August 2012 UT3 The magazine of the Society for Underwater Technology

Pipelay Vessel Underwater Vehicles Sonar

1 UT2 August 2012 UT2 August 2012 2 Contents August 2012 UT2 The magazine of the Society for Underwater Technology For a PDF version of this document that can be

Pipelay Vessel Underwater Vehicles uploaded onto an Ipad, Sonar please send an email to 1 UT2 May 2012 The Seven Borealis August 2012 [email protected] Vol 7 No 3

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Advertising: Stephen Habermel 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 Production: Sue Denham prohibited. The publisher and the SUT assumes no responsibility for unsolicited Design Angus McOatup material, nor responsibility for content of any advertisement, particularly infringement of copyrights, trademarks, intellectual property rights and 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. ISSN: 1752-0592

3 UT2 August 2012 News News

Teledyne Blueview GE Naxys BlueView Technologies has entered GE has entered into an agreement will strengthen CEONA’s ability to into an agreement to be acquired by to acquire Naxys. The company win and execute business. Primarily Teledyne RD Instruments USA. develops and supplies leak detection based in Aberdeen, PDi will provide and condition monitoring sensors the systems, infrastructure and BlueView delivers instrumentation based on proprietary, passive expertise to grow CEONA’s London for underwater vision, monitoring, acoustic hydrophone technology. based engineering team. survey, detection and navigation. Since its founding in 2005, BlueView The design of the sensing element The company recently announced its has pioneered new technologies in enables extremely sensitive and new strategy after an in depth review. compact forward-looking imaging accurate measurement of subsea It will deliver two enabling assets with sonar, microbathymetry systems acoustics. Naxys’ products allow game changing innovative delivery and 3D scanning sonar. operators to monitor the integrity of systems which will lay umbilicals, their subsea installations. flexibles and rigid reeled pipelines in BlueView’s advanced sonar 3,000 metres of water. systems are currently deployed on The acquisition, which is subject autonomous underwater vehicles to regulatory approval and other The vessels will have high transit (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles customary closing conditions, further (ROVs), surface vessels, and expands GE’s monitoring and fixed and portable platforms, and sensing solutions and will be part Moog Tritech have been adopted by leading of the company’s Measurement & In August 2012 Moog purchased manufacturers and service providers Control business. This deal is another Tritech International from Halma. to support mission critical marine step towards a stronger GE presence Tritech will now be part of the Moog operations. in Norway. Headquartered in Bergen, Components Group and report directly Norway, Naxys employs 31 people. into the Moog Components Group’s “BlueView will add novel technology Halifax operations. and unique products to our Teledyne The addition of Naxys will expand Marine group, which consists of 11 GE’s sensing and condition Tritech began its professional businesses that provide acoustic monitoring offerings and extend practice in 1991 and has experienced sensors and communication its reach into the subsea space for successful growth over the past 21 devices, harsh environment energy customers around the world. years. Moog is a worldwide designer, interconnects, and complete “GE’s global presence will allow manufacturer, and integrator of autonomous underwater vehicles,” Naxys to introduce its solutions to a precision control components and said Robert Mehrabian, chairman, worldwide customer base,” said Jens systems. president and chief executive officer Abrahamsen, CEO of Naxys. “While of Teledyne. very different in scale, these two Moog Tritech will continue to operate companies both bring outstanding as an independent business unit within innovation to bear.” Moog Components Group and there are no planned changes in business Gardline Canyon Ceona PDi philosophy or processes. Gardline Geosciences Ltd, Ceona has announced completion specialists in the offshore of the acquisition of Project Elastec /American geotechnical and geophysical Development International Limited market, and Canyon Offshore Ltd, (“PDi”). This acquisition represents Marine specialists in subsea robotics, a critical part of the CEONA strategy, Elastec/American Marine, trenching and seabed intervention, allowing us to access engineering headquartered in Carmi, IL has are extremely pleased to announce and project management capabilities acquired BoomVane technology, a 3-year strategic alliance to to enhance our offering to the expanding its range in the manufacture provide seabed drilling, sampling market. of innovative pollution control and in-situ services to complement equipment. Gardline’s existing capability in the PDi is a project, construction offshore site investigation market. and engineering management Developed and patented by ORC of services company with a long Sweden, the BoomVane is an aquatic This technology strengthens and proven track record in the paravane system that enables oil Gardline Geosciences and its sister subsea construction market. PDi recovery and debris containment company Asian Geos capabilities, has approximately 80 people, booms to be towed by a single vessel, who have an existing fleet of 7 mainly subsea engineers and as well as to deploy booms in rivers heave compensated drill vessels project management experts and, and tidal waters without boats or and 18 seabed CPT units. alongside existing offshore vessels, anchors.

Marlim field schematic UT2 August 2012 4 News

OceanWorks Turkish Subsidiary OSIL Represents Optimare Spillwitch OceanWorks International has established OceanWorks OSIL are delighted to announce that they have become Aykor Teknolojik Ürünler Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi the exclusive global representatives for the Optimare (OceanWorks Aykor) as its Turkish subsidiary. The addition Spillwatch non-contact oil detection system. of OceanWorks Aykor to the OceanWorks International group of companies represents a major milestone in the The detection of petroleum products, including crude oil, growth of the company. diesel/fuel oil, motor oil, lube oil, gasoline, food oils etc. near the water surface is widely required in industrial OceanWorks Aykor is a joint stock company established and environmental applications. in Turkey by two organizations, OceanWorks International Corporation, and Aykor who has been OceanWorks The Spillwatch system remotely detects and monitors International’s representative in Turkey since 1998 and hydrocarbons and oil on water in real-time, by detecting a provider of complex systems to international military fluorescence produced as a result of LED-based customers. excitation.

OceanWorks Aykor will focus on the design and Its innovative optical set-up and all-solid-state opto- manufacture of technologies, systems and products for electronic components guarantee high sensitivity and Subsea and Marine Engineering applications. allow maintenance free operation for a period of two years. The system automatically filters out ambient These applications are to include ship systems related to conditions (e.g. sunlight), providing highly reliable submarine rescue, diving systems including hyperbaric detection under all light, weather, and water surface chambers and related systems, as well as custom designed conditions. and built solutions to meet customer requirements. OceanWorks Aykor is fully committed to developing a The SpillWatch sensor is installed looking downwards, proven supply chain and design capability in Turkey. several meters above water level. The non-contact installation above water eases installation and The construction of the OceanWorks Aykor facility is operation and eliminates problems such as bio-fouling. curently underway in the Desbas Free Trade Zone near In the event of a spill, the SpillWatch provides an Tuzla, Istanbul with a target completion date of October 1st instant warning, enabling the automatic activation of 2012. The facility operational area will include 4670 square countermeasures, e.g. shutting off pumps or valves, feet of office space and 7748 square feet of manufacturing and notifying personnel via a variety of interfaces and and shop space. wireless options.

“We are very pleased to announce the establishment of The SpillWatch is designed and manufactured OceanWorks Aykor. This is not only an expansion in size for for deployment in rugged settings, and housings OceanWorks, but also a growth in our industry capability” manufactured to IEC/ATEX requirements (for use in said Mr. Rod Stanley, CEO of OceanWorks International. ATEX Zone 1 / Class 1 Division 1 locations) are also available. “The OceanWorks Aykor location in Turkey will also allow us to offer wide range of products, and increase our ability to SpillWatch sensors can be used as stand-alone support our global customer base”. monitors or within a network of strategically mounted sensors interconnected by the SpillMaster software. MacArtney Inc The MacArtney Underwater Technology group recently grew by combining Boston-based SubConn sales with existing Houston operations under the new name MacArtney Inc, and is now expanding its north American coverage further by opening in the Pacific North West

To head up the new North West office, MacArtney Inc. is being joined by Don Bryan, who has extensive industry experience and comes from a position as Sales Manager at AXYS Technologies. Mr Bryan holds an MBA from Royal Roads University and has worked with international sales, engineering and business development for more than 20 years.

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Ivar Aasen Edvard Grieg

The oil and gas discovery Draupne, In the white paper An industry for the The Norwegian government has located centrally in the North Sea, future – Norway’s petroleum activities, approved the development plan for the has been renamed Ivar Aasen. the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Edvard Grieg oil field. The name was chosen following stated that the procedure for naming proposals from the operator petroleum fields on the Norwegian The field is the first of several planned and feedback from the advisory continental shelf would be amended. developments in this part of the Utsira committee on names. Among the initiatives was the formation. The matter will now be appointment ofan advisory committee referred to the Storting (the Norwegian Sunnmøre-native Ivar Aasen was on names, which currently comprises parliament). a leading democratic and national Karsten Alnæs (chair), Kristin Clemet, strategist in Norway during the Per Egil Hegge and Marit Hauan. The Edvard Grieg field was discovered 1800s. He was a poet and linguist, in 2007, and lies in the middle of the but first and foremost the man “The names of large, independent North Sea, 180 kilometres west of who formulated Nynorsk (New developments have a signal effect Stavanger. The field is being developed Norwegian, one of two official written beyond the continental shelf. In using a bottom-mounted platform forms of Norwegian), based on how this case, the view was taken that for processing oil and gas. The Norwegians really spoke. the Ivar Aasen discovery should development costs total NOK 24 billion. mark and remind us that Norwegian The emergence of Nynorsk representative government is based on “Through this development, a new was part of the development of linguistic diversity, and that linguistic company will begin operating an the Norwegian nation, and of diversity has long been a characteristic independent development on the Norway’s modernisation through of our democracy,” says Minister of Norwegian continental shelf. Greater the development of representative Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten diversity on the continental shelf is government. The decision by the Moe. positive, and in line with Norway’s long- Storting (the Norwegian parliament), term petroleum policy,” says Minister of in 1885 to place Danish-Norwegian The Ivar Aasen discovery is located Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe. (Bokmål) and Nynorsk on an in the central part of the North Sea, equal footing gave Norway two around 200 kilometres west of Until now, the rights holders have official written forms of Norwegian. Stavanger. It is one of several future referred to the find as Luno, but the This step represented a radical developments at Utsirahøgda, and lies Ministry has decided to rename it the innovation in 1885. close to Grieg and Sverdrup. Edvard Grieg field. Grieg’s compositions contributed to the creation of a body of recognisably Norwegian music that became a force in the development of a Norwegian identity, and thus also a force for Norway’s independence from Sweden. Edvard Grieg gave Norway a national and international musical voice, and helped to build the nation’s identity.

“This is the start of a new chapter in Norway’s petroleum story. The expected recoverable resources in the Edvard Grieg, Draupne and Johan Sverdrup fields total 2.8 billion barrels of oil equivalents. Given the current oil price and exchange rates, this equates to around NOK 1,900 billion gross. These is an enormous sum, which will benefit all of Norwegian society,” says Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe.

The rights holders in the Edvard Grieg development are Lundin Norway AS (50%), Wintershall Norge ASA (30%) Committee Renaming the Draupne field Ivar Aasen. and RWE Dea Norge AS (20%).

UT2 August 2012 6 News

UK – Subsea Oil & Gas Industry’s Capital? Framo Booster Over 200 business leaders, government officials and members of the on Draugen press gathered at the Aberdeen Council and Shire Economic Future conference to discuss ‘Securing Investment for Success’ and heard Rod Framo Engineering, a Schlumberger Christie, CEO Subsea Systems, GE Oil & Gas, speak about the significant company, today announced that opportunity for growth in the subsea sector in the UK over the coming A/S Norske Shell has awarded the years. company a 100-million USD contract for the supply of a complete subsea “The oil and gas Industry is now developing extremely complex and multiphase booster pump system for advanced technical solutions here in Aberdeen and across the UK that will the Draugen Field in Norway. meet the challenges of safely recovering deep-sea oil and gas reserves across the globe,” Christie explained. The contract includes a complete system for topside power and “Growth in the subsea industry is currently outstripping other energy control, the power and control sectors and we can expect this growth to continue into the medium to long umbilical, and the complete subsea term, delivering economic growth for the region and energy security for pump module and manifold. the UK.” The subsea multiphase booster According to UK government statistics, oil & gas is one of the largest pump system, which will be installed investors among UK industrial sectors. It currently supports about 450,000 at some 250 meters water depth, jobs across the UK economy and the scale of the supply chain is reflected has been designed to contribute by an estimated annual turnover of £16bn. to increased oil production in the Draugen Field. Exploration and recovery of oil and gas reserves in the North Sea have created demand in the UK for new subsea engineering solutions to help “The world’s first prototype subsea address the challenges of safe and reliable performance in increasingly multiphase pump was installed hostile and complex deep-water production projects. at the Draugen Field in 1994 by Framo. We are pleased to have The experience gained from these projects in the UK will enable the Shell, a major international subsea industry to support a vital export market by meeting similar demand from player and instrumental in the provinces around the world. early phases of the development of our subsea pump systems, “The competence of skills and the quality of technology, particularly of engaging our multiphase pumps and those in the subsea sector here in Aberdeen, are very much in demand subsea process systems,” said Ole globally,” said Christie. “With the UK oil and gas export business currently Steine, managing director, Framo estimated at more than £5bn a year, we have the potential to sustain Engineering. the domestic industry well beyond the life of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).” “We look forward to the challenge entrusted to us by Shell, and we However, a report out this week says that Aberdeen must attract 120,000 are confident in the technology and recruits - the equivalent of the city’s current workforce - if it is to realise its our Framo team’s support to our potential as a global energy capital. customer for this important subsea industry milestone.” Accountants firm PwC said the recruits are needed by 2022, as almost half the industry’s workforce is now over 45. The Draugen subsea multiphase booster pump system will be Christie concluded: “The opportunity is clear but for it to be realised assembled and tested at the new Aberdeen will need to take action now and be brave about long term Framo Engineering advanced planning and investment decisions in education, infrastructure, and test facility in Hosoey, Norway. housing to cope with and sustain the levels of growth that the offshore oil Field installation is planned for the & gas Industry can provide” summer of 2014.

Background

Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF) is a public-private partnership driving economic development in the region. It brings together Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

7 UT2 August 2012 News Acquisitions

47 companies seek Norway licences

The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has said that 47 companies have shown interest in this year’s offered exploration licences in predefined areas. These are expected to be awarded in January 2013.

The Authorities received all the applications for Awards in Predefined Areas 2012 (APA 2012). A preliminary count indicates that 47 companies have applied for acreage.

This result shows that there is still considerable interest in new acreage and previously awarded and explored areas in predefined areas in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. There are as many applicants as the record year of 2008, and there are three new companies among the applicants this year.

Proximity to existing facilities means that development of small discoveries is both more profitable and faster than developments in less mature areas of the shelf. High oil prices in recent years also contributes significantly to a high level of exploration activity, which resulted in important discoveries as seen in recent years.

When the application deadline expired on 6 September, it was possible to apply for a total of 107 940 square kilometres divided among 388 blocks or parts of blocks. Large amounts of acreage are relinquished each year within the APA-area, and are included in the area the companies can apply for.

In APA 2011, the authorities received applications from 43 companies for acreage totalling 108 430 square kilometres. Of this, 21 372 square kilometres was awarded in early 2012.

The APA scheme contributes to better and faster exploration of mature areas on the Norwegian shelf. New players with new ideas and exploration targets have yielded more new discoveries in mature areas of the Norwegian shelf. The scheme ensures that the industry has regular access to prospective acreage, and that acreage is relinquished and made available to new players in a timely manner.

l In June, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) has announced the 22 nd licensing round on the Norwegian shelf. Eighty-six blocks/parts of blocks are being announced in this round; 14 in the Norwegian Sea and 72 in the Barents Sea.

“The interest in exploring in the Barents Sea has increased considerably after Statoil and the licence partners found oil and gas on “Skrugard” (7220/8-1) in 2011. More exploration is now taking place throughout the southern Barents Sea, and there is renewed optimism and expectation of discoveries. This licensing round will contribute to maintaining the activity level in this area and to clarifying the resource potential in the Barents Sea,” says Sissel Eriksen, exploration director in the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

The application deadline is 4 December 2012 at 12:00. The Government intends to award new production licences before summer 2013.

UT2 August 2012 8 News

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Bøyla

Marathon Oil Norge has awarded the construction of the subsea system spools, manufacturing and installing the Technip an engineering, and connect it to the existing Alvheim flexible jumpers and umbilicals, tie-in by procurement, installation and subsea facilities, located 28km divers, trenching and rockdumping. commissioning contract for the away. It covers the fabrication and Bøyla field development in the reeled installation of a pipe-in-pipe Technip’s operating centre in Oslo, Norway, will North Sea. Bøyla is located 225km production flowline, a plastic lined execute the contract. Offshore construction will west of Stavanger, Norway, in a water injection flowline and a gas lift take place in 2014 with several vessels from water depth of 120m. flowline. Technip’s fleet, including the Deep Energy and the Skandi Arctic. The €300 million contract includes The contract also includes the all activities necessary to complete fabrication and installation of rigid KD Marine

The Deep Energy KD Marine will be completeing work for Marathon Oil UK LLC in September. The contract is to carry out subsea work on Marathon Oil’s East Brae platform in the North Sea.

KD Marine will use their custom built Daughter Craft, which will be launched from a larger support vessel, to move into various positions under the platform where a crew will dive to 15 to carry out observation and renovation work.

The work is not possible from a Diving Support Vessel, so the Daughter Craft is used, so that it can manouvre into areas under the platform.

NetSurvey

NetSurvey (part of MMT Group) has recently passed their certification audit and are now certified according to the quality, environmental and working environment standards.

The certification was conducted by INTERTEK and is according to the ISO Drilling Riser Contract 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS Aker Solutions has won a contract The drilling riser system is scheduled 18001:2007 standards. MMT Group´s Quality to deliver a deepwater drilling riser to be delivered in the autumn of Management System is entirely web based system to Atwood Oceanics. The 2013. Aker Solutions had previously and accessible via internet at our offices and contract value is undisclosed. delivered risers to the Atwood on the vessels. NetSurvey has been included Osprey and Atwood Condor in the MMT Group´s certificate. The CLIP riser enables a faster drilling units. Another two drilling connection and disconnection of riser systems are currently being Duncan Mallace, Managing Director at the riser joints, which improves produced for the Atwood Advantage NetSurvey stated: “NetSurvey has achieved operational efficiency and safety. and Atwood Achiever units. certification in a very short time frame which is testimony to the ease of use and Drilling risers manufactured at Port Klang, Malaysia completeness of the system that MMT Group has in place and also the dedication of our fantastic personnel.

This opens up a much larger client base in the fields of Oil & Gas and Offshore Renewables and will lead to significant expansion of the UK office”.

Marlim field schematic UT2 August 2012 10 11 UT2 August 2012 News News

Cygnus Operator GDF SUEZ has made ETS pipeline system to the Bacton gas and Hansa Hydrocarbons Limited significant progress towards terminal in North Norfolk. First gas is (19%). First gas is scheduled for late developing two major operated expected in late 2015. 2013 and gross 2P reserves amount projects in the UK, Cygnus and to 2 billion cubic meters. Juliet, that illustrate its ongoing The UK Government’s recently ambition to be a leading E&P announced shallow water gas field The Juliet development will company in the region. allowance provided the certainty and comprise two horizontal subsea confidence for GDF SUEZ and its wells tied back some 22 km to GDF SUEZ has a significant portfolio partners to proceed with the planning the Pickerill A platform operated in the UK North Sea and West of and preparation of Cygnus pending UK by Perenco UK Ltd. Existing Shetland with over 40 licences, 16 of Government approval. infrastructure will then transport which it operates. Cygnus and Juliet the Juliet gas to the Theddlethorpe are two of the major projects that Juliet, located 39 km east of the terminal on the Lincolnshire coast. GDF SUEZ is currently developing. Lincolnshire coastline received sanction Cygnus, the largest discovery in the in June 2012 and will be operated by GDF SUEZ has 344 licences of Southern North Sea in the last 25 GDF SUEZ (51.56%) in partnership which 56% are operated by the years, is due to meet the demand with First Oil Expro Limited (29.44%) company. for nearly one and a half million UK homes at peak production, accounting for around 5% of the UK gas production in 2016.

Jean-Marie Dauger, Executive Vice- President of GDF SUEZ in charge of the Global Gas & LNG Business Line said: “GDF SUEZ is an increasingly significant player in oil and gas exploration and production in the UK Continental Shelf. Cygnus and Juliet are important projects for the UK gas industry. It also demonstrates our commitment to the North Sea, where GDF SUEZ is a key player not only in the UK but also in the Netherlands and in Norway.”

Cygnus is located in the Southern North Sea, 150 km off the coast of England and will be operated by GDF SUEZ (38.75%), with partners Centrica Energy (48.75%) and Bayerngas (12.5%).

With 2P reserves amounting to approximately 18 billion cubic meters, Cygnus is the sixth largest gas field in the UK by remaining reserves. The project will require 1.7 billion Euros of investment and deliver 4,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction phase.

