor- Subsea and Floating Systems and SUT Council (Chair), BP Peter Blake – Subsea Systems Manager, Chevron David Liney - Senior Electrical Engineer, Shell Steinar Midttveit – Leading Advisor Subsea Electrical Technology, Statoil Rob Perry – Director of Global Subsea Processing, FMC Technologies Bjoern Rasch – Head of Subsea Power, Siemens Svend Rocke Chief Consulting Engineer, Subsea Power GE Michael Scroggins - Senior Electrical Engineer, Deepwater Facilities Technology Flagship, BP Dave Wilkinson – Senior Subsea Systems Consultant – ExxonMobil

For SUT: David Liddle, Business Development Executive

Date: 3-5 December 2013 Venue: South Lodge Hotel, Sussex Preliminary Agenda

1. Conference Overview DAY 1 – Tuesday 3 December 1500 - 1800 Opening scene setting session 1400 – 1600 Free time 1930 - 2000 Networking drinks reception 1600 - 1830 Session 3 2000 Dinner 1830 – 1930 Break 2000 Dinner DAY 2 - Wednesday 4th December 0800 - 1030 Session 1 Day 3 – Thursday 5th December 1030 - 1100 Break 0800 - 1030 Session 4 1100 - 1330 Session 2 - 1100 - 1300 Session 5 1330 - 1400 Working lunch 1300 - 1400 Lunch and depart

2. Conference Guidelines SUT ‘In-Depth’ Guidelines • Participants will be invited to attend or apply to attend and attendance will be limited to approx. 60 attendees so early application is advised. • These events are highly participatory and future looking with a strictly limited number of attendees who will be asked to supply details of their relevant experience and involvement in this area of technology. • Attendees will be asked to come prepared to contribute their knowledge and experience to further the development of this technology. • Participants are expected to attend every session and remain with the group – networking time is important. • Slides/formal presentations are limited, allowing maximum time for discussions and exchange of experience. • In-Depth sessions are conducted in confidence and off the record (“Chatham House Rules”) to support the free interchange of information and ideas. • Recording of any session is prohibited. • Information disclosed at the event may not be used publicly without the originator’s permission. • A written summary of outcomes and results will be prepared for the sole benefit of delegates. This may be distributed further after the session with delegates’ agreement, at the discretion and approval of the steering committee and SUT. • This is a high level technical event and any form of commercial presentation (sales pitch) is inappropriate.

3. Registration and Contact For further details and to apply to register please send your contact details including job title to - 65

[email protected] Or tel +44 7703 485316 (Elaine Hulse - Event Organiser)

UT3 September 2013 through the sheath of the flexible and determine the location of a flood and the dimensions of armour wires. On the scan, if the annulus is flooded the armour wires become visible. The SUT Houston Learning Luncheon tool can also determine if the annulus is filled with permeated water or sea water. The tool itself is a collar that is “Mitigating Drilling Hazards in the Forties Field fitted around the circumference of the flexible pipe on installation. It allows Using Ocean Bottom Nodes”. real-time data capture and is highly accurate. The tool has been tested offshore as part of a joint industry SUT-Houston’s Offshore Site resolution 2D site surveys or project (JIP) and was found to have Investigation and Geotechnics specially processed 3D seismic an accuracy of ¼mm. Committee (OSIG) hosted a data. Although there is an Learning Luncheon on July 11, abundance of seismic data in the The final presentation, ‘Self Contained 2013, at BP’s Eldridge Three office Forties field, all of it was acquired Electrical Monitoring System for in Houston, Texas. Over 40 people after the platforms were installed. Subsea Equipment’, was presented attended the luncheon including by Gregg Smith, Electronics Design geoscientists and engineers from Hence, there was no useable Engineer at C-Kore. a variety oil and gas companies as seismic image of the shallow well as industry contractors. subsurface available in the vicinity The developed technology is to of the platforms! replace the dummy plug normally The featured speaker was Klaas fitted to the subsea equipment Koster (Apache), who gave an A novel application of Ocean Bottom connectors during deployment. Its excellent presentation entitled Seismometers (OBS) allowed purpose is to monitor the integrity of “Mitigating Drilling Hazards in the Apache to image the shallow the connected subsea equipment Forties Field Using Ocean Bottom subsurface directly underneath and that is to be checked during subsea Nodes”. around the platforms in order to makeup. The monitoring system characterize the gas risk and safely will measure insulation resistance, The shallow subsurface over the drill future wells. capacitance and continuity. Forties field is characterized by an abundance of gas accumulations. The next SUT-Houston Learning There are scheduled measurements Typically, shallow gas is readily Luncheon will be held in October taken every 10 minutes and the identified using either high- 2013. worst-case results are displayed on a visible screen. ROVs with subsea vision are used to show this information topside. The system is self powered by a battery pack and is designed to be able to lie dormant for a year before being removed at the point of makeup.

A prototype was developed that used an ODI connector, a standard battery and a 7 segment digital display. This prototype has carried out two successful field trials. The commercial unit being developed has a lithium battery pack, an OLED colour display, USB interface and a 32 GB memory. Its first deployment is scheduled for July 2013 and the unit should be available on the commercial market later this year.

The evening closed with a buffet and discussion over drinks on 66 the influence and diversity of new technologies and innovative systems Picture caption: Zenon Medina-Cetina (SUT-Houston OSIG Chair) presented which are being introduced into the Klaas Koster (Apache) with a token of appreciation for his excellent luncheon subsea sector. presentation.

UT3 September 2013 Measure Once,IRM Cut Once.

Making Impossible Jobs Possible A 12 meter spool piece metrology project for the Auk North reservoir n the North Sea was an extreme challenge since the target pipe flanges were recessed into the existing manifolds. A unique combination of Teledyne BlueView high-resolution 3D acoustic scans and Star Net terrestrial laser scans were used to provide unparalleled accuracy for subsequent manufacture and installation of the spool piece. Using the combined data the manufactured spool piece was installed with a perfect fit. First time. Every time. Any condition.

Contact: [email protected] 67 +1 206-826-5844 www.blueview.com

UT3 September 2013 Optimize. Accelerate. Maximize. For the life of the field.

FMC Technologies delivers complete life cycle support to optimize the operations of subsea fields. Our boosting and monitoring technologies accelerate production. And our subsea processing and intervention services maximize recovery in the most difficult subsea reservoirs. Wherever the field, whatever the challenge, we’re with you every day, in every way. For the life of the field.

Multiphase Subsea Copyright © FMC Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Boosting System (with Sulzer Pumps)

Condition Performance 68 Monitoring www.fmctechnologies.com

UT3 September 2013