The detailed development concept for the Cygnus field consists of two drilling centres, four platforms and initially ten development wells; the planned export route is through the The Cygnus field

UT2 August 2012 12 News

Acoustic Drill Rig Positioning Egina Nautronix have been awarded significant orders to supply J P Kenny and MCS Kenny, , alongside Nigerian NASDrill RS925 deepwater acoustic positioning systems for engineering company Dover Engineering, are Noble Corporation’s three new ultra-deepwater drillships due completing the first comprehensive Front End for delivery second and fourth quarters of 2013, and second Engineering Design (FEED) undertaken locally in quarter of 2014 respectively. Nigeria for the Total Egina Field development in deepwater, offshore Nigeria. These new rigs will be constructed at Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, Korea and are based on a Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd awarded the subsea Hyundai Gusto P10000 design. The rigs will have DP-3 FEED to Dover Engineering in July 2009, and Dover station keeping abilities and the ability to handle two contracted J P Kenny and MCS Kenny to support the complete BOP systems allowing for operation in water depths project delivery. The subsea scope of work included of up to 12,000 feet. comprehensive design studies and engineering assessments, development of specifications, Mark Patterson, Nautronix CEO, commented “we are documentation and technology studies, relating to the delighted to secure these orders. This marks the first time design of the umbilicals, flowlines, risers and the subsea that Noble has selected our ADS2 acoustic positioning production systems for the Egina Development. systems and is further recognition the industry recognises the benefits our established digital ADS2 products offer and The Egina Field - Discovered in 2003, it is situated confirms our statement that our Digital Acoustics are the offshore Nigeria within the Oil Mining Lease (OML) Global leader”. -130, 200 km from Port Harcourt, in water depths up to 1750m. Nautronix received orders for their NASDrill RS925 systems through a well known Norwegian DP Supplier who will supply The Greater Egina development consists of the Egina their Dynamic Positioning (DP) System for these vessels. Main, Egina South and Preowei Fields, with the current These systems have been designed specifically to meet the development only covering the Egina Main Field – Egina requirements for a reliable, stable DP and position reference South and Preowei are intended to be future tie-backs. system for demanding offshore operations, in particular deepwater drilling vessels. The Egina field is being developed by TOTAL Upstream Nigeria Ltd (TUPNI), with partners NNPC, CNOOC, NASDrill RS925 combines the two most accurate deepwater Sapetro and Petrobras. acoustic positioning technologies – Short Baseline (SBL) and Long Baseline (LBL) - to calculate multiple independent position solutions providing reliable, repeatable input to the l JP Kenny is to carry out front end engineering vessel DP system; with SBL mode providing accuracies of design (FEED) for the Subsea Development of Apache’s 0.15% slant range and LBL mode providing accuracies up to largest-ever gas project, the Julimar Development 1m RMS independent of water depth. Project in the Carnarvon basin, offshore Western Australia. The Noble vessels will be fitted with dual redundant, six- hydrophone NASDrill RS925 systems offering significant Apache, one of Australia’s most active offshore oil & built-in redundancy in both topside and subsea elements. gas explorers, owns a 65% operating interest in the Julimar Development Project, with KUFPEC (Kuwait The NASDrill RS925 system is complete with all external Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company) owning the interfacing to the Dynamic Positioning System for automatic remaining 35%. The development consists of three station keeping and can be used as part of an integrated gas-condensate fields, Julimar, Brunello and Grange, acoustically-aided INS positioning solution. which lie 80 km NNW off Varanus Island in water depths of up to 250m. The subsea FEED contract includes up For drilling, NASDrill RS925 also provides Differential Riser to 18 subsea wells plus subsea completions, tied back (Flex Joint) calculation and monitoring capability. Multiple to the Wheatstone Central Processing Platform. The seabed transponder groups can also be assigned to simplify combined estimated reserves of the three fields are batch drilling, where separate transponder arrays can be estimated to contain 2.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and will deployed at several locations on the seabed, allowing the eventually be developed as feedstock for the Chevron- rig to move between them without the need to collect and led Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. redeploy seabed arrays each time, saving valuable rig time. The subsea FEED contract will require over 25,000 The system is also fully upgradable to use NASeBOP and man-hours of input and will produce defined solutions NASNet® (Nautronix unique underwater GPS) in the future. for the subsea systems and the 90km of flowlines. It utilises Nautronix proprietary ADS2 (Acoustic Digital The first phase of the Julimar Development Project is Spread Spectrum) to provide high accuracy, repeatability and expected to be completed by October 2010, with the reliability for dynamic positioning of vessels. second FEED phase completing in June 2011.

13 UT2 August 2012 News News

Jumbo completed shipment of caissons for Gorgon

In August 2012, Jumbo successfully completed the transport and discharge of twenty-five MOF caissons for the Gorgon Project. These concrete caissons will form the base of the heavy lift Material Offloading Facility for the Chevron LNG Plant, to be constructed on Barrow Island in Australia.

The crew of the Jumbo Jubilee accomplished a discharge rate of one caisson per day. Jumbo’s transport solution supported the Gorgon project perfectly by reducing projects critical path activities in the development of the Material Offloading Facility. Jumbo Jubilee discharging one of The Jumbo Jubilee transported the twenty-five caissons from Port the last caissons for the MOF at Klang, Malaysia to Barrow Island, Australia in four shipments. Barrow Island. The caissons, weighing from 600t up to 700t (D: 12.5 and H: 16.8 meter), were lifted from a barge and placed in the hold of the vessel for transport. Due to the enormous hold capacity of the Jumbo Jubilee and its ability to sail with open hatches, it was possible to transport seven MOF caissons simultaneously, while maintaining a minimum ship draft. At Barrow Island, Jumbo used anchor points and mooring lines to keep the vessel in position while discharging the caissons.

Barrow Island is a ‘Class A Nature Reserve’. Jumbo developed and implemented a strict Quarantine Compliance Plan, including an extensive familiarization and environmental training program. This Environmental Compliance Program, combined with Jumbo’s “Stay Well” Program and the vigilance of the captain and crew, resulted in a project completion with zero environmental conservation incidents, zero safety incidents, and zero lost time on Jumbo’s account.

On behalf of the Saipem Leighton Consortium, DB Schenker awarded the contract to Jumbo and applauded Jumbo for performing the whole operation as planned with respect to every detail, safety, environmental conservation, transportation, mooring, and tidal discharging.

DB Schenker also awarded Jumbo an additional Gorgon related contract for the shipment of three 1,175t amine absorbers, and an 444t regenerator from Masan in Korea to Henderson in Australia, employing the Jumbo Jubilee and the Fairpartner.

The Gorgon Project

The Gorgon Project is one of the world’s largest natural gas projects and the largest single-resource project in Australian history. It is operated by Chevron and is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (approximately 47%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and Chubu Electric Power (0.417%).

UT2 August 2012 14 News

15 UT2 August 2012 News News

Ichthys Aasta Hansteen Aker Solutions has signed a processing facilities in Darwin via an Technip has received a letter of NOK440 million contract with 889km subsea pipeline. intent from Statoil for its Aasta contractor McDermott, for work on Hansteen (previously named Luva) the Ichthys gas condensate field The project is expected to produce 8.4 field development, offshore Norway, development. million tonnes liquefied natural gas in approximately 1300m (4250ft) (LNG) and 1.6 million tonnes of liquid water depth. The project will be Ichthys lies in the Browse Basin petroleum gas (LPG)/year. It will also carried out by a consortium with approximately 200km offshore, produce 100 000 barrels of condensate Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). Western Australia. The field is per day at its peak. operated by INPEX. The work covers the engineering, l Technip has been awarded a procurement, construction and The scope of work includes services contract for the Ichthys floating transportation of a spar hull and the engineering, procurement, production storage and offloading mooring systems as well as the fabrication and supply of static and (FPSO) unit which will be located in design of the steel catenary risers. dynamic umbilicals totalling 63km. a water depth of 250m. Technip will Equipment within this contract provide these services to contractor The Aasta Hansteen spar will be the includes five dynamic umbilicals, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine first spar in Norwegian waters, the seven static umbilicals, 36 steel Engineering (DSME). first spar concept chosen by Statoil tube flying leads, and associated and the largest ever built with a total equipment hardware. This contract covers detailed engineering hull length of 195m. and procurement assistance for the The umbilicals and flying leads will topsides facilities of the 1.2 million barrels The agreement is based upon be manufactured and delivered storage capacity vessel. the plan for development and from Aker Solutions’ facility in Moss, operation’s (PDO) approval, Norway. Work will be supported by The condensate will be pumped to the expected early 2013 for a start-up the project management, design FPSO, from which it will be transferred late 2016. and engineering teams in Fornebu, to tankers for delivery to market. Norway. The expected delivery date This award follows the successful is Q4 2014. execution by Technip of the front- Gullfaks South end engineering and design. The Gas from the will undergo preliminary Aasta Hansteen spar hull is the processing offshore to remove water FMC has signed an agreement 16th to be executed by Technip (out and extract condensate. The gas with Statoil for the manufacture of nineteen worldwide). will then be exported to onshore and supply of subsea production equipment to support the Gullfaks Ichthys Umbilicals South field development.

The contract has an estimated value of $200 million in revenue to FMC Technologies.

Gullfaks South will be developed as a fast-track project in blocks 34/10 and 33/12 in the North Sea, in water depths between 425 and 720ft (130–220m).

FMC’s scope of supply includes seven subsea production trees, seven wellhead systems, two integrated protection structures with manifolds, and additional controls and equipment.

The systems will be supplied from the Company’s operations in Norway and Scotland with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2013. Aasta Hansteen Spar

UT2 August 2012 16 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: www.jee.co.uk/careers

REACH FURTHER

17 UT2 August 2012

333304_p Jee 297x210.indd 1 13/08/2012 15:15 REVEALING OE14-208 Image courtesy of MARE/TNC/CSUMB UNDERWATER DIGITAL STILLS

The all new OE14-408 Digital Stills Camera from Kongsberg Maritime provides superb image and colour quality and a range of improved features: Increased 10 Megapixel Resolution Improved Colour Depth and Dynamic Rangeange OE14-408 Digital Stills Camera shown with the On-the-Fly USB or Ethernet Image Downloadnloadnnload OE11-242 Flashgun Flexible Control Interfaces Compact Housing

When used in conjunction with Kongsberg Maritime’s dedicated Flashgun (OE11-242) the TTL through-lens flash metering gives accurate exposure control allowing you to capture strikingly revealing images.

Kongsberg Maritime Ltd OE14-208 Image courtesy of MARE/TNC/CSUMB Telephone: +44 1224 226500 Email: [email protected] Discover more at Stand N1 www.km.kongsberg.com/cameras 5 - 7 April, 2011 UT2 August 2012 18 News

Deep Orient on Belnaves

REVEALING OE14-208 Image courtesy of MARE/TNC/CSUMB UNDERWATER DIGITAL STILLS

The all new OE14-408 Digital Stills Camera from Kongsberg Maritime provides superb image and colour quality and a range of improved features: Increased 10 Megapixel Resolution Improved Colour Depth and Dynamic Rangeange OE14-408 Digital Stills Camera shown with the On-the-Fly USB or Ethernet Image Downloadnloadnnload OE11-242 Flashgun Flexible Control Interfaces Deep Orient Compact Housing

Technip, which had been actively manifolds, spools, flying leads and while the auxiliary hoist has a When used in conjunction with Kongsberg bidding work for its new vessel Deep jumpers, a mooring system and a working depth of 2000m. There are Orient, has won a contract for its use riser column. also a pair of 5t cranes. The vessel Maritime’s dedicated Flashgun (OE11-242) on the Balnaves field development in has deck payload of 3500t and a the TTL through-lens flash metering gives Australia. The ship, currently being Technip’s operating centre in Perth, deck load of 15t/m2. built at the MetalShips and Docks in Australia, will execute the contract, accurate exposure control allowing you to Vigo, Spain, is specially designed to with engineering to commence For a rapid transit time and position capture strikingly revealing images. target the work required in the Asia immediately. The project is scheduled keeping/manoeuvring when on Pacific region. to be completed during the second station, the Deep Orient has a pair half of 2013. of 1500kW tunnel thruster and a Technip was awarded the €50 million 1500kW retractable thruster forward, Belnaves contract by Apache Energy. The Deep Orient has an overall length as well as a pair of 3500kW Azipull The oil field development is located in of 135.65m, a moulded breadth of thruster aft. These give a bollard pull the Carnarvon basin, offshore North 27m and main deck depth of 9.7m. Its of 94t and a service sped of 13kt. Western Australia, in a water depth of operating draught is 6.85m. The vessel has accommodation for approximately 135m. 120 people in 85 cabins. Its main crane is a National Oilwell The contract includes the project Varco heave-compensated constant The facilities also support two Triton management, design, engineering tension knuckleboom crane rated XLX150 remotely operated vehicles. Kongsberg Maritime Ltd OE14-208 Image courtesy of MARE/TNC/CSUMB and installation of 7km of flexible at 50t at 12m radius (200t at 15m They are rail-launched port and flowlines and risers, and 3km of offshore mode). The main hoist has starboard or can be lowered through Telephone: +44 1224 226500 umbilicals. The contract also covers a maximum working depth of 3000m a 7.2m2 moonpool. Email: [email protected] Discover more at Stand N1 www.km.kongsberg.com/cameras 5 - 7 April, 2011 19 UT2 August 2012 News News Intelligently Connected Pipe (Icp) - Enabling Technology For Ultra Deep

GMC Limited, the technology focussed offshore engineering contractor has launched its Intelligently Connected Pipe (ICP).

“ICP is a major step forward in riser technology as it allows GMC to deliver fatigue resistant, lightweight, non-welded steel risers,” explains Toby Bailey, European Sales and Marketing Manager. “We are delighted to be able use the ONS event as a platform to showcase this ground breaking technology, which can remove all welding from riser and flowline construction.” Innovation runs deep

By machining the GMC mechanical connector directly onto ‘upset’ OCTG pipe joints, all welding can be removed from a steel riser system. An image showing a cross section of the connector This permits both a significant increase in fatigue life (by a factor of over 20 in comparison to a welded riser system) and the use of high grades of steel such Pipe deployed as P110 and Q125 in riser construction from a vessel to give weight savings of over 50% in comparison to a standard X65 SCR.

The use of mechanical connections in the construction of a riser also simplifies and speeds-up offshore installation reducing the overall cost of an offshore development.

In addition, the connected riser can be deployed from a wide range of suitable vessels or rigs using modular equipment, and does not require a specialized installation vessel - this further reduces costs and enables more flexibility in scheduling of the work.

“The innovative ICP technology can be used in both flowlines and risers, but we believe that its advantages are most significant for future Ultra Deep Water (UDW) developments,” says Toby Bailey. “ICP allows GMC to deliver lightweight, fatigue resistant and durable risers from field proven materials which are all key requirements for such projects.”

UT2 August 2012 20 Take your subsea projects further

Developing technology- driven solutions to meet global energy needs

Energy is at the core of Technip. With engineering, technologies and project management, on land and at sea, we safely deliver innovative energy solutions for our clients.

To find out more about Technip, its projects and available vacancies, please visit: www.technip.com

Amaralina Star arrives in Brazil

QGOG Constellation has said that its the highest technological standards of offshore operations”, said QGOG ultra-deepwater drillship Amaralina and will contribute to expanding and President Leduvy Gouvea. Star has arrived in Brazil. It will be diversifying QGOG’s expertise in ultra- operated by its subsidiary, Queiroz deepwater drilling. QGOG differentiates The Amaralina Star was built by the Galvão Óleo e Gás (QGOG). itself through deploying cutting-edge Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard, technology and a specialized and well- located in South Korea. The shipyard The unit was built to operate in ultra- trained workforce. is also currently building the Laguna deepwaters to water depths of up to Star drillship, which belongs to QGOG 10,000 feet and to drill wells depths “Operating the Amaralina Star, a state Constellation and will be operated of up to 40,000 feet. It will be able to of the art ultra-deepwater rig, is a key by QGOG. The two units have been operate in the Brazilian pre-salt area. milestone for the Company, as it will chartered to Petrobras under a six- be the first drillship we will operate, year contract, with options to renew for The Amaralina Star incorporates expanding our know-how in the area six additional years.

21 UT2 August 2012 News Acquisitions

Shell BC 10 Phase 2 Conductor Installation

InterMoor has completed the through four corner holes in a installation of electrical submersible template by self-penetration using pump (ESP) conductors for the artificial its patented Suction to Stability lift manifold as part of the Shell BC-10 (STS) method. Phase 2 project. The company was responsible for the fabrication and InterMoor used MENCK’s MHU- installation of four conductors (and 270T DWS which included a one spare). deepwater hydraulic hammer capable of providing a driving Weighing more than 70t, the 48in energy of 270kj at a water depth diameter conductors measured of 1000m (3281ft) combined with 60m in length and had a 1.5in wall MENCK’s girdle-type electro- thickness. They were fabricated at hydraulic power pack and InterMoor’s 24acre Louisiana facility. umbilical support system. Moorvision image The conductors were installed in Generating hydraulic power water depths up to 5600ft (1707m) at depth, rather than at the surface Difficulties in obtaining accurate well, off the coast of Brazil in the northern obviates the need for a hydraulic hose. pipeline and platform production data Campos Basin using DOF Subsea’s It gives provides minimal energy loss at can make this a labour-intensive and anchor handling vessel Skandi depth and low environmental impact. time-consuming process. Skolten under charter to Shell Brasil. The tolerance requirements of less The MoorVision system helps to InterMoor provided an installation than 1deg verticality and within cut the time required to gather the barge with customised launch six inches relative elevation were necessary information by accessing system. It installed conductors critical and could not be achieved by and presenting publicly available traditional jetting methods from a semi- information from the Bureau of Ocean submersible. Energy Management Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). l Intermoor has launched MoorVision, an innovative software system that provides clear, up-to-date DeepOcean photos of the infrastructure in any DeepOcean has completed pre-cut defined area in the Gulf of Mexico trenching on the Skagerrak 4 HVDC (GoM) using Google Earth. submarine interconnector project for Statnett & Energinet. The first step for drilling with a moored mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) DeepOcean provided the engineering in the GoM is to secure a permit. and project management for the This involves evaluating the risk of project in Denmark, including pre- Loading the 60m conductors damaging existing infrastructure. trench survey and pre-cut trenching of 23km of the Skagerrak 4 route. Proserv Contracts l DeepOcean was also awarded a contract by AF Group in connection Proserv has secured two major interface systems, as part of the with the removal and recycling contract wins worth in excess of £6 12-month workscope. contract for the B-11 riser platform million. The company will provide cessation project for Statoil, on subsea control systems on both The second contract, with an unnamed behalf of Gassco as operator for projects. company, involves Proserv delivering Gassled. topside and subsea manifold control The first is for Maersk Oil UK systems support on a development in The platform, which is part of a gas to support the company on the the Southern North Sea. pipeline system that transports gas Talisman-operated Clyde platform. to Europe, is located on the German Maersk is developing a 25km subsea Proserv’s team has been significantly continental shelf of the North Sea. tieback to the platform. Proserv will enhanced since the company acquired provide electro-hydraulic multiplex Weatherford’s Great Yarmouth- The estimated contract value is in subsea control systems, along with headquartered Subsea Controls excess of NOK 75 million. The work its associated topside and subsea subsidiary earlier this year. will be completed within end of 2016.

UT2 August 2012 22 23 UT2 August 2012

CAMER-1043_SUBCHO_UT2.indd 1 8/9/12 6:28 PM Installation Installation

Papa Terra Conductor Fabrication and Installation

InterMoor has completed installation of the drilling and production conductors for the Papa Terra project, announced Global President Tom Fulton. Petrobras serves as the operator of the Papa Terra concession with a 62.5 percent interest; Chevron holds the remaining 37.5 percent interest.

InterMoor was responsible for the design, procurement, fabrication and installation of 15 conductors for the project. Fabricated at InterMoor’s 24-acre, Morgan City, La., facility, the conductors are 36 inches (91 centimeters) in diameter and 187 feet (57 meters) long.

InterMoor chartered the Skandi Skolten, DOF Subsea’s Construction Anchor Handling Vessel, and the installation barge with a customized conductor launch system. For conductor driving, InterMoor used MENCK’s MHU-270T DWS which included a deepwater hydraulic hammer capable of providing a driving energy of 270 kilojoules at a water depth of 3,281 feet (1000 meters) combined with MENCK’s girdle-type electro-hydraulic power pack and umbilical support system. Generating hydraulic power at depth, rather than at the surface, means no hydraulic hose, therefore minimalizing environmental impact and energy loss.

The conductors were installed in water depths of 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) in the southern Campos Basin off the coast of Brazil. The installation took place in April 2012. InterMoor’s conductor services optimize conductor design to meet project-specific load and fatigue requirements, and the unique patented installation method allows installation without the need of a construction vessel. A standard Anchor Handling Vessel is sufficient, leading to a more economical installation off the rig’s critical path.

“We are proud to have successfully completed this important installation for Petrobras and to be part of the first offshore tension-leg, wellhead platform in Brazil,” said Fulton. “Our collaboration with sister company MENCK proved to be an effective partnership, and InterMoor remains the only company worldwide to offer a full conductor installation service in deep water.”

“InterMoor has been developing its strength in the Brazil market through our office in Rio de Janeiro, and this project completion confirms the breadth of our capabilities in the region,” added John Riggs, Managing Director for InterMoor.

UT2 August 2012 24 Installation

25 UT2 August 2012 EMAS AMC Installation Contract

EMAS AMC, the subsea division of EMAS has been awarded a contract by ABB, pursuant to an arrangement of strategic cooperation for subsea installation, for the installation of subsea power cables.

This is part of ABB’s second contract with Statoil, to supply subsea HVDC Light transmission systems to the Troll A platform in the North Sea.

UT2 August 2012 26 27 UT2 August 2012 Equipment Equipment

...... EMAS AMC Installation Contract

The Troll A concrete deepwater structure is the world’s largest natural gas production platform at 473 meters tall and weighing 1.2 million tons. It is also the tallest structure ever to be moved by mankind. The platform can produce as much as 120 million m3 of natural gas per day and contains approximately 40% of the natural gas reserves on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

“We are pleased to have been awarded the subsea power cable installation job at Troll. This demonstrates EMAS AMC´s ability to deliver high-end installation services catering to the offshore energy industry by utilising our advanced installation assets and strong engineering capabilities,” says Svein Haug, Regional Head for EMAS AMC Europe and Africa.

The scope of work for EMAS AMC is to install one HVAC subsea cable and two circuits of HVDC subsea cables from Troll A to the land station, Kollsnes. The platform has received power from shore since 2005. The increase in power provided by the new cables will provide power to run two compressor drive systems, which will improve production capacity and extend the lifespan of the platform.

Cable installation operations will be performed during Q2 2014, using EMAS AMC’s Lewek Connector (formerly named AMC Connector), currently the world’s largest cable installation vessel in terms of size and payload capacity. EMAS AMC currently has a long-term agreement with ABB for the Lewek Connector in connection with the installation of power cables and related services.

The Lewek Connector is a newly-built, ultra- deepwater, multipurpose, flex-lay subsea construction and umbilical installation vessel. The vessel has a unique pay load capacity of 9000t.

The Lewek Connector also has bundle-lay capability, which allows for the laying of several cables simultaneously.

“The large pay load capacity increases the efficiency of cable-laying operations by avoiding the time-consuming splicing of cables and reducing the need to reload products. Fitted with bundle-lay capability, the Lewek Connector is one of the most efficient and complete installation vessels in the market.” said Haug.

UT2 August 2012 28 Equipment

Balletc Moors Usan FPSO

Balltec Ltd, the UK based supplier of the MoorLOK ball and taper mooring connector, has successfully completed the supply and installation of 41 MoorLOK subsea mooring connectors (SMCs) for the Total USAN ‘FPSO’ and System ‘O’ projects. The MoorLOKs are moored in 3000ft of water off the South East Nigerian coast.

Balltec, which was contracted by Saipem, started the installation of the SMCs in four distinct areas of the USAN project, the FPSO, SPM Buoy, Offloading Lines (OOL) and Back up Lines (BUL) in the first quarter of 2011. This is the single biggest MoorLOK project to date and the highest Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) Balltec has worked to since being established in 2004.

The mooring of the FPSO vessel, using sixteen 18,033kN MoorLOK connectors started in the first quarter of 2011 and was completed in time for System ‘O’ to be moored in the second quarter. The System ‘O’ contract included the supply of eight 10,000kN MoorLOKs for the assembly tendons and four 12 000kN MoorLOKs for the top tethers. Four 6000kN MoorLOKs were supplied for back-up lines and the SPM buoy required nine 8 000kN MoorLOK connectors.

Extensive testing was carried out on the project, following the requirements from Total, the USAN project operators.

A MoorLOK connector

29 UT2 August 2012 News News

Spar Hull Installation Contract Rowan Drillship

McDermott has been awarded installation of four new generators, six Rowan has exercised its option to a contract by Williams Partners new thrusters, new DP controls, as well build a fourth GustoMSC P10,000 for transportation and installation as a new active heave compensated design ultra-deepwater drillship with services for a Spar hull in the Gulf deep water lowering system mounted Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. of Mexico. in the crane and designed for loads to a (“HHI”) with delivery scheduled in water depth of 11,000 feet. March 2015. McDermott will transport and install The cost for this rig, including the Gulfstar FPS GS-1 Spar hull and commissioning, project management moorings. Located approximately and spares, but excluding 150 miles offshore, the Spar capitalized interest, is estimated to platform is destined for the Gulf of be approximately $620 million. Mexico’s Mississippi Canyon and Ocean Installer will sit in approximately 4,200 feet This cost compares to peer of water. companies’ previously announced on Corrib 12,000 ft capable rigs equipped with “McDermott’s involvement on Ocean Installer has just successfully 10,000 ft of riser. Rowan plans to Spar projects extends decades completed a contract for a pipeline equip its drillships with 2,000 feet of and ranges from full engineering, survey and boulder relocation at the additional riser to enable operations procurement, construction Corrib field. in water depths up to 12,000 feet and installation experience, to upon delivery. Each drillship will installation of hulls, moorings or The job was part of the development also be equipped with a second topsides only, including some of the of the Corrib gas field and the contract BOP for minimizing non-productive first Spar platforms in the Gulf of covered the survey of a 20-inch, time. Mexico,” said Steven W. Roll, Vice 83km long offshore pipeline and the President and General Manager, relocation of about 250 boulders, The Company will also incur Atlantic of McDermott. clearing a 12-metre wide corridor in an operational training and personnel umbilical lay route. ramp-up costs in readying the “Our experience with classic drillships to commence well Spar installation and synthetic The work commenced in early August operations. Expected costs for mooring deployment, as well as and was successfully completed the additional riser, BOP and our overall competitiveness on the last week using the highly efficient training and ramp-up costs will be project, gave us the leading edge,” construction support vessel (CSV) approximately $75 million. Total cost explained Roll. Normand Clipper. for the Company’s fourth drillship will be approximately six percent higher McDermott’s recently improved - We are very pleased that Shell than the Company’s first three DB50 vessel will install the moorings chose Ocean Installer for this survey drillships primarily due to equipment before transporting the classic- work and that it was completed on price increases and projected labor design Spar hull to the installation time and without any issues. This cost increases. The agreement site where it will be upended reflects the good working relation our with HHI also includes an option for and ballasted before installing a two companies are developing, says a similar fifth drillship exercisable temporary work deck. The offshore Steinar Riise, CEO of Ocean Installer. in the fourth quarter of 2012, for campaign is expected to begin in delivery in the third quarter of 2015. the third quarter of 2013. The Corrib field is located in the Atlantic on the west coast of Ireland Matt Ralls, President and Chief “We have invested more than in blocks 18/20 and 18/25. Maximum Executive Officer, commented, “We $150 million to improve our well water depth is approx. 357m. Shell are very pleased to add a fourth established deepwater combination E&P Ireland Ltd. has the operatorship ultra-deepwater drillship to our heavy lift and pipelay vessel DB50, of the Corrib field. Shell E&P Ireland fleet. The recent three-year contract by enhancing the power and Ltd. is the developer of the Corrib obtained for our first drillship, the propulsion systems, and adding a gas project, while Statoil Exploration Rowan Renaissance, and strong new deepwater lowering system,” (36.5%) and Vermilion Energy (18.5%) customer enthusiasm for Rowan’s explained Roll. are partners. history of operational excellence, high-specification drillship design DB50 is expected to deliver a Gas from the Corrib Field, which is and experienced deepwater team, greater level of reliability and expected to flow in late 2014 or early reaffirms our confidence in our versatility for subsea and platform 2015, has the potential to supply up to expansion into the ultra-deepwater completion projects since the 60% of Ireland’s gas needs at peak. market.”

UT2 August 2012 30 News

Recovering the Swedish Warship ‘MARS’ MMT is surveying the area in which a prized 16th century warship was recently discovered. MMT’s M/V Askholmen & Triad are currently being used to support further research and investigation of this historical wreck which lies 70m below the surface of the Baltic Sea.

In 1564, Swedish warship Mars met its lonely fate at the bottom of the Baltic where it has since remained – until now.

Deep Sea Productions along with Ocean Discovery, MARIS and Sjöhistoriska museet are working onboard MMT’s survey vessels and are investigating this valuable piece of archeological evidence.

The investigation is underway north of Öland where a major naval battle took place between Sweden and the allied forces of the German state of Lübeck and Denmark. Diver investing the damage on Mars. Photo: Tomasz Stachura Once the largest warship ever built, the Mars sank in battle against the Danish and Lübeck fleet in 1564 and is both larger and older than the famous Vasa of 1628.

Although the ship’s bow was destroyed in battle, the rest of ship is remarkably intact after 448 years underwater and is filled with valuable artifacts.

Such artifacts include the remnants of the tools and utensils used by the 600 sailors aboard as well as hundreds of bronze cannons, silver coins, and other remains of intense naval warfare.

By using Kongsberg EM2040D, MMT was able to produce the highest quality and most comprehensive data to support this project. Not only has MMT participated in this historical discovery, but this expedition was also granted an honorary visit by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf. One of the largest cannons among the wreckage. Photo: Tomasz Stachura

31 UT2 August 2012 Press Release

August 22nd 2012

Gibdock completes semi-sub project Gibdock has completed its work on the semi- submersible accommodation platform, Etesco Millennium project to be undertaken by the- the yard first in offshore almost platform15 years.

The semi-sub’s eight-month stay at the yard represented an important milestone for the Gibraltar shiprepair facility, as it continues its campaign to broaden the range of its growing offshore business.

Etesco Millennium arrived at Gibdock in October 2011 and the yard worked closely with the owner, Nazca Floatel BV and shipmanager, Okeanos BV, both of the Netherlands, in carrying out an initial inspection and then more detailed surveys to assess its condition. Subsequently, ultra high pressure work Gibdock completes semi-sub project was carried out by subs Gibdock has completed its work on by subs supplied by the owner, Gibdock is targeting offshore the semi-submersible accommodation which the yard assisted through the rig repairs as a significant new supplied by the owner, which platform, Etesco Millennium - the provision of 11,000m3 of staging. area of business and believes the yard assisted through first offshore platform project to be This part of the job incorporated it can capitalise on its strategic undertaken by the yard in almost 15 extensive blasting and cleaning, 3 geographic location in the the provision of 11,000m years. including work in the submerged tank straits of Gibraltar to win more of staging. This part of the areas, and necessary steel repair orders in this sector. The semi-sub’s eight-month stay at works to the cross braces on the job incorporated extensive the yard represented an important columns of the rig. “The Etesco Millennium is blasting and cleaning, milestone for the Gibraltar shiprepair important as it gave us a including work in the facility, as it continues its campaign Otto van Voorst, Managing Director chance to showcase our to broaden the range of its growing of Okeanos, rates Gibdock’s capabilities,” says Richard submerged tank areas, and offshore business. performance highly. He says: “There Beards, Gibdock Commercial necessary steel repair works were some technical challenges with Director. Etesco Millennium arrived at Gibdock this project but Gibdock overcame to the cross braces on the in October 2011 and the yard worked them very professionally. “We have now demonstrated columns of the rig. closely with the owner, Nazca Floatel our versatile and professional BV and shipmanager, Okeanos BV, Looking after a rig this size is not approach to handling big both of the Netherlands, in carrying Gibdock’s every day experience, but offshore assets. We are always out an initial inspection and then they worked well within the remit they willing to cooperate with the more detailed surveys to assess were given and in particular showed customer and class society, to its condition. Subsequently, ultra great flexibility in handling technical find cost effective solutions for high pressure work was carried out steel work issues.” offshore clients.”

UT2 August 2012 32 Etesco Millennium at Gibdock

33 UT2 August 2012 Arctic Arctic

Statoil and Rosneft

Statoil and Rosneft has signed President Igor Sechin. Their signing A fiscal reform package providing Shareholder and Operating represents a significant step towards incentives for the development of Agreements that will establish full implementation of the Statoil- Russian offshore , including through joint ventures for the four offshore Rosneft Cooperation Agreement. geological survey, was outlined Russian license areas included in in a Russian government decree the Cooperation Agreement signed The Shareholder and Operating of April 2012. Enactment and by the two companies in May 2012. Agreements are identical for the four implementation of these measures license areas. Rosneft will have an will facilitate the conduct of more The license areas in question are equity share of 66.67% in each of the capital intensive exploration work. Perseevsky in the Barents Sea operating joint ventures and Kashevarovsky, Lisyansky and The agreements also foresee Magadan 1 in the Sea of Okhotsk. Statoil will fund 100% of costs in the the exchange of management exploration phase, which includes and technical personnel between The agreements were signed in an obligatory work program of six the companies and the building Stavanger by Statoil CEO Helge wildcat wells to be drilled during the of competence in core E&P Lund and Rosneft Chairman and period 2016-2021. disciplines.

UT2 August 2012 34 Arctic

Rosneft and ExxonMobil Announce Arctic Drilling Platform Concept

Rosneft and ExxonMobil have then would be refloated and moved foundations or other similar class announced the selection of to other drilling sites. construction projects. Kvaerner, Vostochniy Offshore Structures a design bureau with experience Construction Yard to conduct a The agreement for the study was of this kind of work, will provide concept evaluation and feasibility signed by Igor Sechin, Rosneft design services for the project in study for a platform capable of President and Chairman of the collaboration with VOSTCO Yard. safely exploring Kara Sea’s shallow Management Board; Stephen M. waters. Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Rex Tillerson said, “ExxonMobil Exploration Company; and Alexey has been operating in the Arctic for Key attributes of the platform Kozhemyakov, CEO of Vostochniy more than 80 years and supports concept are safety and Offshore Structures Construction the continued development of environmental protection measures Yard in the presence of Russian state-of-the-art systems to protect for operating in Arctic conditions President Vladimir Putin and Rex the safety of workers and the Arctic and the ability to withstand extreme W. Tillerson, chairman and chief environment.” ice, wind, wave and temperature executive officer of ExxonMobil conditions. Corporation. The platform concept will be evaluated for use in the shallow The study will evaluate the Vostochniy Offshore Structures waters of East Prinovozemelsky feasibility of utilising a gravity base Construction Yard also known License Blocks 1, 2 and 3. The structure that could extend the as VOSTCO Yard has extensive blocks contain a total area of drilling season by several months. experience in offshore projects. The 126,000 km2 (48,600 miles2) in Designed to operate in up to 60m yard has the production capacity waters 20m (65 feet) to 200m (650 (200ft) of water, the structure with to construct foundations, including feet) deep. Semi-submersible rigs drilling equipment would be installed Russia’s largest dry dock, and would be used in water deeper on the seabed to drill a well and can be engaged to build concrete than 60m. (200 feet).

Statoil Arctic technology/R&D

Statoil is presently carrying out work seismic suitable for ice conditions. million Arctic Oil Spill Response developing technologies suitable for This technology requires support Joint Industry Programme ice conditions. The company has from optimised marine vessels, such previously solved Arctic challenges as icebreakers and purpose-built Statoil is investing USD 30 million on its Snøhvit gas project through seismic vessels. Different concepts into an integrated environmental subsea and multiphase technology. will be developed to realise this need monitoring research programme. It will be the world’s first online Snøhvit is 143km from shore and l Developing a tailor-made Arctic system that can monitor the has no offshore installations. Its drill unit. The unit will operate across environment on the seabed around subsea production facilities stand a wide range of Arctic water depths installations down to 4000m deep. on the seabed in water depths of 250–345m. In order to reduce l Carrying out one of its most While the project is relevant for costs, resources are transported ambitious Arctic research cruises all installations, it is of particular through a 143km pipeline with ever. Together with the Norwegian importance in the Arctic. The goal multiphase technology (transporting University of Science and Technology is to carry out monitoring in real unprocessed oil, gas and water (NTNU), Statoil will collect ice data time in the same pipeline). This is and test new technologies directly in the world’s longest unprocessed the field near Greenland’s east coast. The Arctic represents different multiphase pipeline. The cruise begins in September, and challenges with regards to is part of the Metocean project personnel safety. Statoil is looking Highlights of Statoil’s ongoing Arctic at concrete measures to develop technology/R&D include: l Together with several evacuation solutions for remote, international oil and gas companies, icy areas, and to develop clothing l Developing cost-effective 3D Statoil is a sponsor of the US$ 20 for Arctic operations.

35 UT2 August 2012 Equipment Equipment

Aluminium Drillpipe NHC Contract

Alcoa Oil & Gas business has Alcoa’s innovative and proprietary A specialist North-east oil and gas successfully deployed 1800m (5,905 drill pipe starts with a tapered, high industry support and training facility ft) of Aluminum Alloy Drill Pipe strength, aluminum alloy tube. This has secured a multi million pound (AADP) in the Iron Duke Well C tube is coupled with a steel tool joint contract with a major global oil and offshore Seria, Brunei. using a proprietary thermal connection gas operator. technology that allows steel tool joints Alcoa partnered with Brunei Shell to be attached to the aluminum pipe The Aberdeen-based National Petroleum, the largest oil and gas body. Alcoa produces the aluminum Hyperbaric Centre (NHC), which producer in Brunei, and AMRTUR, tubes at its Lafayette, Indiana, facility offers a range of oil and gas industry Alcoa’s service partner, on the and assembles the finished drill pipe at support and specialised training project. its Oil & Gas facility in Houston, Texas. services, has secured a three-year contract for the provision of client The well is considered among the “We are constantly challenged to representatives and diving technical most complex and deviated in the push the drilling envelope further to advisors. BSP system, with three “S” curves maximise recovery and minimize cost,” and a long horizontal section of said Shayne Dustin, BSP’s Senior Well The NHC, which has been operating approximately 5,000m, or about 3 Engineer. in the North-east for more than 20 miles long. It was successfully drilled years has secured the estimated to a total depth of 7,485 meters (4.6 “Light alloy pipe was listed as a £3million contract to manage the miles) in about 60 meters (197 feet) performance opportunity to help us diving, survey, engineering and ROV of water. tackle some of the challenges we onshore and offshore worksites, as face with reduced cantilever loading, well as providing audits and analysis “The Alcoa Aluminum Alloy Drill high torque, high drag, high sideforce, of the clients diving and ROV Pipe, which is produced in 30ft and casing wear concerns. Without systems. (9.1m) aluminium tube sections and a light alloy alternative, the furthest joined together using standard steel reaches of the platform would require a The contract will ensure the connections, is about 40%lighter than modification to well design.” compliance of all diving equipment all steel pipes and has the potential and ROV systems in line with to significantly reduce drill string hook Brunei Shell plans to use AADP on industry standards. load and related drilling torque and additional wells in Brunei. Shell is also drag,” said Jay Grissom, Alcoa Oil & planning a drilling project using AADP Consulting Manager for the NHC, Gas Marketing Director. in New Zealand. Alexander Harper, said: “Securing this contract is a major step forward for the consulting team. The department is continuing to grow and strengthen, ensuring we provide the level of specialist support to our clients as expected. Being awarded these types of contracts ensures a high level of confidence the industry has in the NHC.”

UT2 August 2012 36 Equipment

Suction Pile Contract

Fluke Engenharia wins new suction growing demand for the company’s expertise in rolling and welding heavy pile contract for Subsea 7 services from subsea contractors and pipes. The basis of our success is the Fluke Engenharia, an Acteon international oil companies alike. high quality we achieve by meeting or company, has won a new contract exceeding the standards set by the from Subsea 7 to fabricate 27 suction Laurent Maubré, managing director, main classifying entities.” piles for use in the Guará–Lula field, Fluke Engenharia, described the which is part of the pre-salt cluster contract win as an important step “As a local contractor for the in the Santos basin, offshore Brazil. forward. “This reinforces our position fabrication of high-quality subsea Fluke Engenharia will manufacture the as the main provider of subsea mooring products for the Brazilian oil products at its Macaé facilities and will anchoring systems in the Brazilian and gas industry, Fluke Engenharia deliver them over the course of 2012. market. We deliver our products is proud to be a partner to one of This is one of the most significant non- and services with 100 percent local the most important engineering, Petrobras contracts Fluke Engenharia content. Customers appreciate this procurement and construction has won to date, and it highlights the and see how they can benefit from our contractors in the pre-salt cluster.”

Huntington Suction Piles

Bladt just finished the fabrication of one suction anchor for their well-know Norwegian client Sevan Marine. The suction anchor is very similar to the 13 anchors Bladt fabricated to Sevan Marine in 2011, and the suction anchor will also head for the same destination the Huntington field, which is located in the UK sector of the North Sea.

37 UT2 August 2012 Buoyant Production Platform

Buoyant Production Platform being taken to the transportation vessel

Shanghai-based Wison Offshore & Marine Ltd and BPZ Energy has announced the successful load out and sail away of the world’s first Buoyant Tower drilling and production platform destined for installation at BPZ Energy’s Corvina field located offshore Peru.

The CX-15 platform was safely completed and successfully delivered to the Nantong, China, fabrication facility in a record 11 months. Wison’s scope included the engineering, procurement and construction of the facility’s 2500 ton Buoyant Tower hull and 1500 ton topsides facility.

This project represents not only the first use of the design, but also the first implementation of Wison’s integrated international delivery model including members from the company’s three operation centers located in Shanghai and Nantong, China, and Houston, Texas, USA.

The Buoyant Tower hull for the facility was designed and engineered through a joint venture between Wison affiliate, Horton Wison Deepwater, and GMC Limited and consists of four, ring- stiffened connected cylindrical tubes or “cells” with one central suction pile.

Each cell measures 8.4m in diameter and 60.1m long, with a total hull length, including suction pile, of 69.9m. This design, which is similar to proven cell spar technology, was a key enabler for the project due to the fact that it will not require a derrick barge for installation as it is located in a region with minimal resident offshore construction vessels.

When installed, the Buoyant Tower will support the three-level topsides facility designed by Audubon Engineering and GMC Limited and equipped to produce 12,200 barrels per day of oil, 12.8 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and inject 3,500 barrels per day of water. Additionally, the facility will be capable of supporting a drilling rig with 24 well slots.

UT2 August 2012 38 Buoyant Production Platform

39 UT2 August 2012 Buoyant Production Platform hull and topsides on the transportation vessel

UT2 August 2012 40 41 UT2 August 2012 Subsea News Subsea News Cameron Control Valve Cameron has developed a new control valve which has been designed in accordance with its all- Cameron electric CameronDC field ideology. control valve It is aimed at subsea separation and gas compression applications. “Because it is electrically actuated, the relating to the rotary movement. The ball can be positioned very precisely,” response time is also quick, fully The control valve is essentially a said John Burdick, Engineering opening to fully closing in around quarter-turn ball valve with an electric Manager, Subsea Processing at 25–30 seconds.” actuator. The actuator is a second Cameron. “The control system is generation device. programmed with preset numbers A typical application would be in a three-phase subsea bulk separation Emerson Brynhilde tank. “Typically, the wellstream would enter Emerson Process Management storage and offloading (FPSO) the tank where the gas would rise to has won a multi-million dollar platform in the UK sector is a cross- the top and the solids would sink to contact to deliver its Roxar subsea border subsea line where key data the bottom,” explained Burdick. “The instrumentation to Lundin Petroleum’s for fiscal allocation and production oil floats on the water. Within the tank Brynhild field in the North Sea. measurement are gathered subsea. is a baffle. This is placed high enough Brynhild is located northwest of Combining the Brynhild and Pierce’s for the oil to flow over the baffle and Ula and 38km north-north-east of tie-back flow will avoid the need for a the water retained behind it. the Pierce field. The water depth is dedicated riser on Brynhild. approximately 80m. “In order to optimise the separation The Roxar subsea instrumentation process, it is essential to ensure that The contract was awarded by Aker will be crucial to generating accurate the water does not escape over the Solutions and covers Roxar subsea measurement and input to fiscal baffle. This can be done by raising multiphase meters, subsea Sencorr allocation from the different flow or lowering the baffle. If the baffle pressure and temperature sensors, streams. is fixed, however, the best way to subsea chemical injection valves and control the separation is to regulate sand monitors. The Roxar subsea Multiphase individual flows exiting the tank. If meter provides continuous on- water starts to escape with the oil, Aker Solutions will use the line monitoring of the flow rates of the flow can be choked back.” instrumentation as part of a complete oil, water and gas in subsea well subsea production, with Emerson streams while the Roxar subsea There are a number of advantages of also delivering a number of downhole SenCorr pressure and temperature electrically controlled ball valves. pressure and temperature gauges (PT) sensors are built for long-life directly to Lundin. operations in harsh subsea production “The application is also far more environments. suited to electric rather than hydraulic The tieback from Brynhild to the valves. Every time a hydraulic valve Pierce field’s floating production A silicon piezoresistive sensor moves, it consumes hydraulic fluid, measures both pressure and which is ejected into the ocean and temperature from the same has to be constantly replenished. measurement bridge, giving Electrical systems, conversely, can complete temperature run continuously.” compensation of the pressure reading. “Ball valves are also more suitable than gate valves which are normally The Roxar subsea chemical located in positions where they are Injection valve (high flow) is used only required to move occasionally - to control the injection of inhibitors sometimes months or even years. while the Roxar sand monitor is a non-intrusive acoustic sand Another feature of the electric system monitoring system that enables is that the position sensor is accurate operators to optimise production to a tenth of a degree. This allows it by enabling the determination a fine control of the wellstream flow. of maximum sand-free rates At the moment, the system has been or maximum acceptable sand developed for a 4in valve, but it is Emerson process measurement suite production rates. easily scalable for a 10-12in version.

UT2 August 2012 42 REVEALING OE14-208 Image courtesy of MARE/TNC/CSUMB UNDERWATER DIGITAL STILLS

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Kongsberg Maritime Ltd OE14-208 Image courtesy of MARE/TNC/CSUMB Telephone: +44 1224 226500 Email: [email protected] Discover more at Stand N1 www.km.kongsberg.com/cameras 5 - 7 April, 2011 43 UT2 August 2012 News Dewatering Riser Pipeline Isolation in Valve Replacement Aquaterra Energy has completed the TDW Offshore Services (TDW) has For 11 days, the SmartPlug tool design, supply and installation of a announced a successful pipeline remained in the line, creating a platform-supported dewatering riser intervention using the SmartPlug double-block isolation. Pipeline system for Petrofac’s Kilmar platform pressure isolation tool. pressure was maintained at 90 bar in the Southern North Sea. while Talisman replaced the valve. This operation, which was carried Approached initially by Petrofac to out for Talisman Malaysia, allowed After the valve was replaced, TDW conduct a front end engineering the safe replacement of a shutdown set the third module of the SmartPlug design (FEED) study in order to valve (SDV) on a key section tool so that a test on the new valve ensure the feasibility of a dewatering of a gas export pipeline without against an operating pressure of riser system, Aquaterra secured the having to bleed down the line. It 99 bar could be performed. The full scope contract. allowed Talisman to avoid a costly SmartPlug tool was then unset and production shutdown to replace the pigged back using gas pressure from The new dewatering riser system valve. The operations were carried the pipeline. comprises four flanged riser sections, out on a 24in pipeline extending complete with integral centraliser fins between two platforms located off From mobilisation to and landing shoulders. It allows for the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. demobilisation, the entire the controlled drainage of water from operation was completed in 16 the unmanned platform’s degasser TDW formulated a solution that days. Using this technology, unit to the sea. involved using a triple module 24in Talisman was able to isolate SmartPlug pressure isolation tool their pipeline and replace the Petrofac required a dewater riser to create a double-block isolation valve, efficiently and safely. system with a minimum design life against the gas pressure in the of 10 years, that would withstand affected section, and to perform the The pressure isolation the bending moments encountered post-valve replacement pressure operation was carried out by the tidal and environmental test. After the pipeline was isolated, by TDW personnel based conditions of the Southern North the isolated section would be in Stavanger, Norway, and Sea, with little on-going maintenance depressurised, allowing the SDV to Singapore, and an independent requirement. be replaced. engineering agent of TDW in Malaysia. To ensure this longevity, all riser To execute the double-block sections were sprayed with a pressure isolation, the SmartPlug This is not the first pressure corrosion resistant coating and tool was launched and pigged with isolation operation carried out the two subsea riser sections nitrogen for approximately 20m past by TDW for Talisman Malaysia. were covered with an additional the valve and into the riser. TDW In 2006, TDW performed a marine friendly anti-fouling coating, offshore specialists then set the pressure isolation operation containing no biocides or harmful SmartPlug tool vertically in the riser. on the same pipeline and toxins, to prevent substantial marine riser attached to the platform growth. The SmartTrack system, which in order to facilitate safe uses proprietary electromagnetic installation of an adjacent riser. Aquaterra Energy also devised and extremely low frequency an alternative efficient installation (ELF) signalling technology, made TDW launched the SmartPlug procedure, in the form of a uniquely it possible to track the SmartPlug isolation tool, and pigged it with designed and fabricated ‘A’ frame tool as it travelled along the pigging gas through the riser into the hoist system to lift the dewatering route, and to monitor pressure horizontal section of the pipeline riser. throughout the entire operation. on the seabed for approximately 300m.

Cameron CNOOC A SmartPlug Cameron has signed an agreement production trees, production controls, with CNOOC for the supply of subsea one manifold, associated subsea production systems in support of the equipment, rental tooling and service Panyu 35-1/2 deepwater gas field support. Deliveries are scheduled to developments in the South China Sea. commence in 2013.

The contract is valued at This is Cameron’s second award in approximately $100 million and the the China region, Liwan 3-1 being the scope of supply includes six subsea first.

UT2 August 2012 44 Pipelay

45 UT2 August 2012 Helix Well Ops UK Takes Three-Year Charter Of Skandi Constructor

Aberdeen-based Helix Well Ops (374ft) long MSV Seawell, will lead to square metres (15,822 sq ft) and UK (Well Ops) is expanding its the creation of approximately 50 jobs features an 8m x 8m (27ft x 27ft) Europe and Africa well intervention offshore and a further 10 onshore moon-pool, a 150-tonne crane, a fleet with an investment that will over the next nine months. At the multi-purpose tower with 140-tonne create 60 jobs. moment the firm employs 70 staff in lift capability and two work class Aberdeen and a further 300 offshore. ROVs. A leading global provider of subsea well intervention, Well Ops will Launched in 2009, Skandi Well Ops will build and test, ready take control of the mono-hull Constructor is a 120-metre (393ft) for use, a specially designed version well intervention vessel Skandi long Ulstein SX121 DP3 mono- of its 7⅜” subsea intervention Constructor in spring 2013, after hull well intervention vessel that lubricator (SIL) to enable subsea well agreeing a three-year charter with features the new X-bow design. The interventions to be undertaken from DOF Subsea. 8,500-tonne vessel accommodates Skandi Constructor. up to 100 personnel and is capable The move to strengthen Well Ops’ of working in depths of up to 3,000 The SIL is a single trip well regional fleet, which currently metres (9,842ft). intervention system that provides includes the 132m (433ft) long well access, while managing Well Enhancer and the 114-metre It has a deck capacity of 1,470 containment when the well is ‘live’

UT2 August 2012 46 and under pressure. The SIL is internationally and expands our well configured to undertake work through intervention service capability.” all types of subsea xmas trees. The vessel and SIL will allow Well Ops The need for a third vessel in to provide its regional clients with a Well Ops’ fleet has been driven solution for deeper water wells and by demand from operators in the well interventions, which to date has North Sea and in other oil and gas been limited within the mono-hull producing provinces. The firm vessel market. recently secured contracts from a number of the North Sea’s major Steve Nairn, Well Ops’ regional operators to provide light well vice president of Europe and Africa, intervention and associated subsea said: “Well Ops is extremely proud services from its existing vessels to announce the addition of a third between 2013 and 2015. vessel to our fleet and it underlines our commitment to providing well Internationally, it has also received intervention services. Skandi strong interest from operators, Constructor strengthens our offering particularly in West Africa.

47 UT2 August 2012 News NewsSUT

Proserv Double Island Renews Veripos Contract Proserv has secured two major Island Offshore has awarded Veripos precision GNSS positioning facilities contract wins worth in excess of £6 a further three-year contract for and equipment to the global offshore million, underpinning the company’s continuing provision of precision industry, Veripos maintains a worldwide fast-evolving international footprint. GNSS positioning services for 16 DP operational presence supported by vessels in addition to another 6 due two fully-redundant network control One of the contract awards is to begin service in the near future. centres in Aberdeen and Singapore, for Maersk Oil UK to support the The new agreement extends the six regional offices and over 80 company on the Talisman-operated working arrangement between the two strategically-sited reference stations. Clyde platform. Maersk Oil is companies which first began in 2007. It recently acquired independent fiscal developing a 25km subsea tieback status with a listing on Oslo’s Stock to the platform and Proserv is All the vessels are being supplied Exchange, Oslo Børs. providing electro-hydraulic multiplex with Veripos’s latest Apex2 precise subsea control systems, along with point positioning service using both Commenting on the renewed contract, its associated topside and subsea GPS and Glonass networks as well Veripos Executive Vice-President interface systems, as part of the a combination of its Apex, Ultra and Commercial Richard Turner said: “It 12-month workscope. Standard services providing continuous further consolidates our long-standing GPS-derived augmentation accuracies relationship with Island Offshore and we The second contract, with an of the order of 10cm. very much look forward to continuing to unnamed company, involves Proserv provide them with the best possible and delivering topside and subsea An acknowledged leader in the most reliable of positioning services in manifold control systems support on development and supply of high- support of their DP operations”. a development in the Southern North Sea.

Proserv’s team of subsea controls experts, which has been significantly enhanced since the company acquired Weatherford’s Great Yarmouth headquartered Subsea Controls subsidiaries earlier this year, will play a key role in carrying out the work.

They will handle the provision of the electro-hydraulic multiplex subsea control systems which provides the client with the ability to control, manipulate and monitor their subsea wells from topside engineering workstations via market-leading data and communication systems.

The latest contract awards build on Proserv’s high-profile portfolio of clients and projects, and mirror the company’s global success through contracts with major operators in other international provinces including Scandinavia, the USA, Middle East, Far East and West Africa. A technician at Proserv, which has been awarded two subsea contract awards, operating the subsea controls system at the company’s Great Yarmouth facility.

UT2 August 2012 48 News

Carousel Order Ocean Installer Deep Down has been successful in Ocean Installer has just successfully DOF Subsea Asia Pacific, a subsidiary its proposal to a major international completed a contract for a pipeline of DOF ASA has been awarded a 90 umbilical manufacturer for the survey and boulder relocation at the day contract with additional 4 x 30 day manufacture, installation and Corrib field. options to conduct seabed geophysical commissioning of a portable and geotechnical investigations in the umbilical carousel. The job was part of the development South Pacific region. of the Corrib gas field and the contract The project has an estimated value covered the survey of a 20-inch, The latest addition to DOF Subsea’s of $4 million in revenue to Deep 83km long offshore pipeline and the regional fleet (the 2012 built DP2 Down and is scheduled for delivery relocation of about 250 boulders, CSV) Skandi Hawk will be the offshore in the second quarter of 2013, with clearing a 12-metre wide corridor in an work platform for the scope of work, procurement of long lead items umbilical lay route. scheduled to commence in September commencing this month. 2012. The work commenced in early August Ron Smith, Chief Executive Officer and was successfully completed of Deep Down, Inc. stated, “We are last week using the highly efficient delighted with this opportunity. We construction support vessel (CSV) currently have outstanding quotes Normand Clipper. in excess of $30 million for our Subsea 7 on Lianzi carousel design. Gas from the Corrib Field, which is Subsea 7 has been awarded an expected to flow in late 2014 or early EPIC SURF contract worth $600 2015, has the potential to supply up to million for the Lianzi field offshore 60% of Ireland’s gas needs at peak. West Africa from Chevron

Under the contract, Subsea 7 will design and procure subsea facilities Eni Service Agreement and flowlines, including a 12-inch wet insulated production flowline DOF Subsea Australia awarded three with direct electrical heating. The year Master Services Agreement by Eni company said the 27-mile flowline DOF Subsea Australia, a subsidiary of will set the record for the deepest DOF Subsea AS has been awarded a electrically heated pipe. three year Master Services Agreement contract by Eni JPDA 06-105 Pty Subsea 7 plans to use local Ltd for the Inspection, Monitoring, personnel and resources in both Maintenance and Repair (IMMR) Congo and Angola to complete the Services associated with the operation project. The majority of fabrication of the Kitan field in the Joint Petroleum work will be handled in Luanda with Development Area (JPDA) of the Timor some fabrication carried out in Lobito Sea. by Subsea 7’s Angolan joint venture. The offshore phase is scheduled to The latest addition to DOF Subsea’s begin 2H 2014. The rigid reel-lay regional fleet (the 2012 built DP2 vessel Seven Oceans has been CSV) Skandi Hawk was deployed as selected to carry out installation. the offshore work platform for the first scope of work executed under the The Lianzi field is a $2 billion cross- contract in August 2012. The scope of border deepwater development that work also includes ROV inspection and is located 65 miles (105 km) off the general field support. coast of Angola and Congo. The field will be developed as a subsea Project management and engineering tieback to Chevron’s Benguela Belize will be executed from DOF Subsea’s Lobito Tomboco (BBLT) platform Perth and Singapore offices with an inside Angola Block 14. Lianzi is emphasis on maximizing the Timor- Chevron’s first operated Congolese Leste content. asset. First production is expected by 2015. The completed development is l DOF Subsea Asia Pacific’s Skandi anticipated to produce up to 46,000 Hawk awarded 90 day contract boepd.

49 UT2 August 2012 Pipelay Pipelay

McDermott Signs Shipyard Contract for Construction for High Capacity Reeled Pipelay Vessel

Dermott International will build another high capacity reeled pipelay vessel with top-tier payload capacity, tentatively named Lay Vessel 108 (“LV108”). The vessel will be a sister ship to the recently completed subsea construction vessel the Lay Vessel North Ocean 105 (“LV105”), and is to be built to similar specifications at Metalships and Docks S.A.U. shipyard in Vigo, Spain.

“LV108 is another milestone in our vessel renewal program focusing on the subsea construction market for flexible and rigid product installation,” said Stephen M. Johnson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of McDermott. “Market analysis indicates that the subsea and deepwater construction market is expected to continue to grow and there is demand for more tonnage in both the rigid reel lay and flexible lay markets. The LV108 is expected to meet this need.”

LV108 is designed for advanced deepwater operations with a high-capacity tower for rigid and flexible pipelay and state-of-the-art marine construction equipment that will enable installation of a variety of products to a depth of 10,000 feet, including rigid-reeled pipelines, subsea components and hardware, and deepwater moorings for floating facilities as well as flexible products – cables and umbilicals.

The principal characteristics of the vessel, such as payload, tension capacity and product size, will mirror those of the LV105, but McDermott anticipates enhanced functionality of the LV108 equipment design compared to the LV105. Delivery of LV108 is anticipated to be around third quarter 2014 for outfitting of the custom-designed lay system, built by a specialist fabricator in Europe.

The vertical reel will have a nominal payload of 2,500 tons plus, subject to vessel loading conditions, and a lay tower operational between 90 and 40 degrees. The nominal tension capacity is expected to be 400 tons, and the range of pipe the vessel can install is between 4 to 16 inches diameter. This 427-foot, dynamically positioned vessel will be equipped with a 400-ton heave compensated crane, will have a transit speed of 15 knots and will operate across a range of water depths up to more than 10,000 feet.

“In May we completed building and outfitting the LV105, a vessel that aims to improve our worldwide capabilities to meet the growing needs and technical challenges of the subsea and deepwater markets. The vessel will perform its first project in Asia in up to 4,430 feet of water. We look forward to LV108 joining the LV105 and other vessels in our fleet in 2014,” said Johnson.

UT2 August 2012 50 Pipelay

McDermott Signs Shipyard Contract for Construction for High Capacity Reeled Pipelay Vessel

51 UT2 August 2012 Seven Borealis

Subsea 7 has recently taken Reel lay is similar but requires a large (SURF) contract from BG Norge, for its delivery of a flagship multipurpose alignment reel and pipe straighteners Knarr development in the Norwegian pipelay and heavy lift vessel. to get the rigid pipe into a suitable sector of the North Sea. Its unique design will make it state for deployment. competitive for a wide range of The contract is for the engineering, projects, particular laying large Major regions such as Brazil or West procurement, construction and diameter pipelines and installing Africa will require a wide combination installation of a 4.5 km flowline bundle deep water structures. of pipe constructions and diameters including standalone water injection to be laid in various water depths. A flowline, flexible riser systems, and Called the Seven Borealis, the single large field development may static and dynamic umbilicals.It will also vessel is due commence its require the same. include the transport and installation inaugural contract imminently, of a production and a water injection working in West Africa for Total. Typically, these would have to be template, as well as associated installed by a fleet of different vessels, manifolds and protection structures. Pipelay specialising in different pipelay Offshore operations planned from Disregarding pipe tow, there are techniques and working at different Summer 2013 until Spring 2014. four main ways of laying pipe, all times. In order to meet the demands of requiring specialised equipment. the modern offshore pipelay industry, it Seven Borealis would be particularly efficient if a single The construction of the Seven Borealis Laying large diameter pipe requires vessel could perform more than one dates back to 2007, when Nordic either an S-lay or type of installation. Heavy Lift and Sembawang Shipyard, J-lay vessel. announced a dynamically positioned Flex-lay, also One of the pioneers of the multi-lay heavy-lift crane vessel. The hull was demands concept was Subsea 7. Combining built by Nantong Yahua Shipbuilding specialist reel lay, flexlay and J-lay on its vessel in China and towed to Singapore for equipment Seven Seas resulted in a number further completion. By 2009, Subsea 7 including a of design accolades. The company had acquired the vessel began moves carousel and has now gone a stage further with to reposition the accommodation/ pipe tower far more challenging combination of heavy-lift construction vessel to work in with a wheel S-lay and J-lay in a single vessel, with the pipelay sector. or chute. the potential for incorporating flexlay facilities in the future. The company approached Huisman to design and build an S-lay system, The Seven In addition to pipelay, however the to add to the heavy-lift crane that Borealis Seven Borealis also supports a large it had already began work on. The Image: Ulstein mast crane for heavy lift work which incorporation of an S-lay system Sea of Solutions/ its operators claim, will ‘add a new into the original shell required a Aerolin dimension’ to its capabilities. Photo considerable amount of internal redesign and restrengthening to Borealis means ‘Pertaining to the incorporate a stinger almost 100m long North’. Its inaugural contract, however, and support the J lay tower that was will be on Total’s CLOV development in originally on the Acergy Polaris. the northern part of Block 17, Angola. There, it will carry out a demanding Since the Seven Borealis was officially work programme that could not be named at a ceremony last January done by any other single vessel. it sailed to the Netherlands, where Huisman has completed installing the It will lay 40km of pipe-in- pipelay equipment. pipe production flowlines in J-lay mode, 60km of water Pipelay Operations injection and 32km gas Halfway along the Seven Borealis is the export lines in both J-lay and landing area where the pipe is loaded. S-lay mode, and install a gas export single hybrid riser and The vessel is capable of laying pipe associated manifolds. from 4.5in–46in. These are fed onto network of roller conveyors and walking In July, Subsea 7 won a beams designed to transfer the pipe $400 million follow-up subsea around the ship. The pipe is then sent to umbilicals, risers and flowlines the buffer storage area.

UT2 August 2012 52 “A single pipe joint is normally 12.2m in out the fill-in. A gas metal arc welding length,” said Simon Gilbert, Subsea 7’s (GMAW) system is normally used. offshore manager. “Lay rates can be improved, however, by combining them “The pipe is kept under control by into 24.4m double joints. Pipes can be the pairs of tensioners,” said Gilbert. joined onshore or onboard. “These can hold a pull of 200t while accumulators ensure the pipe will not “The single/double joints are taken to slip in the event of power failure.” the bevel station where the pipe faces are prepared. This reduces the amount After the final weld is made, the end of metal that has to be deposited during stations on the firing line add field joint the weld, and speeds up the welding coatings. These include anti-corrosion process.” coatings such as a fusion bonded epoxy, or polyethylene or polypropylene It is normally a relatively complicated layers to protect the area where the procedure to change the teeth of joints were welded. Some joints have the pipe tensioners for different pipe Buffers to stabilise a thick insulation or concrete weight diameters. A design simplification on the swinging pipe coating. After the pipe is welded, the Seven Borealis’ tensioners make the gap between the coatings of this operation much less complicated. Walking beams the two consecutive joints have to to move the pipe sideways be filled in. The field joint coating of The stinger can incorporate up to three polyurethane foam or injection moulded sections, measuring 92.5m long when fully extended. The pipe is guided in Roller conveyors polypropylene is carried out at the final to move the pipe stations. place by 11 adjustable roller boxes. in a longitudinal direction The pipeline emerges from the vessel J-Lay over the stinger, which is used to Like S-lay, pipe for the J-lay is routed support the bend as it enters the water from the same buffer area. A kick- and prevents the pipe from buckling. out line however, routes it past the Pipe transport system beadstall area to the far (starboard) Abandonment and Recovery side of the vessel. S-lay If the pipe is used for S-lay, the pipe “In the event that the Seven Borealis J-lay can used 4–24in diameter is fed into the beadstall area for the has to interrupt pipelay operations, double joints up to 26m, weighing first weld to be made. The new pipe is the line has to be abandoned for up to 30t. It can also accommodate then transported onto a line up table, subsequent recovery. pipe coatings up to 620mm as well as where its face is pushed at a constant special items on the pipe measuring force against the face of the seagoing “A padeye is welded onto the up to 72in. pipe. The pipe can also be rotated and pipe end,” explained Terence repositioned to improve bevel fit-up. Vehmeijer, Manager Pipelay A trolley beam picks up the line The beadstall trolley has a transparent Systems at Husiman,” and the main and transports it up the rails of the floor and bottom lighting to help line up. abandonment and recovery (A&R) winch is attached. This gradually Once the bead welding is completed, takes over the pipe tension from it passes down the firing line to the the ship’s tensioners. The ship then next station for in-fill welding while a moves forward and the line pays new pipe is prepared for addition. In out, lowering the pipeline” total, there are 11 stations in the firing line, all set up for different processes The A&R system consists of a including non destructive testing (NDT). traction winch and storage winch pair. The traction winch consists of The welding itself is carried out a two drums, each driven by four using semi-automatic equipment, electric drives. It has a maximum set up according to specific pipeline capacity of 600t (765t emergency parameters such as pipeline diameter, holding capacity) and works at up to wall thickness and type of steel. A rail 36m/min. The storage winch has a is attached at the pipe face/weld area capacity of 4000m. There is also a and an orbital welding machine called a 200t A&R winch for applications that ‘Bug’ circumnavigates the pipe to carry require less tension. S lay pipe tensioners

53 UT2 August 2012 The Seven Borealis Image: Ulstein Sea of Solutions/Aerolin Photo

Large helideck Aft Bridge Pipe Escalator System ROV control rooms ErectorTakes double pipe capable of housing DP (PES) takes the double from the horizontal pincer accommodating control and joint pipeline on deck clamps on the travelling Sikorsky S-92 showing S-lay, and raises it 26m into the beam and then transfers it helicopters. J-lay and heavy erector system into the vertical tower lift controls It incorporates a pop- up foam fire fighting system

Bridge Pipe buffer S Lay Line-up Bevel Station Pipe Transport Landing Area Houses the and transfer area The ends of the System The pipes are steering and area Prepares new pipe are bevelled A network loaded from a navigation units. Holds pipe pipe for the by pipe facing rollers, walking barge. Rubber ready to beadstall machines beams and barriers dampen passing to the trolleys for the movement of Wing Bridge S-lay system transferring the the swinging pipe. Allows the or far across to pipe around the It is then placed on master to the starboard ship the pipe transport see along the J-lay system rollers. length of the Seven Borealis

UT2 August 2012 54 J-Lay pipe Tower Work Stations Tilting/Gimbaling system Heavy Lift Mast Crane Allows the 4-inch A pair of work Allows the pipe to be laid at an The 5000t crane for up to 24-inch pipe stations can be azimuth angle from construction. Above to leave the vessel used on the pipe 0deg–180deg relative to the the main hoist is the vertically under simultaneously ship and at an angle up to auxiliary which can tension with no 15deg from the vertical also be used for heave– bending compensated deepwater lifts to a water depth of 3000m.

Mobile S Lay Firing Line (inside) Stinger bevel A number of stations along When laying pipe in S-lay mode station the length of the firing line (absent when in transit), the shelter are involved in adding or stinger supports the pipe from the welding pipe, testing it and horizontal controls the pipe curvature field jointing. There are also preventing it from buckling. three sets of tensioners It comes in three sections with a total weight of 1108t and a maximum total length of 92.5m

55 UT2 August 2012 5000t heavy lift mast crane 11 adjustable pedestal roller boxes supports Removable Stinger guide the pipe frame stinger handling Section 3 frame supports section 1

escalator. The main function of the The second variable workstation is escalator is to hold the double joint Stinger set to be exactly one pipelength from Section 2 in pincer clamps and raise it from the the first station so the two can work main deck, up over curved rails, to the simultaneously. It is predominantly used base of the pipe tower. for field joint coating as well as weld Stinger inspection. Section 1 The erector then takes the horizontal The Stinger has a maximum pipe and raises it to the vertical where The pipelay is typically supported by length of 92.5m it is swung into the J lay tower. remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The Seven Borealis uses two 3000m rated “A feature of the J lay tower is its ability Schilling ACV units. They incorporate a to change angle to suit the pipelaying range of subsea equipment including a operation,” said Gilbert. “This means suite of Kongsberg SIT and colour/ that the vessel heading can be monochrome zoom cameras as well as a optimised for prevailing conditions Tritech Super Sea King sonar, Kongsberg independent of the ship’s heading.” transponder, a CDL ring laser gyro and RDI Doppler velocity log. The tower can tilt at an angle of up to 15 deg via a gimbal at its mid-point One historical challenge with launching which also allows the entire tower to ROVs is getting them through the wave azimuth 0 deg to 180 deg. zone. Many previous Subsea 7 ROVs deployed by a cursor system to physically The mast is This means that the erector has to submerge the vehicle. The Seven Borealis able to move 15deg from work at various angles, and that the designers, however, selected a pair of vertical in escalator must be flexible enough to MacArtney MASH 3400 MK1 active heave every direction feed the erector with the double joints compensation winch to minimise the at the correct angle. movement caused by waves.

In the tower, the pipe is held in place by friction clamps, although collars can also be used. These pipes can hold 750t of pipe. They move the pipe using Erector a ‘hand-over-hand’ action. moves double joints into The J-lay tower incorporates two Whip hoist Main hoist the J lay stations that work simultaneously. tower Auxiliary hoist The first is for welding and inspection. Crane Instead of the automatic welding tool revolving around the pipe, this system has a novel rotating floor.

“The floor remains horizontal, even if the J lay tower is at an angle,” said Terence Vehmeijer. “This allows the welder to work around the pipe while standing still . This improves ergonomics and weld quality.

“Furthermore, the rotating floor can a slide up and down the pipe to allow welds at two different heights. This is important for pipe in pipe welding.”

Escalator moves double joints from the main deck to erector

J-lay tower

UT2 August 2012 56 Cranes at Huisman. “It is envisaged that these will be used principally for construction and decommissioning operations.”

The crane sits on a slew platform that rotates around the mast on a large segmented slew bearing. The movement is powered by 12 electric motors and gearboxes.

All the hoist winches are built into one common winch frame located in the pedestal base. This winch frame is ROV MASH winch from MacArtney mounted on a revolving column. Heavy Lift Crane ROV Controls station Dominating the aft of the Seven “Above the main hoist is the auxiliary Borealis is its heavy lift offshore hoist,” explained Roks. “ While this has point. Huisman have, therefore, mast crane. It is designed to carry a smaller lifting capacity of 1200t at designed the stand with a limited out offshore and subsea installation, 70m (600t at 103m) and can be used rocking capability to move with the jib. particularly in deep water. for heave–compensated deepwater installation in 3000m water depths. It With the vessel having a J-lay tower on “The main crane is rated to 5000t has a 6000m wire capacity storage one side and a 5000t crane at the rear when over the stern, or 4000t at 40m winch.” that can revolve, the stability of the radius (1500t at 78m) when revolving,” vessel is paramount. Consequently, said Gerben Roks, Product Manager At the upper extremity of the crane the Seven Borealis has a sophisticated is the whip hoist. This has a large ballast water system. reach and is mainly used to transfer equipment and supplies. “This is based on 20 separate tanks Heavy Lift Offshore with a total ballast water capacity of 3 Mast Crane When the Seven borealis is in motion, 41 000m ” said Anne de Groot, the jib rests on a stand. Because of the Huisman’s Project Director “Sea water natural flexing of the hull as it moves, is selectively used fill and empty however, this could result in lateral the ballast tanks which changes the movement on this jib/stand contact draught.

Pumping water from one side to the other can keep the vessel upright when slewing heavy loads on the main crane. The ship has five pairs of anti-heeling ballast tanks. Each pair of tanks is equipped with 3 ballast pumps - each pump has a capacity of 1300m3/hr.

This can allow a 4000t load at 40m radius to be slewed through 90 deg in around 20 minutes. Filling and emptying the tanks is conducted using Kongsberg’s Vessel management System (VMS).

The ship is also equipped with four FLUME roll reduction tanks. Filling these the tanks to a predetermined level and letting the water flow back and forth generates a damping effect to counteract the ship rolling. They can reduce the roll amplitude by up to 40% Crane holder when filled correctly.

57 UT2 August 2012 Corrosion Erosion Detection

A new Corrosion-Erosion monitor “By virtue of the way they work, a dispersing of guided lamb waves in (CEM) has been developed by majority of integrity monitoring systems order to track changes in the thickness

Corrosion the Bergen-based ultrasonic are often of limited value to the of a pipe wall. instrumentation company ClampOn, operators. This is because any erosion/ to measure wall thickness loss corrosion found in a pipe is rarely The wavelengths used are equal in pipes, plates or other metal distributed evenly,” said Brakstad. or greater than the thickness of the structures. “It is far more common that some areas structure. This results in much lower are more susceptible than others. It is attenuation. It affords guided wave The device was designed to address these ‘hot-spots’ that require greater inspection the potential to extend demands by operators, for reliable attention.” ultrasonic corrosion measurements in systems able to monitor changes in pipes over greater distances. wall thickness on subsea pipes and Subsea items such as manifolds, other structures on a permanent and templates and jumpers are traditionally CEM continuous basis. inspected by pre-installing corrosion/ The ClampOn CEM uses active erosion sensors or by using remotely ultrasound, with up to 16 pairs of “In subsea applications, the hostile operated vehicle (ROV)-operated transducers working in a pitch-catch environment can present a challenge sensors. mode. Most commonly, transducers to detecting and measuring corrosion are placed on two rings around the and erosion,” said Olav Brakstad, “These ROV-operated sensors do not pipe at pre-determined points. A sales manager at ClampOn. “The always provide reliable readings,” said typical arrangement would place these industry has developed a number Brakstad. “While there are various transducers rings 1m apart. of techniques, many of which have such devices on the market that scan drawbacks.” these hotspots, they are generally “Factors such as spurious arrivals and single point measurements. By their mode separation place restrictions on “In larger pipelines, intelligent very nature, they do not provide the maximum and minimum distance pigs are used routinely to carry constant readings and may not give between transducers,” explained out inspection at regular intervals. any indication of critically thin wall Brakstad. Alternatively, in smaller un-pigable thicknesses.” pipelines, operators can use cable- “These transducer rings would be operated tools. What is ideally required, is a constant normally used to monitor average monitoring of the pipe’s condition over wall thickness loss along this entire “These not only represent a costly a large area by a non-intrusive system. section. By the careful positioning of operation to carry out, but also This was the driver that prompted the transducers, however, it is possible may require the greater expense of ClampOn to develop its CEM system. to monitor infrastructure that is normally shutting down well production. inaccessible, for example, sections of While normal ultrasonic testing is pipeline buried in the seabed.” conventionally used for measuring wall thicknesses, CEM is based on Limitations imposed by transducer sensitivity makes it effective on 5mm–35mm wall thicknesses. It has, however, a sensitivity between 0.1% and 1%, depending on the temperature. Long term monitoring programmes may reveal local thickness variations representing a significant percentage of the average wall thickness.

Integral to the CEM system is an algorithm that incorporates a patented use of constant group velocity (CGV) modes. These provide maximum sensitivity to changes in wall thickness within the constraints imposed by the necessary robustness that the technique requires.

“As the instrument is based on ultrasound,” explained Brakstad, “one ROV-installable version of the CEM advantage of using the technique

UT2 August 2012 58 Worldwide Underwater Technology R&D Engineering System Integration Sales Service Launch & Recovery

Remote Technology Project Management & Engineering

Infrastructure Instruments

Telemetry

www.macartney.com

subsea is that there is a instrument lifetime. Data, is based on ClampOn’s existing much better acoustic coupling conversely, would be recorded deepwater model, rated to more than between pipe wall and water in internal memory to be 3000m. than the pipe wall and air.” retrieved by a duplex acoustic modem. The first system was installed for BP When the system is used for on one of its Gulf of Mexico fields, topsides monitoring, the power Another challenge with a and another nine sensors have been supply will be simply provided subsea system is access. delivered to Total for permanent directly from the installation. installation at a North Sea field. In subsea locations, however, On the face of it, if the unit hard-wiring the system may requires troubleshooting “The original work was the result not be applicable, or even and repair, it can be both of a joint Industry Project with BP, possible. In such applications, impractical and expensive to ClampOn and Innovation Norway, with the only alternative is to use work on a device located in each party contributing equally,” said a battery pack in association deep waters. Many parts of Brakstad. “The measurement system with an industrial computer for the CEM design, however, comes in two different models. One is logging. have been inspired by other ROV-installable and designed to work well proven products that on existing pipes and structures. A battery pack is would have a track record in typically last 5 years before it underwater usage. “The other can be installed before the has to be replaced by a ROV structure is submerged. Both operate in order to secure continued The electronics in the same way and give the same operation throughout for the subsea repeatable results.” the lifetime of the CEM are similar to the topside- Although the inaugural wall thickness based units, measurement device is designed to Pre-installed however, be used on smaller pipelines, the version of the housing concept is easily scalable for larger the CEM design 8–24in diameters

59 UT2 August 2012 Syntactic Foam 101

In an occasional series, UT2 will look In the same way that some foams at a subject from first principles to the are made today, it was formed by Tutorial present state. Robert Kelly, Global placing the raw material into a mould Customer Groups at Trelleborg’s and using a vacuum pump to remove offshore division explains how the air. Carbon dioxide was then syntactic foam is made and applied. introduced and a curing agent added. Entrapping air bubbles not only made Renowned for its high compressible it more buoyant, but also gave it good strength and insulation properties, insulation properties. syntactic foam is widely used across the subsea industry, from large The present syntactic foams are buoyancy modules to manned and a result of extensive research into unmanned submersibles. improving these properties. One such initiative was replacing the air pockets In the early 1900s, when the first with hollow glass microspheres or submersible engineers began microballoons. These were held to design vehicles with which to together through a binder phase, using explore deep waters, it was common an epoxy, to create a lower density, practice to incorporate air tanks into higher strength composite with a much the design in order to provide the lower coefficient of thermal expansion. necessary buoyancy. The compressive property of these These sealed air-filled tanks would syntactic foams primarily depend on be typically attached to the outside the original properties of microballoons, of the vehicle. Beyond a certain while tensile properties depend water depth, however, the ambient on the matrix material holding the pressures would approach the tank’s microballoons together. collapse point. This demanded the designers seek an alternative There are two main ways of adjusting strategy to provide buoyancy. the properties of these materials. The first method is to change the An alternative was to fill the tanks volume fraction of microballoons in with jet fuel, used a combination with the syntactic foam structure. The other iron shot for ballast. Once the iron is to use microballoons with different was ejected, the vessel could rise to wall thicknesses. In general, the the surface. compressive strength of the material is proportional to its density. As the offshore industry opened up a market for submersible vehicles, Microballons can be constructed using companies began to re-evaluate various materials to achieve different buoyancy methodology, with the most properties. Ceramic microballoons, appealing being solid foam. Foams for example, create a light syntactic originally appeared in the 1940s, aluminium foam. Other types of consisting of rubber (more recently microballoons commercially available polyurethane) manufactured with a are phenolic, cenosphere and carbon. foaming agent to create an air-filled The most commonly used material matrix structure. They were light for highly engineered materials, and cheap but more importantly, particularly within the offshore sector, compressible. however, is glass.

Unreinforced Reinforced Microballoon packing and reinforcement arrangements Glass microspheres

UT2 August 2012 60 Tutorial

Glass microspheres can be manufactured in two main ways. The most common uses small glass droplets with an expanding agent. This enlarges the glass until it becomes spherical and hardens.

The other method is to combine a fluid mist and a blowing agent. The glass expands, assuming the shape of a deflated ball. This then enters a furnace where the high heat makes this bubble into a perfect sphere.

In post processing, the microspheres are polished and etched. They are then put into a flotation tank so that any damaged or broken glass bubbles, or those that will not perform properly, can be easily separated and removed.

The microspheres generally measure around 50μm diameter, although some are smaller and others, larger. The size distribution is important as it may affect the packing ratio. In general, the larger particles tend to be weaker while the smaller particles are stronger. This is typically because the smaller spheres have relatively thicker glass walls.

There are two main types of syntactic foam – unreinforced and reinforced. Unreinforced foam only works to a certain depth before the pressure becomes too great and it ceases to function.

Reinforced foam uses fibres to make the structure even stronger. The drawback of this, however, is that the fibres also make the foam much denser and consequently, heavier.

In order to achieve the highest performance solution, it is preferable to have the lightest possible foam, in the smallest package.

Because it has fewer constituents, unreinforced foam is actually a cheaper option and therefore the preferred option for applications in water depths up to 1000m. Beyond this limit, however, it is necessary to select higher performance products with a higher microsphere density.

61 UT2 August 2012 Using the incorrect foam in deep One method, which is known as ‘pour These blocks are typically cut into 1m3 waters can result in failure from on pour’, requires the operator to blocks and tested. It is then possible hydrostatic collapse. make a suitable mould into which the to harvest the most suitable part of syntactic foam is poured. the block for the most demanding The wall thickness of the most dense operations. sphere is around 2–5μm, while the This would typically achieve a 30lbs/ average foam density used for work m3 density and suitable for a vehicle Instead of an average 34lbs/ft3, it is at 2000m is 24lbs/ft3. In deeper operating at up to 300m of sea water. possible to focus on specific areas of waters, however, the microspheres the block that may exhibit densities have to be stronger and heavier This exemplifies the lower end of the nearer 26lb/ft3. These blocks can be which results in a denser block. The market, but as moulds can be made in machined into any required shape. average density for work in ultra any shape, it is ideal for a wide range deep waters is 39lbs/ft3. of applications. Popular Applications Trelleborg says that one of its biggest Application Methods The alternative way is to fabricate the markets for syntactic foam is in the Syntactic foam is applied in two main foam in blocks. This is a more efficient manufacture of ultra deep water ways, the choice of which depends way to control the packing of the drill riser buoyancy modules. These on the performance characteristics microspheres and therefore, the foams modules need to last for up to 25 required from the end product. density. years in the water, the average life

Cladding a subsea tree

UT2 August 2012 62 Cladding a subsea tree

Syntactic foam half-shells

of a project. They must, therefore, practice, therefore, to over-engineer This application does not employ be made using high performance the product so the module still has the the same standard of material as solutions which are designed for a necessary buoyancy that it needs at that used for buoyancy. Instead, long life underwater. end-of-life. thermal insulation normally uses lower performance commodity Due to the high hydrostatic pressure Density testing is routinely carried out grade microspheres, which might conditions present on the modules, on blocks. Deepwater foams used incorporate broken microspheres. water attempts to penetrate the on submersibles require a 100% structure. As such, these modules inspection rate and with no cracks or This results in resulting in a higher must be constructed using a material blemishes. They will be hydrostatic density material. that resists or minimises penetration tested for 24hrs. In this time, a of water throughout the 25 year typical block might take in the water These shapes are manufactured by lifetime. equivalent to weight of less than a 10th making 3D models of the required of a percent. If this is as much as 3%, custom parts and pouring in the Modules typically consist of pairs however, it fails. insulation material. of half-shells that clamp around the structure. Although the goal is 0% Insulating Properties An alternative is to apply a water uptake, in reality at these high Syntactic foam also has good thermal thermally insulated wrap which is pressures, water will always find a properties and as such, is often used in constructed of polypropylene with way into the foam. extreme deep water applications where glass microspheres. the temperatures be extremely low. Testing of the material before use This would be typically used around becomes key. By monitoring water A popular application for thermal joints on a flexible drilling riser. uptake while applying heat and insulation is structures that have A similar method is called ‘pack pressure cycles in a test chamber, it irregular shapes such as trees, in place’ which is a system which is possible to predict the properties jumpers, risers and pipeline end mixes the microspheres to form a as the material ages. It is a common manifolds. dough.

63 UT2 August 2012 Equipment Equipment Sand and vibration monitoring

During the summer ClampOn received orders worth NOK 25 million for its topside and subsea sensor systems. The unique combination of sand and vibration monitoring is proving to be especially popular and has become the preferred solution for several projects.

ClampOn’s vibration monitoring systems provide non- intrusive monitoring of three dimensional vibrations in real-time. They can be installed on a wide variety of subsea structures and pipelines, providing early detection of high frequency vibrations before they develop into more damaging low frequency vibrations.

The technology can be incorporated into the ClampOn DSP Subsea Particle Monitor, giving clients sand rates and Frequency analysis of one of three axes of vibration the vibration monitoring using just one sensor. Vibration used for vibration monitoring. monitoring is also available in a separate instrument, the in countries such as Norway, Indonesia, UK, Malaysia, ClampOn DSP Subsea Vibration Monitor. Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates, showing once again that ClampOn’s products are a vital part of oil Orders received over the last few months are for projects and gas production worldw

CSA Completes Sea Trials of its New USV

The Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) The vehicle has the payload, power, is the latest tool in CSA’s scientific and data bandwidth to carry a variety equipment pool, providing the of sensors – supporting both scientific company with a unique capability for and geophysical surveys. performing a wide variety of surveys in hazardous, remote, sensitive, and “CSA has utilized USV technology shallow water areas. in the past to collect data in areas traditional vessels could not access,” The USV can be pre programmed or stated Kevin Peterson, CEO of CSA. controlled remotely to perform survey “This technology allows us to reach transects, while recording and/or areas and collect data in a precise, streaming data back to its command safe, and efficient manner unlike any center. other marine asset available today.”

UT2 August 2012 64 Underwater Vehicles

Florida Keys Community College AUV OceanServer Technology has target identification, and general data All Iver2 AUV models come received a contract from Florida Keys collection methods. standard with OceanServer’s Community College (FKCC) for an VectorMap Mission Planning and Iver2 AUV equipped with an L-3 Klein In addition, the AUV will supplement Data Presentation tool, which 3500 Side Scan Sonar. existing tools to provide environmental provides geo-registered data files assessment and monitoring of the USS that can be easily exported to other This purchase will provide students Hoyt Vandenberg, an artificial reef sunk software analysis tools. and researchers with a modern AUV in 2009 just off the coast of Key West, platform to further ongoing academic Florida. This unique AUV design has initiatives in marine biology, underwater enabled OceanServer to carve out a archeology and marine science. The The Vandenberg is one of the largest very strong position in the research Iver2 AUV will also support studies in artificial reefs in the world and offers space for Autonomous Underwater their world-class Diving Business and divers an exciting look at the local Vehicles, sensors Technology Program and advanced marine life that has taken up refuge and behavioral studies. underwater remote sensing projects. on this artificial reef. Situated within the Florida Keys National Marine The VectorMap program can input Equipped with a high-resolution CT Sanctuary, FKCC facilities provide year NOAA ENCs or any Sensor by NBOSI, an ADCP Current round access to miles of shoreline and geo-referenced charts, maps or Profiler by Sontek, and L-3 Klein Side an impressive five-acre Underwater photo images, allowing the operator Scan Sonar, the Iver2 AUV will provide Training Area (UTA) which will enable to intuitively develop AUV missions new technology for studying marine open-water AUV operations in a using simple point-and-click and nautical archeology, bathymetry, sheltered environment. navigation.

65 UT2 August 2012 Underwater Vehicles Knifefish Bluefin Robotics has successfully completed the preliminary design review for its Knifefish surface mine counter-measure

Underwater Vehicles unmanned underwater vehicle (SMCM UUV). This will form a critical part of the littoral combat ship mine warfare mission package. Knifefish will address the Navy’s need to reliably detect and identify proud and buried mines in high-clutter environments.

The SMCM UUV system will include two Knifefish UUVs in addition to launch and recovery equipment, a support container, spare parts and other equipment. The UUV will feature Bluefin’s field-swappable batteries, an integrated navigation system and low-noise propulsion technology.

Bluefin’s intuitive user software interface, the Operator Tool Suite, will also be provided for mission planning and monitoring. In addition, the vehicle will carry an advanced sonar payload provided by the GDAIS Team.

The subcontract includes an option for the production of up HAUV-3 to five low rate initial production systems (ten UUVs) and various other options.

l Bluefin’s HAUV-3 hovering underwater robot has camera, which provides vital supplemental visual information completed government acceptance testing as the to divers tasked with re-locating contacts. production system for the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) hull unmanned underwater vehicle localisation The Navy also conducted a series of environmental tests systems (HULS). consisting of freezing, shaking, and baking one of the vehicles and its support equipment. Testing highlighted The HAUV-3 is designed to autonomously perform ship hull specific areas for ruggedisation in order to optimise the inspection and obtain 100% sonar coverage-a demanding system for very harsh conditions. Even after the tortuous task typically performed by divers to secure ports and testing, operators were still able to power up all of the vehicle harbours. subsystems successfully.

In testing, the system demonstrated increased operational In 2011, Bluefin Robotics was awarded a contract speeds and nearly twice as much endurance as its modification from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian predecessor-the prototype HAUV-2. In addition to its Head to move the system design into production. Since then, standard DIDSON imaging sonar, it is equipped with a Bluefin has delivered one system, which constitutes two vehicles and support equipment. An additional two systems are now in production.

Knifefish

UT2 August 2012 66 Underwater Vehicles

Shared Research Vehicle Autosub The Horn Point Laboratory at the The UK government’s Department The primary aim is to review the University of Maryland’s Center for the Environment, Food and Rural capacity and capabilities of the UK for Environmental Science has Affairs (Defra) has commissioned AUV and glider fleet, and provide purchased a REMUS 600 system for two projects to map and monitor the case studies illustrating how data use as a shared research platform seas around the United Kingdom. The collected with these instruments for advancing oceanographic data will inform future government can be used to support policy studies of coastal and near coastal policy on the protection of the marine requirements, such as mapping environments. environment. The £720,000 research and monitoring of Marine Protected programmes are led by the UK’s Areas (MPAs). The Lab’s REMUS 600 AUV will be National Oceanography Centre (NOC). outfitted with several technologies It is led by NOC in partnership with to enable a wide variety of research The project will focus on the use British Geological Survey (BGS) tasks. This will include forward and and capabilities of the country’s and Scottish Association for Marine aft hovering modules, which allows autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Science (SAMS). the AUV to hold position in a single and sea glider fleet. It will generate location above the sea floor, a data that will guide the future use of The second project – ‘Novel AUV second on-board payload computer these submersibles to investigate the and glider deployments to inform which permits users to implement marine environment. future MPA and MSFD monitoring autonomy algorithms they develop strategy in UK shelf waters’ – will and a nitrate sensor enabling real-time NOC, which is owned by the Natural begin in late 2012 with fieldwork in measurements of a critical element in Environment Research Council, 2013 and 2014. oceanographic research. recently launched the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems This £350 000 project is funded as The Horn Point Laboratory plans (MARS) facility – the UK’s principal part of the Defra Strategic Evidence to make the REMUS 600 system provider of AUVs and gliders for the and Partnerships Fund (SEPF) and available for charter to other wider marine science community. will support new AUV and glider researchers in the marine sciences data collection in UK waters in industry. While under charter, Horn The first project is entitled ‘Investigating 2013–2014. Point’s AUV technician will serve as the feasibility of utilising AUV and glider the AUV’s ‘skipper’, enabling groups technology for mapping and monitoring It will ensure that innovative with limited experience to safely use of the UK MPA network’. This £370,000 science undertaken within NERC the AUV to its maximum potential. project runs from March to September National Capability and Research 2013 and is funded as part of the Defra Programmes will have maximum The modular ROV can be fitted with Marine Biodiversity Research and impact for policy drivers such as a variety of sensors and used to aid Development programme. the Marine Strategy Framework in hydrographic surveys, harbour Directive (MSFD). security operations, debris field mapping, scientific sampling and mapping, as well as many basic and applied research programmes.

REMUS 600

67 UT2 August 2012 iRobot has collaborated with Nortek to integrate a 1 MHz ADCP in the 1000m-pressure rated 1KA Seaglider. Underwater Vehicles iRobot Nortek Able to deploy a suite of sensors, autonomous gliders represent a powerful tool for observing ocean properties. The incorporation

Underwater Vehicles of an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) within this suite allows accurate positioning of the glider in the water column away from the surface and bottom.

Knowing the glider position allows observations of temperature, salinity, velocity and other measurements to be mapped in three dimensions. The result is a detailed view of the ocean in a region or along a transect line.

The glider operator can adapt this coverage as conditions or requirements dictate, providing persistent coverage in one area (eg, acting as a virtual mooring) or adaptive sampling in one or more areas.

Analysing the velocity measurements from an ADCP mounted on a moving glider is a complicated process. The ADCP measures water velocities relative to the glider, a combination of the absolute water velocity and glider velocity over ground. Most applications require knowing either one or both of the latter two quantities. Numerous methods exist to process the velocity measurements to obtain both glider and absolute water velocities, providing different levels of accuracy, smoothing and resolution.

A single or combination of solutions can be required, depending on measurement goals, available data and when processing occurs (eg on board or in post processing).

iRobot has collaborated with Nortek to integrate a 1 MHz ADCP in the 1000m pressure rated 1KA Seaglider. In the forthcoming Oceans 2012 conference at Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, the two companies will run a half-day workshop entitled “Improving Glider Missions with Integrated ADCP”.

It will highlight technical features of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), iRobot Seaglider and the Nortek ADCP.

Workshop topics will include a review of the married technologies, current and future applications of unmanned mission for researchers and industry.

Scientists and engineers from Nortek and iRobot will discuss considerations for operating a glider with an integrated ADCP. Technical topics such as power management, sensor programming/communication and data telemetry, as well as velocity measurement considerations will be covered.

ADCP considerations such as how often to profile and at what resolution will be discussed, along with their relationship to processing velocity data to extract absolute water and glider velocities (and glider positions). An overview of velocity processing methods and their benefits and constraints is also covered.

Attendees will receive a general overview of glider operations, ADCP integration, advanced Doppler processing, and example raw and processed data obtained during development of the integrated solution.

UT2 August 2012 68 Marlin AUV Lockheed Martin is leveraging its window in high-seas states. These proven capabilities and technology with features coupled with modular high autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) payload capacity and endurance toward the application of the Marlin allows Marlin to execute missions for class of AUVs for use in offshore oil and commercial, scientific and military gas, science and oceanography, and applications in a cost-effective other applications. manner.

The highly-advanced Marlin AUV has The Marlin AUV is well-suited for use been developed for a range of civilian in the oil and gas industry to inspect and military customers who require a offshore structures and pipelines, quick and safe way to conduct subsea especially after severe weather surveys and inspections. Packed with strikes, such as hurricanes. The an array of sensors and capabilities Marlin’s high-resolution optical and that can be tailored to diverse customer acoustic sensor package can provide requirements, the Marlin operates in 3-D pictures up to 1000ft beneath challenging environments throughout the surface and rapidly inspect for the water column. potential damage, eliminating the need for divers in these dangerous The ten-foot long submersible, which conditions. The Marlin is able to can carry a payload of up to 25lbs , operate in tight spaces, sprint up to delivers key features unparalleled in four knots and cruise for up to 16 hrs. the AUV market. The hydrodynamic High Volume Grab design and thruster arrangement “We developed the Marlin from our enables hover capability and high extensive AUV systems experience Subsea intervention specialist manoeuvrability in tight spaces. to fill a need in the commercial Marin has unveiled a versatile new sector,” said Dan McLeod, Senior high-volume grab tool designed for Vertical thrusters ensure operation from Program Manager Lockheed use across a range of applications, freshwater to seawater for missions Martin MS2 business unit in Riviera including large-scale brownfield in lakes, rivers, estuaries, harbours, Beach. “The Marlin’s advanced clearance. ports, coastal regions and oceans. Fully autonomous functions and cutting integrated autonomous launch and edge technology will deliver game The tool forms part of the EVO Marin recovery capability enables subsurface changing capabilities for our Debris Recovery System (MDRS) recovery extending the operational customers.” and serves as proprietary technology capable of operating in harsh subsea environments to full ocean depth for the recovery and removal of assorted debris.

With a mobilised capacity of 40t3, the hydraulically-driven, multi-tined Evo MDRS grab can be deployed by single wire or by a remote actuation pack and operated via clients’ ROV intervention systems.

The grab is the latest in a series of complementary proprietary tools in

Marlin AUV

69 UT2 August 2012 Underwater Vehicles

Liquid Robotics BioSonics

Liquid Robotics and BioSonics have scientific echosounder. This is housed echosounder self-contained in a

Underwater Vehicles developed the Wave Glider DTX- in a purpose-built, torpodo-shaped tow submersible housing engineered SUB, a device that may represent vehicle. for deployments in seafloor the future of scientific fisheries data observatories, UUVs, and other collection. The Wave Glider is a proven persistent applications where a cable to the ocean vehicle able to harvest the surface is im practical. It is a hybrid machine combining a energy in ocean waves to provide Liquid Robotics the wave-propelled essentially limitless propulsion. The DT-X SUB provides high- autonomous marine robot Wave The vehicle converts ocean resolution water-column data, which Glider, and a BioSonics DTX wave energy into forward thrust, can be analysed for many types of independent of wave direction and information; bathymetry, substrate maintains an average speed of about classification, fish biomass, boundary Wave Glider 1.–1.5kts. and mixing layers in the water column, DTX-SUB etc. hybrid The submerged “glider” is tethered to a surface float equipped with solar Raw data are logged on internal drives panels and batteries that power on within the DT-X SUB and downloaded board communications, computing when the vehicle is recovered. Real- and sensors payloads. It has been time data summaries can be retrieved designed to withstand large open- via satellite connection while the ocean waves and strong winds with its vehicle is deployed. low-profile surface float, high-strength tether and robust submerged glider. The DT-X SUB echosounder features programmable duty cycling to reduce The DT-X SUB is a programmable power consumption by up to 90% and dramatically extend battery life and operation time. The Wave Glider

LR SLB Liquid Robotics and Schlumberger have set up a joint venture called Liquid Robotics Oil and Gas.

This will combine Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider technology with Schlumberger’s oil and gas expertise and industry knowledge to integrate and deploy new solutions for customers worldwide.

Liquid Robotics and Schlumberger have equal ownership of the joint venture. Liquid Robotics will provide fleets of Wave Gliders together with relevant engineering, piloting and maintenance expertise, while Schlumberger brings its upstream technology and market presence.

The joint venture will be the exclusive distributor of Wave Glider products and services to oil and gas customers worldwide.

UT2 August 2012 70 Underwater Vehicles

71 UT2 August 2012 A-Frame for Chinese Sub

When the Chinese Jiaolong manned submersible recently completed its world record breaking dive to 7015m (23 015ft) , it was A-frame lifting technology from marine handling systems specialist, Caley Ocean Systems, that safely recovered the submersible back on board.

Mounted on the stern of the mother ship Xiangyanghong9, the Caley A-frame was used to both launch and recover the 22t manned submersible. Underwater Vehicles The hydraulically-operated A-frame lifted and pivoted to position the Jiaolong above the water before lowering it. During recovery, the process was reversed.

In addition to winches to lower and raise the submersible, Caley supplied two bespoke oceanographic winches for handling scientific instruments for ocean bed research. These too are deployed using the Caley A-frame.

The Jiaolong submersible successfully completed its program of deep-sea dives in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean at the end of June.

l Caley Ocean Systems is also upgrading the US Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI) R/V Atlantis research vessel’s A-frame handling system, for the launch and recovery of the new Alvin deep submergence vehicle.

Originally designed and installed in 1983, the upgraded A-frame will handle the heavier Alvin submersible, capable of descending to 6500m (21 000ft). It involves the installation of a larger winch, high performance synthetic ropes and light tension control system providing accurate handling control of the submersible.

Meanwhile, in Korea, Caley has been awarded a contract to supply oceanographic winches and A-frame systems to Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for a new oceanographic research vessel. This state- of-the-art, ocean-going, vessel is capable of surveying to the full ocean depth of 10 000m (32 808ft). Caley is also providing bespoke oceanographic winches designed to handle high tension, heavy loads, featuring ‘SMART’ control systems for fully active heave compensation and variable frequency drives, and a CTD Rosette handling system.

The HHI research vessel will feature high performance, stern and side Caley A-Frame systems for seabed drilling and coring equipment. The handling systems will comply with the new DNV rules on Lifting Appliances.

UT2 August 2012 72 73 UT2 August 2012 Underwater Vehicles

Underwater Vehicles Bibby Offshore Receives Completes Hyperbaric Rescue Trials

Aberdeen-based subsea installation Reception Facility onshore. or sinking ship, the divers need to be contractor Bibby Offshore is leading Saturation diving requires divers to transferred to the SPHL, which would the way in saturation diving safety in live in a confined area on the vessel then be launched from the ship and the North Sea after recently carrying that has a controlled atmosphere. This sailed to safety, awaiting rescue. out fully successful evacuation trials. allows them to work at depths of up to 300m below sea level. The Portable Hyperbaric Reception The trials involved mating a Self Facility, built by Mimir Marine, is Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboat However, it can take up to seven a shore based point that allows (SPHL) from the company’s Diving days for the divers to decompress to saturation divers to be transferred Support Vessel (DSV), Bibby normal atmospheric conditions. In the from a SPHL to a more comfortable Sapphire, to a Portable Hyperbaric case of an emergency, such as a fire living area, pre-set at the correct

UT2 August 2012 74 Underwater Vehicles

atmospheric level, where they can The success of the trial clearly continue to decompress safely. It also shows our commitment to ensuring allows a medic or doctor to be in situ, that, not only are we investing in capable of treating any divers that may state of the art equipment, but more require further medical attention. importantly, document the processes and procedures we would follow in an Barry Porter, Bibby Offshore, global emergency as proven.” diving operations manager, said: “Bibby Offshore is determined to ensure that The trials have been commended we have the best possible facilities for by diving authorities from two major dealing with any diving emergencies. global oil and gas operators.

75 UT2 August 2012 In search of Giant Squid

Triton Submarines is working on water predators. The filmmakers including conductivity, a project funded by NHK, Japan hope to film the giant squid at temperature density (CTD)s and Agency for Marine-Earth Science the expeditions final location in suction sampling equipment and Technology (JAMSTEC) and Ogasawara about 550 miles south have also been added to each the Discovery Channel to capture of Sagami Bay where diving is submersible. The integration video of the elusive giant squid. currently taking place. was greatly simplified and enhanced because of the built The company is running dive The submersibles have been in versatility and expandability operations using a Triton fitted with special infrared and of the electrical and PLC based 3300/3 along with two other low light cameras developed control and monitoring systems submersibles. The goal is to by NHK to allow filming in near in the Triton 3300/3. obtain rare video footage of pitch-black conditions. Giant squid the mystical creature at depths are extremely light sensitive so The base of operations for this ranging from 500 to 1000m. traditional underwater filming expedition is the 56m motor equipment that relies on powerful yacht Alucia. A purpose built The expedition will film in several lighting cannot be used. expedition and research vessel, locations near Japan’s coast in an the Alucia is unique in the world. effort to film a variety of deep- A variety of scientific instruments She carries three deep diving

Launch vessel Alucia. Image: Triton Submarine

UT2 August 2012 76 In search of Giant Squid

submersibles and a host of scientific monitoring, sampling and testing equipment. Operational support of the Alucia is being provided by the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Triton’s CEO Bruce Jones said “It is a great opportunity to dive the Triton 3300/3 with a mission profile that makes use of its full depth capability. When you dive beyond 300m, you can be sure that each All images: Ian Kellett dive will take you to places Productions, LLC / Jim Sullivan- where no man has ever been Triton Submarines before.”

Launch vessel Alucia. Image: Triton Submarine

77 UT2 August 2012 UT2 August 2012 78 79 UT2 August 2012 UT2 August 2012 80 81 UT2 August 2012 UT2 August 2012 82 83 UT2 August 2012 News News

Chinese Polar Research Vessel

A plan has been organised by The vessel may be used also for the The design time is expected to take State Oceanic Administration Antarctic station supplies logistic tasks 7 months to complete. The design (SOA),China, Chinese Arctic and undertaking some of M/V Xuelong’s package will then be provided to a Antarctic Administration (CAA) and mission especially in the heavy sea design company or yard, which are the Polar Research Institute of ice condition. to be in charge of the detailed design China (PRIC) to build an advanced and workshop drawings of the vessel. new icebreaking research vessel to Aker Arctic has been selected to meet the increased need of polar perform the conceptual and basic scientific research. design of the new Polar Research Vessel for China. HDS Innovation Prize The new vessel will be equipped with advanced scientific equipment This is already the second Star Net Geomatics has won the for polar oceans research. The governmental icebreaker project in a 2012 Leica Geosystems HDS (High integrated survey systems include short time for Aker Arctic and thus a Definition Surveying) innovation marine geological and geophysical proof of the increasing interest in the award. equipment, marine biological and Arctic areas and the need for reliable ecological instruments. Meanwhile, and efficient vessels. The value of The award was based on its project helicopters with associated systems the signed contract exceeds 5 Million with Talisman Energy (UK) to will also be provided. euros. undertake a subsea spool piece metrology trial in the Auk North field For the integrated environmental The polar research icebreaker development in the North Sea. science programs the vessel will for China will be designed to have marine and atmospheric accommodate a total of 90 persons Commissioned in November 2011 observing and sampling capabilities and will have a length over all of about the project scope was to derive closely related with climate change 120 m, a maximum breadth of 22.3 m precise dimensions between two monitoring. and draught of 8.5 m. flange faces on adjacent manifolds, for spool piece fabrication. The marine geological and The vessel will have the ability to geophysical capabilities will give break through 1.5 m of level ice at 2 The combination of laser (HDS possibilities for seasonal polar to 3 kts speed, including multi-year 6100) and sonar scanning marine geology, marine gravity, ice. The vessel will be fitted with twin (BlueView BV5000) technology magnetic and seismic surveys. For azimuthing propeller drives. coupled with Star Net’s extensive marine biological and ecological experience in advanced data programs the vessel will enable Ice class will be PC3 and the vessel processing techniques utilising marine organism and ecological will have dual classification from Cyclone, provides a unique and surveys and acts as a biological China Classification Society and innovative solution to complex research platform. Lloyds Register of Shipping. operations.

UT2 August 2012 84 Underwater Vehicles

Falmouth Scientific Monitors Chevron Deep Water Risers Falmouth Scientific is providing risers by reusable ROV deployable potentially result in rapid fatigue and equipment and services to Chevron clamps that were custom designed reduced service life of the risers. Makassar Ltd in Indonesia to monitor and manufactured specifically for this the drilling induced vibration (DIV) on application by FSI and their partner, FSI has a strong history in this arena Deep Water Top Tension Risers (TTRs) Electronics Measurements Company. dating back to the original system during Extended-Reach Drilling (ERD) deployments for Unocal in this same operations. The data from the systems is geographic region in 2000 to 2004. transmitted acoustically and monitored FSI is able to provide complete system FSI’s USS-110 accelerometer/ in near real time by support engineers solutions that include hardware, inclinometer based systems are on the platform, and used to identify software, and on-site support placed at specific depths on the overstress conditions that could engineering.

85 UT2 August 2012 Pressure Testing of New Alvin Personnel Sphere

The human-occupied submersible Construction of the personnel sphere is Alvin reached a major milestone in its one of the biggest technical challenges in upgrade project on June 22 when its the Alvin upgrade project, which is funded new titanium personnel sphere was by the National Science Foundation (NSF) successfully pressure tested, reports and WHOI. The sphere needs be nearly the Woods Hole Oceanographic flawless—free of any deformities that Institution (WHOI), the vehicle’s could weaken its structure and potentially operator. cause it to crumple under pressure—and as perfectly spherical as possible. The sphere, which holds a pilot and two scientists, is designed to “As the project sponsor, I am very pleased

Underwater Vehicles descend to 6500m (21 000 ft or 4 to see this state-of-the-art personnel miles) – depths that generate nearly sphere can withstand the pressure at its 10 000 psi of pressure on the sphere. planned operating depth of 6500 meters,” The tests validate the sphere design said Brian Midson, the NSF program and fabrication and ensure it meets manager for the Alvin upgrade project. the requirements of the agencies that “This is a critical milestone toward will ultimately accept the sphere—the resuming ocean science missions with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Alvin in the near future.” and the US Navy. It is the final step in the sphere construction project. The new sphere is capable of descending 2000m deeper than the previous sphere. The testing took place the Northrop With greater depth comes greater Grumman hydrostatic test chamber pressure; therefore, the new sphere is in Annapolis, MD, and was overseen three inches thick, rather than two. The by a team comprising engineers from sphere’s interior diameter is 4.6 inches WHOI, Navy, ABS, and Southwest wider than Alvin’s previous sphere, Research Institute (SwRI), the increasing the interior volume by 18%, company that managed the design from 144 to 171 ft3 , and allowing for and construction of the titanium greater ergonomics. With five viewports, sphere as a subcontractor to WHOI. it also has improved field of view for the pilots to drive the sub and use the During the testing, gauges were manipulator arms and for the scientists affixed to the interior and exterior of to help guide the pilot and make better the sphere to measure strain and observations of the seafloor. “creep,” the minute change in the metal from prolonged stress. The To build it, engineers needed more sphere was filled with water and than 34,000 pounds of titanium, about placed in a test tank of water. The the weight of a large school bus. Two tank was then pressurised in a series huge, barrel-shaped titanium ingots of test dives to progressively greater were fabricated by a mill in Morgantown, depths over four days. Pennsylvania, and reshaped into two giant hemispheres in Cudahy, Wisconsin. These The team monitored 240 channels of were then shipped to Los Angeles, where data streaming from strain sensors to workers joined the two hemispheres using ensure the sphere stayed in the safe a special welding technique. They also cut range of strain and creep. The sphere inserts for the hatch, electrical and fiber- ultimately was tested to 8000m— optic connections, and viewports. nearly 12 000 psi—to comply with engineering standards for human With testing complete, the 11 000lb occupied submersibles and meet a sphere will be delivered to WHOI on factor of safety 24 percent deeper Thursday. Upgrades are underway on than the maximum operating depth Alvin’s titanium frame as well as to the of 6500m. research vessel Atlantis, the support ship for Alvin. Over the next several months, Sufficient data were collected and engineers at WHOI will reassemble the analysed to support certification submersible and should begin dock trials for human occupied operations to in November. Alvin is scheduled to begin 6500m. certification sea trials in December. During the testing, gauges were affixed to the interior and exterior of the sphere to measure strain and “creep,” the minute change in the metal from prolonged stress. The team monitored 240 channels of data streaming from strain sensors to ensure the sphere stayed in the safe range of strain and creep. (Photo by Jeff McDonald, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

UT2 August 2012 86 Pressure Testing of New Alvin Personnel Sphere By WHOI Media Relations

During the testing, gauges were affixed to the interior and exterior of the sphere to measure strain and “creep,” the minute change in the metal from prolonged stress. The team monitored 240 channels of data streaming from strain sensors to ensure the sphere stayed in the safe range of strain and creep. (Photo by Jeff McDonald, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

87 UT2 August 2012 Lusitania

A VideoRay Pro 4 was tasked Mystery and controversy has with solving nearly a century’s surrounded the disaster since the worth of mystery, speculation, moment the torpedo struck the and controversy surrounding the RMS Lusitania. The weapon strike sinking of RMS Lusitania for a sparked an explosion under the recent National Geographic Channel starboard bridge. A second, much more documentary, Dark Secrets of the powerful explosion erupted seconds Lusitania. later, the severity of which even surprised the German lieutenant who The MicroROV joined a world class fired the torpedo.

Underwater Vehicles crew of technical divers and cutting edge technology aboard the Irish Though the speed of the vessel’s Lights Vessel (ILV) Granuaile for a sinking has generally been attributed 10 day mission last year. to this massive second explosion, its cause has never been determined. The National Geographic special, which aired in the UK and Ireland Wartime secrecy and anti-German on 15 July 2012, documented the propaganda efforts obstructed efforts of the Granuaile crew as well immediate investigations into the as researchers from a California disaster. In the absence of any laboratory, who tested four of the definitive evidence, many theories most popular theories about what emerged to try to explain how and caused the RMS Lusitania to sink why the Lusitania sank at such an before help arrived. RMS Lusitania accelerated rate. Some blamed the famously sank on 7 May 1915 after a presence of aluminium or coal dust. German U-20 submarine torpedoed the liner less than 18km off of the Others speculated that the initial Irish coast. hit detonated a cargo of dangerous explosives that British authorities had It took a mere 18 minutes for the concealed aboard the passenger 32 000 ton ocean liner to sink, killing vessel. However, these theories have 1198 passengers en route from New remained just as controversial as the York to Liverpool. The rapid sinking disaster for the last 97 years. and massive loss of life immediately sparked a shift in the First World American businessman Gregg Bemis War, turning international opinion purchased the Lusitania wreckage for against Germany and motivated the £1000 in 1968, hoping to eventually American entry into the conflict. reveal her secrets. Bemis’ obsession with solving the mystery of the wreck combined with the rapid deterioration of the wreckage led to last summer’s unprecedented expedition aboard the ILV Granuaile.

Coordination of mission logistics took nearly a decade to complete, including a lengthy process to secure the license to explore the wreckage. The preparation phase dictated the importance of successfully completing the mission on the first try.

The VideoRay Pro 4 was equipped with an HD camera and manipulator attachment for retrieving artifacts

UT2 August 2012 88 The expedition’s state-of-the-art fleet included (from left to right) an abrasive cutter from Oceaneering International, a NewtSuit ADS and a Deep Worker manned submersible from Nuytco Research, and a VideoRay Pro 4 ROV.

Lusitania

After nearly a century in the rough Celtic Sea waters, the Lusitania remains are rapidly breaking up. The 2011 expedition was considered by many to be the final opportunity to unearth the truth about the liner’s demise.

To ensure their greatest chance for success, co- producers from Ireland’s M3TV and Hollywood-based company Creative Differences worked together to assemble a team of elite Irish and American technical divers and the best undersea technology.

The Granuaile, a multifunctional vessel equipped with a 20t crane and full dynamic positioning (DP) Class I, settled just above the Lusitania’s watery grave where she lies on her starboard side 93km under the waves.

Creative differences called on VideoRay to conduct a preliminary survey and site inspection to aid the placement of an abrasive cutter from Oceaneering International. After the cutter carved a small hole in the hull, the VideoRay Pro 4 equipped with an HD camera was deployed to explore the contents of the cargo hold.

The original mission plan involved launching technology from undersea technology firm Nuytco Research. The Vancouver-based company supplied the Granuaile dive team with a Deep Worker manned submersible and a NewtSuit atmospheric diving system (ADS) that allow divers to work safely and comfortably at depths up to 305m deep.

Despite the advanced technology of this equipment, the unforeseen climactic conditions sidelined both devices for much of the expedition.

Unseasonably bad weather and turbulent Celtic Sea conditions forced the Granuaile to remain on dynamic positioning for the majority of the 10 day mission, making it unsafe for divers to enter the water. Because the Nuytco equipment depended on dive support, the crew struggled to launch either device with any regularity. With time running out, the crew relied heavily on the VideoRay Pro 4 to finish the job.

The VideoRay Pro 4 ROV did three or four dives a day in a working depth of 84m. VideoRay marketing manager Brian Luzzi piloted the Pro 4 with the assistance of VideoRay Deck Boss Steve Van Meter. The lead technical diver Eoin McGarry helped Luzzi navigate the wreck and identify landmarks using his intimate knowledge of the site.

The expedition’s state-of-the-art fleet A 70kg drop weight on the Granuaile’s crane and the included (from left to right) an abrasive vessel’s DP employed to guide the VideoRay ROV into cutter from Oceaneering International, a position on the wreck. The Pro 4’s ruggedness and ability NewtSuit ADS and a Deep Worker manned to operate in the harshest conditions enabled the ROV submersible from Nuytco Research, and a to withstand and punch through mid-water currents up to VideoRay Pro 4 ROV. 4 knots and top side 3m swells. The ROV’s LED lighting proved phenomenal at illuminating the dark corners of

89 UT2 August 2012 UT2 August 2012 90 Telemotor – RMS Lusitania’s telemotor was also recovered from the wreckage. Wreck owner Bemis donated several of the artifacts to Ireland.

91 UT2 August 2012 UT2 August 2012 92 Bullets – The Pro 4 observed millions of Remington .303 bullets in a main cargo hold. Many critics have accused Britain of concealing contraband munitions aboard the passenger liner, triggering the massive second explosion that sunk the Lusitania in 18 minutes.

93 UT2 August 2012 the wreck for inspection, despite a the second explosion. 2012 on the Sky network. The visibility of only 2–3m. documentary’s U.S. premiere is Despite any controversy over scheduled for Sunday 26 August Footage from the VideoRay Pro the validity of any test results, 2012 at 8:00 pm on the National 4 ROV dives into the cargo hold the significance of the Granuaile Geographic Channel – check channel. provided researchers from the expedition’s discoveries is undeniable. nationalgeographic.com for replay Lawrence Livermore National The VideoRay Pro 4, Nuytco times. Laboratory in California with visual equipment, and divers captured documentation of blast damage invaluable visual documentation and Dark Secrets of the Lusitania is the from the impact site. The Livermore recovered multiple artifacts from one latest addition to VideoRay’s long list researchers then conducted tests of the most catastrophic maritime of film credits. Several documentaries to analyse four of the most popular disasters in history. For some, RMS and television shows have featured sinking theories. Lusitania may forever harbour the VideoRay ROVs, including popular mystery of her demise. But thanks to CBS crime drama CSI: Las Vegas, A series of controlled explosions National Geographic and the tireless the History Channel’s Monsterquest, and tests tried to recreate the crew aboard ILV Granuaile, the world Animal Planet’s River Monsters, the blast damage as seen during the now knows some of her darkest BBC series Primeval, numerous Granuaile expedition. They studied secrets. Discovery Channel and NOVA each explosion’s effects to check productions, and four seasons of consistency with the observed blast Dark Secrets of the Lusitania aired Expedition Great White and Shark damage and survivors’ descriptions of in the U.K. and Ireland on 15 July Men on the National Geographic

Porthole

UT2 August 2012 94 Captain’s shower

Channel.

An octopus

95 UT2 August 2012 Picturing the Deep – a seafloor photograph, taken by Autosub6000

The most detailed photographic survey of the abyssal ocean floor has been taken by the National Oceanography Centre’s robot sub, Autosub6000 – some half a million photos that will be stitched together to form a ‘street view’ map of the North Atlantic’s Porcupine Abyssal Plain and its inhabitants.

Forward and down-facing cameras mounted on the unmanned robot sub have provided continuous images of an area some twelve miles long by four miles wide (20 km by 7 km), covering an area about the size of city such as Southampton, but three miles underwater (around 4850m).

The Porcupine Abyssal Plain is just off the coastal shelf some 350 miles southwest of Lands End. Although its name might suggest that it is flat, the plain does have hills. This ‘landscape scale’ photo will give scientists a wealth of information about the communities and how they change with the different terrains. Coupled with advanced acoustic mapping, and samples taken of the ocean floor, the team of scientists led by Dr Henry Ruhl will have a complete picture of what lives at, on and in the ocean floor.

“We want to learn how communities might differ between abyssal hills and flat areas, which is similar to understanding how communities of animals might change as one moves from a valley to the summit of a mountain. On land it is easy to confirm on the ground what we can see from satellite photographs, but this is far harder in the deep-sea because we can’t see through the water using light. Even though it’s difficult to make measurements there, abyssal habitats cover more than half the surface of Earth.

“The benefit of using Autosub6000 for collecting photos of the seafloor is that it can cover vast stretches of the seabed quickly while collecting a huge number of photos, along with other data about the environment.”

The downward facing camera takes photos directly below Autosub6000. These photos are used to assess the number and types of invertebrates that live on the seafloor in different areas of the plain. Sea cucumbers are the dominant type of large invertebrates in the abyss, and there are at least ten different varieties in the photos. Autosub6000 takes one photo every 0.8 seconds, and the photos overlap. This overlap means that photos can be stitched together into long strips, giving a continuous picture of the seafloor.

The forward facing camera is used to look at the numbers and distribution of abyssal fish. Fish decline in number rapidly with depth, with only a few species able to survive on the limited food supply in the abyss. The rarity and mobility of fish means that surveys must cover large distances to determine their distributions over the seabed, which is another reason why Autosub is such a valuable tool. Eels and rattails dominate fish species in the abyss. They are typically scavengers that can cover long distances using relatively little energy to try and find food. The forward-facing camera is used to monitor fish because they can be startled and swim away before being seen by the downward facing camera.

UT2 August 2012 96 Picturing the Deep – a seafloor photograph, taken by Autosub6000

Autosub 6000 on deck

97 UT2 August 2012 All images: NOCS

In addition to the cameras, Autosub6000 has a suite of instruments that collect fine-scale bathymetric data that gives the shape of the seafloor; mapping acoustics that will reveal the composition of the seafloor – mud, rock, sand; and environmental sensors that measure temperature and the amount of particles in the water.

While Autosub6000 gathered data, the scientists took mud core samples to find out what is living in the seafloor. The cores confirm variation in sediment type as well as collecting microscopic worms, crustaceans, and bacteria.

In an area of cliffs too steep for Picturing the Deep Contd. Autosub6000, the scientists used SHRIMP (Sea floor High Resolution Imaging Platform) a towed camera system developed by the National Oceanography Centre.

The SHRIMP system had forward and downward video cameras and a downward facing still camera. SHRIMP has revealed rare rocky outcrops in the abyssal plain in an environment that is largely flat and covered in muddy sediment.

One of the key aims of this research Grenadier is to find out the effect that climate change has on the deep ocean floor. Dr Ruhl continues: “With no sunlight penetrating these abyssal waters, the animals live on material that falls from the upper ocean, phytoplankton, zooplankton and faecal matter – plankton poo.

We believe that the settling of this sinking food supply differs in different parts of the abyssal plain including the hills and flat areas. Our research will help disentangle how projected changes in this sinking carbon food supply will differ on abyssal hills versus flat areas in the largest habitat on Earth

While we used this robotic technology to look at deep sea ecology, we expect the use of such large-scale survey methods to expand including for use in surveys for understanding possible oil and gas industry impacts, as well as seafloor mineral mining.”

The Porcupine Abyssal Plain is the site of a long-time series research station (http://noc.ac.uk/ocean-watch/open- ocean/porcupine-abyssal-plain), where research has been taking place since 1989 to measure the global carbon budget.

This research was funded by the Enypniastes_spanish dancer Natural Environment Research Council.

UT2 August 2012 98 Sea cucumber.Benthodytes

Bristleworm Polynoid

Purple seacucumber with tail.

Sea anemone (actinarian)

Squat lobster(Munidopsis) catches a ride.

99 UT2 August 2012 Medusa jellyfish Sea cucumber (Aperima)

Octopus strip

UT2 August 2012 100 Sea cucumber (Aperima) Spikey seacucumber

101 UT2 August 2012 Underwater Vehicles FPSO ROV Subsea Vision has taken delivery of a Saab Seaeye Cougar XT Compact. Cougar XT

Underwater Vehicles This low profile powerful ROV has Compact been specially designed for working in high current areas and where access is restricted.

The specialist supplier’s immediate target market is the North Sea oil and gas industry. Other applications are within the wind and tidal renewable R E D E F I N I N G I M A G E C L A R I T Y markets where strong shallow water currents are a particular problem. This means that the company can now offer an enhanced service to floating production, storage and offloadingvessels (FPSOs).

Using its ROV systems from the clients’ vessel or platform saves contracting expensive ROV support vessels and holdback tugs. With the Cougar’s power, it can free-swim with ease to reach the furthest points on an FPSO or clients’ subsea assets “The Cougar XT Compact will be able and two vertical, each with velocity from a single launch point. Complete to work for longer periods in strong tidal feedback for precise control in all with a combined HP water jetting areas and Subsea Vision will be able to directions, and interfaced to a fast- and hydraulic skid Subsea Vision offer larger tooling packages, such as acting control system and solid-state can offer a diverse range of subsea pipe tracking systems and manipulator/ gyro for enhanced azimuth stability. services. hydraulic skids for light work class operations,” says Subsea Vision’s Chris To create a compact version and This purchase follows industry Bryant. minimise the effect of current, Saab projections that the demand for Seaeye engineers set about reducing FPSOs is set to double by 2015 The power and manoeuvrability of the the frame size, buoyancy and weight Mechanical Scanning Multibeam as companies seek new areas for Cougar XT Compact comes from its to create a compact design that has a exploration and production. six thrusters: four vectored horizontal very high thust to weight ratio.

Hysub for SNK Ocean HYSUB ROV International Submarine Engineering will build a further HYSUB remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for Tokyo-based marine services company SNK Ocean. The order is for a 100HP ROV with depth capability to 2000m. The ROV will be outfitted to perform tasks that will assist biological studies

ISE has provided a number of vehicles for the SNK fleet. The Courtesy of David VanZandt and Kevin Magee of the Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE) new ROV features six thrusters – four forward and two vertical, support for six lights, eight cameras, Imagenex sonar, collection basket with hydraulic door with the skid, tether management Sidescan system, and ISE’s control system – ACE. Vehicle delivery is scheduled for early 2013.

In 2010, ISE provided SNK with a 150HP 3000m depth-rated HAKUYO ROV, together with a custom designed jet skid for cable burial operations. SNK’s fleet of ISE ROVs cover a variety of operations including cable burial, salvage, research and survey. www.imagenex.com UT2 August 2012 102 R E D E F I N I N G I M A G E C L A R I T Y

Mechanical Scanning Multibeam

Courtesy of David VanZandt and Kevin Magee of the Cleveland Underwater Explorers (CLUE) Sidescan

www.imagenex.com 103 UT2 August 2012 ROV ROV

FPSO ROV

ROVOP has invested in two new remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) to add to its fleet of vehicles. Both new ROVs, which represent an investment of more than £2million, are capable of operating in deep and shallow waters as well as environmentally challenging high currents.

The ROVs are both SAAB Seaeye Panther XT Plus light work class systems. Capable of 4kts, the systems have powerful Schilling robotic manipulator arms.

One of these ROVs offers the most highly-specified ROV system that manufacturer SAAB Seaeye has ever produced including a full pipeline survey capability, as well as a heavy duty launch system, a tether management system and zone rating to operate in hazardous areas. This system underwent extensive sea-trials with the full pipeline survey spread during May.

The second Panther XT Plus is a free-swimming, crane- launched system that is able to fit into small spaces on vessels and rigs – this provides ROV power and capability not normally available from areas where space is at a premium.

The latest assets mean that ROVOP has invested more than £3million within four months in its fleet. The one-year-old company also recently acquired a Cougar XT ROV from Saab Seaeye.

Steven Gray, managing director at said: “The significant new additions to our fast-growing fleet of ROVs reflect our need for the most reliable, capable and powerful ROVs in their class.

“The Norwegian market presents a variety of challenges for ROVs. There is a requirement for inspection and maintenance of mature subsea infrastructure as well as construction relating to the ongoing investment in new fields.”

Norway has a wide variety of water depths and demanding sea conditions. ROVOP shares much of the typical Norwegian approach of using the best available technology and not making compromises on equipment standards. This makes Norway a key target market for ROVOP.”

Operating in a niche area, the business provides first-class equipment and pilot technicians to ensure ROV projects are delivered safely and efficiently. ROVOP is unique in that it is 100% focused on ROV services and therefore provides genuine expert capability.

Within a year of trading, ROVOP’s rapid growth has already seen the company win Promising New Business at the 2012 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise as well as being named a finalist for Best New Enterprise at Subsea UK’s 2012 business awards. The company’s growth is also highlighted by the increase in personnel to more than 30 within nine months.

In July, ROVOP had secured more than £8million in funding.

UT2 August 2012 104 ROVOP has invested more than £2million in two new high-performance ROVs

105 UT2 August 2012 Amelia Earhart: The Search Continues

Acoustic positioning technology from Sonardyne, Houston, was selected to play a key role in a recent expedition aiming to solve one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century.

A Bluefin Robotics Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was equipped with a Sonardyne Ranger 2 underwater target tracking system which was used by The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) to search for the remains of the Lockhead Electra aircraft flown by Amelia Earhart during her failed circumnavigation attempt in 1937.

For the Earhart project, Bluefin Robotics’ AUV was purchased by Phoenix International Holdings, an experienced marine services and salvage contractor. The team aboard the K-O-K research vessel prepare the Bluefin RoboticsAUV for Working with TIGHAR, Phoenix deployment. The vehicle was equipped with a Ranger 2 tracking transponder, visible used the AUV to search the deep towards the rear of the AUV waters around the small island of Nikumaroro in the Western the position of a subsea target by Wideband 2 signal is just fantastic.” Pacific, believed by many to be measuring the range and bearing where Earhart crash landed. from a vessel-mounted transceiver Kim Swords, Account Manager to an acoustic transponder on the at Sonardyne said, “Bluefin and Using multi-beam and side-scan target, a technique known as Ultra- Sonardyne have worked together imaging sonars, Bluefin’s AUV Short BaseLine (USBL) positioning. on many projects so we were really conducted a wide area search pleased when they selected our of the selected site to detect Multiple subsea targets over a wide Ranger 2 system, even more so and confirm potential targets area and range of water depths can when we heard the historic nature of interest. From onboard the be simultaneously and precisely of the project it would be working Ka`imikai-o-Kanaloa (K-O-K) positioned without having to deploy on. research vessel, Ranger 2 any additional equipment into monitored the AUV’s position the water. This results in fast and Using our 6G product ranges in real time as it conducted its efficient survey operations. means that Bluefin will continue to search, logging the coordinates benefit from exceptional tracking of seafloor anomalies that Will O’Halloran, Bluefin Robotics’ and high speed data telemetry.” warranted further investigation. Marine Operations Manager commented, “We’ve long been The expedition departed on 3rd Ranger 2 is a high performance a user of Sonardyne products July on the 75th anniversary of underwater target tracking so selecting Ranger 2 was a Earhart’s disappearance. TIGHAR’s system designed upon natural progression from the 10th expedition to the island, Sonardyne’s latest 6G and previous products we’ve used. the mission was filmed by The Wideband 2 technology The functionality of the latest 6G Discovery Channel. You can also platforms. The system calculates hardware and reliability of the read TIGHAR’s daily reports online.

UT2 August 2012 106 Amelia Earhart: The Search Continues NIWA seafloor mapping of Auckland’s doorstep Research ship AGOR 27 NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa build well targeted future scientific Officials from the Woods Hole has set sail from Wellington research,” says Ching. Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to map the seabed in the joined the U.S. Office of Naval mid-to-outer Greater Hauraki Based on information from retired Research (ONR) at a ceremony to Gulf, including the coast off commercial fishers, high-resolution mark the beginning of construction on Coromandel. survey lines will be run over the high-tech, ocean research ship special habitat areas also. These AGOR 27, which will be operated by The Hauraki Gulf and will cover deep sponge gardens, WHOI. Coromandel are one of the most tubeworm fields, horse mussel heavily utilised marine areas beds, bryozoan (‘lace coral’) During the traditional ceremony held in New Zealand. This area is patches, and green-lipped mussel at Dakota Creek Industries shipyard confronted with many competing and dog cockle beds, as well as in Anacortes, Wash., the first pieces interests and pressures including deeper water reefs. of steel comprising the keels for two commercial and recreational new research ships funded by ONR fishing, marine transport, tourism, This survey voyage is funded —AGOR 27 and AGOR 28, which will pleasure boating, aquaculture by LINZ as part of the all-of- be operated by Scripps Institution of and sediment run off from land. government Ocean Survey 20/20 Oceanography—were authenticated programme that LINZ coordinates with the keel certifiers’ initials. “It’s an area subject to multiple to provide New Zealand with better pressures,” says NIWA’s project knowledge of its ocean territory, “Keel laying is a major milestone in the manager Neville Ching. including New Zealand’s Exclusive life of a ship, symbolizing the transition Economic Zone, continental shelf from concept to reality,” said WHOI and the Ross Sea region. President and Director Susan Avery. The Government has recognised “For WHOI, it also marks the welcome the significance of the area The survey data will help provide continuation of our tradition of more through the Hauraki Gulf Marine a basis for any future biodiversity than 80 years operating research Park Act, and its management assessment, as well as providing vessels in order to take science to sea.” through the Hauraki Forum. some of the building blocks for a Its purpose is to preserve and coastal fish-habitat classification. The Ocean Class research vessel enhance the Hauraki Gulf for all AGOR 27 will represent the latest of its users. Dr Mark Morrison, who leads technology and will serve a pressing NIWA’s Coastal Conservation need for a general-purpose ship based “The seafloor mapping work will Management project, says, “We on the East coast of the United States. help New Zealand better manage don’t know what fish habitats and and sustainably develop its ocean associated biodiversity are in the Ocean Class ships fulfill a critical role resources,” says Ching. mid-to-outer Gulf areas at depths in fleet modernization by replacing the of 40 – 200 metres. That will help currently aging ships with vessels of The area Tangaroa will be us to understand more about what global endurance, current technological working within covers 2100 fish do, where they go seasonally capability, and optimized number of square kilometres, of which about and therefore whether they are science berths. half will be covered within the at risk from the effects of human 22-day survey. The multi-beam activities, such as pollution and AGOR 27, which will support scientists survey will be conducted in sediments.” conducting research in a wide variety water depths of around 40 – 200 of ocean missions, will have the metres. The Gulf is vulnerable to tsunami ability to sail at a sustained speed of impacts. There is some evidence 12 knots with 20 berths allotted for “The focus of the survey is that suggests past tsunami crew members and 24 for scientists. to provide base bathymetric deposits could have reached 14 Some of the high-tech features mapping of the area that will metres above current sea level planned include: acoustic navigation support the Auckland and on Motuihe Island, and the inner and tracking systems that operate at Waikato Councils, Ministry for Hauraki Gulf. various depths; a specially designed Primary Industries, Department of hull that diverts bubbles from the sonar Conservation, Land Information “The multibeam mapping data area; a centralized freshwater cooling New Zealand (LINZ), iwi, and collected will significantly help with system to provide heating, ventilation commercial and recreational contributing to the modelling of and air conditioning; and dual- fishers, as well as providing key the risks associated with tsunami controllable propellers with variable baseline knowledge on which to events also,” says Ching. speed motors for increased efficiency.

107 UT2 August 2012 Fishing Sonar

For many years, the fishing industry work, however, these smaller has employed sonar technology to vehicles must endeavour to keep the assist in positioning the mouth of payload as light as possible. Smaller trawl net in front of the oncoming devices typically consume less power shoal. This sonar would typically be a than larger units, which is another single beam device. important consideration. The sonar head would mechanically “We have been successful in rotate a fan-shaped acoustic beam. developing a range of equipment At each step of, say, 10deg, the items for this new emerging market. ” head would capture an image before moving to the next step. This would A recent example is the development continue until a full 360 deg was and incorporation of a modified recorded. compact Imagenex Model 853 echo sounder for the iRobot 1KA Seaglider Later this year, Imagenex will launch unmanned underwater vehicle a new multibeam device specifically (UUV). It will be used to support aimed at the fishing industry. Instead Antarctic research conducted by the of accumulating an image in steps, it University of East Anglia (UEA). will be able to instantaneously record an entire 360deg arc. The iRobot Seaglider is designed for missions lasting many months and The ability to see the target in real covering thousands of miles. It is the time will not only make it possible to first UUV to complete a greater than position the mouth of the net more nine month mission without needing accurately in front of the fast moving to recharge its battery and the first to shoal, potentially improving the complete a mission of greater than fishing yield. As the sonar provides a 3800km. 360 deg scan, it will also help steer the vessel zero towards the next “We plan to calibrate the shoal. Imagenex echo sounder on the iRobot Seaglider for krill biomass “Years ago, the size of a typical estimation,” said Professor Karen multibeam sonar would make it Heywood from the University of impracticable to fit onto a trawl East Anglia. “Working with British system,” said Gordon Kristensen, Antarctic Survey colleagues, we aim Managing Director of Imagenex. “The to show that this system could enable design of the new sonar, however, is long-term measurements of krill the latest manifestation of a drive we abundance in Antarctic water. This started many years ago, to try and would help us to better understand decrease the size of our equipment the basis of the food chain supporting while still enhancing the functionality. cetaceans and penguins.” “At our disposal, we have a range Imagenex developed the 120 kHz of patented technologies that have Model 853 echo sounder along with allowed us to minimise the footprint an onboard self-logging processor of not only our sonars, but also other and interface to Seaglider’s open subsea equipment items. This has serial interface protocol. The onboard opened up an extensive range of processor supports a “glider mode”, markets.” which allows sample data profiles and statistics to be transmitted via “The evolution of many subsea Seaglider’s Iridium satellite phone vehicles, for example, has resulted each time it surfaces. in a generation of smaller, lighter vessels which can be offered by The echo sounder is also able to manufacturers alongside larger units. store up to 200 days of raw data on its flash memory for download These smaller devices are generally upon recovery. Its small size and cheaper to purchase and operate, low power consumption is ideal for and can, consequently, be used by long-range, high endurance missions research institutions with smaller supported by Seaglider. Sonar view showing trawl net and ocean bottom budgets. In order to carry out the

UT2 August 2012 108 109 UT2 August 2012 BC Imagenex is located in British Columbia, home of a variety of other companies heavily involved in subsea technology. Nuytco, ASL Environmental Science, Oceanworks, Mesotech, Inuktun and ISE are among the hub of companies located within a small radius. While enjoying the advantages of being with such a community, Kristensen says that Imagenex prefers to be seen for its position on the international stage. “From the start, we set up strategic agreements with companies around the world. Our fisheries products are distributed by Furnuro an Norway and we have a network in all other key regions. We also have agreements integrating equipment in other companies products.”

UT2 August 2012 110 Bow view of Multibeam fishing sonar

111 UT2 August 2012 Sonar Sonar Mesotech DSS Kongsberg Mesotech has announced the latest version of MS 1000 software for MS 1071 and MS 1171 digital scanning sonar.

MS 1000 Version 5 marks a major change in direction for this software. Alan Zhao, Software Product Manager for the company summarised the new approach this way. “We have a software key for operation. The kit Standard Edition. English, German recognised and responded to the is available for CAD$250.00 including and Mandarin user interfaces are needs of our customers for different supporting documentation. provided for both editions of Version levels of sonar processing with the 5.0. development and release of MS 1000 Those customers requiring increased Version 5.0. functionality can continue to purchase The needs of users requiring higher the full version of MS 1000, known as levels of sonar processing will be The entry level software, known as MS 1000 Standard Edition. The full served by additional software modules MS 1000 Express Edition, provides package, MS 1000 Standard Edition, in future. The 3D Optional Module basic operating functions for is enabled using a software key and is will acquire 3D profile points for Kongsberg Mesotech, digital sonar. priced at CAD$6,975.00. Users of the accurate point cloud representation The Express Edition is suitable for Express Edition can upgrade with the of underwater structures. This data many applications, such as obstacle purchase of a software key (dongle). can be further enhanced using one of avoidance for ROVs and certain a number of commercially available imaging applications. Users of the earlier MS 1000 Lite post processing packages, including software will be able to upgrade Trimble RealWorks and Leica The Express Edition does not require to either the Express Edition or Cyclone.

3D Sonar Naval Sonar CodaOctopus recently completed the sale of an Tritech has been awarded a contract to supply German- Echoscope and F180series system to T&T Marine based naval electronics systems supplier Atlas Elektronik, of Galveston, Texas. The Echoscope augments T&T with suites of sonar equipment for an urgent US Navy Marine’s technology with real-time 3D sonar survey and requirement. imaging capabilities. Tritech sonars will be installed on SeaFox mine This purchase follows a series of successful on-project neutralisation systems, supplied through ATLAS North system trials in Texas and Kentucky, where T&T Marine America (ATLAS NA), in support of the US Navy was appointed as the salvage contractor following the requirement for a more effective mine countermeasures collision of the vessel Delta Mariner with the Eggner (MCM) system. Ferry Bridge. Further details can be found at The SeaFox system is a fibre-optic guided, one-shot, Training was completed in May and the system is mine disposal vehicle, used for semi-autonomous now being extensively used by other projects. Over disposal of naval mines and other ordnance found at sea. the coming years CodaOctopus expects new ways of working in marine salvage real-time 3D sonar. It is able to automatically relocate previously acquired positions of underwater objects within minutes using the integrated homing sonar equipment.

Delta Mariner

UT2 August 2012 112 L-3 Sonar in UUV Vehicle Control Technologies (VCT)’s HarborScan UUV (unmanned underwater vehicle) has been equipped with L-3 Klein’s UUV 3500 side scan sonar for the commercial and military markets. HarborScan has completed extensive acceptance testing with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is now considered fully operational.

Coupling ease of use with L-3 Klein’s photo-quality side scan sonar imaging, HarborScan is ready to complete disaster response, coastal global positioning, velocity log and HarborScan’s open-architecture surveys, environmental assessments, inertial navigation. software provides user-configurable harbour security, mine-like object xml-based fault monitoring; detailed, identification, search and salvage, Like all VCT vehicles, HarborScan is accessible data logging; an easy- and hull scanning missions. controlled by an engineered autopilot to-use software update process; that is designed for stability and and mission command transmission HarborScan is a two-man portable angular rate steadiness across the via acoustic communications and 7½in diameter AUV, 98in in length vehicle’s entire operational envelope. It Iridium. The propulsion and control with a maximum operating depth of also features roll control that improves module is field replaceable in about 300m. Navigation sensors include side scan sonar performance. 30 minutes.

Defence Tracking VideoRay and its partners have and other elements of national locations, and therefore can remove shipped the first implementation of security to agencies like the Royal divers from minefields and hazardous VideoRay CoPilot. Australian Navy. situations.

This is a combination of SeeByte The system, purchased by DSTO, ProViewer Plus advanced target is the first observation class ROV tracking software, BlueView P900 system capable of autonomously series imaging sonar, and Teledyne following a pre-defined mission or RDI Explorer Doppler Velocity Log maintaining station, regardless of (DVL) on a VideoRay Pro 4 remotely changing currents and rough sea operated vehicle (ROV). conditions.

The Defence Science and Using VideoRay sonar CoPilot Technology Organisation (DSTO) by SeeByte, the system can is the Australian government’s automatically identify underwater lead agency charged with applying objects with the BlueView sonar, then science and technology to protect on command fly to them. It can also and defend Australia and its national track moving objects. interests. In an Explosive Ordnance Disposal It delivers expert, impartial advice (EOD) context, this provides effortless VideoRay CoPilot and innovative solutions for Defence automatic navigation to underwater

113 UT2 August 2012 Sonar Sonar Pipelay Monitoring CodaOctopus and Nautikaris have real time, the cable’s catenary and In addition, by employing Coda recently been involved in a project touchdown point in three dimensions Octopus’ proprietary Underwater for Deep BV Hydrography and as it was being laid. This proves the Survey Explorer (USE) software Geophysics, providing positioning valuable application in deep sea cable which features “augmented reality” and survey services for the laying. capabilities, it was possible to overlay installation of a power cable at the a computer generated image of the Thornton Bank wind farm off the Additionally, it was also used to planned siting of the cable onto the Belgian coast. visualise and monitor the pull-in of the sonar view. This enabled the user to cable into the J-tube. This gave the confirm the cable was being laid on This is the first time the sonar has operator an immediate 3D view of the target. been used to monitor the touchdown subsea scene during the operation of a cable into a trench on the which gave the operator more Work is on-going but early results seabed. Using Echoscope, the confidence when making operational indicate that this approach has led to operator was able to visualise in decisions. a major increase in productivity.

Sonar used to show pipelay

6G Order for Sonardyne GPS Sonardyne has received a major The platform has been proven to director said, “From early this year, order for 6G acoustic positioning deliver significant operational savings, we’ve been witnessing high demand equipment worth £1m from Forum allowing multi-user subsea construction for 6G from across our region. This Energy Technologies’ equipment survey tasks to be completed in less latest investment in Sonardyne rental business, DPS Offshore. time than was previously possible. technology ensures that we now have fully stocked shelves of 6G The is the second order placed by Commenting on the deal, Colin equipment ready to meet the needs DPS Offshore in as many months Erskine, Forum’s global rental business of the rental market. for Sonardyne’s sixth generation hardware platform and includes Compatt 6 transponders, RovNav 6 LBL transceivers and Lodestar GyroCompatt 6s for high update rate wireless attitude and acoustic positioning of any subsea object.

The equipment will be added to DPS’ equipment pool in Aberdeen, ready to support a wide range of subsea positioning tasks including structure placement and spoolpiece metrology.

6G products utilise Sonardyne’s ultra-wideband width, digital ranging and telemetry protocols developed to increase the precision, speed and reliability of acoustic positioning and aided inertial navigation operations.

UT2 August 2012 114 115 UT2 August 2012 Underwater Vehicles BlueView Updates ProViewer and ProScan Software, and

Underwater Vehicles Introduces BlueViewer 3D Viewer BlueView Technologies has BlueView is a leader in 2D imaging with more than 500 installed systems updated the operating software and 3D scanning sonar technology worldwide. for its 2D and 3D sonar systems. ProViewer 3.6 and ProScan3.6 include multiple updates to improve processing speed and ease of use.

Additionally, BlueView is introducing its new 3D point cloud viewing software, BlueViewer to quickly and easily view the output of BlueView BV5000 3D Multibeam Scanners and MicroBathymetric systems.

The BlueViewer software can take accurate point-to-point measurements and display multiple point clouds using several different color maps. BlueViewer is included BlueViewer screen capture of a underwater with all BlueView BV5000 and bulkhead wall, note the undercut area on the left. Microbathymetric systems.

Scout USBL Supported by Sonardyne’s To undertake the survey, ARA Positioning data from Scout was Scout USBL acoustic positioning mobilised its Remotely Operated fed to the accompanying ViewPoint technology, ARA Incorporated has Vehicle (ROV) ROUMRS which navigation software which transforms recently completed a subsurface was fitted with a Sonardyne WSM 6 the coordinates of surface vessels, survey of Terminal 91 in the Port of transponder and a Scout transceiver subsea vehicles and structures into Seattle. was deployed from the side of the dock geographical information that is on a simple pole arrangement. overlaid on guidance displays. Commissioned following the discovery of World War II munitions on the seafloor under the cruise ship facility at Pier 91 within the terminal, ARA’s operation was to identify and clear any magnetic anomalies that could potentially warrant further investigation.

A complete vessel based acoustic positioning system, Scout USBL is designed for tracking divers, ROVs and towfish in waters up to 1000m.

Calculating the position of a subsea target by measuring its range and bearing from a vessel mounted transceiver to an acoustic transponder fitted to the target, the system offers high accuracy performance with efficient subsea tracking operations. Engineers prepare the ROUMRS ROV, equipped with a WSM 6 transponder

UT2 August 2012 116 Underwater Vehicles

WASSP S Multibeam Sonar for Surveyors WASSP S has been developed without the more expensive cost of software, WASSP S is IHO Order to bring the benefits of multibeam out sourcing to a third party survey 1A Compliant, attaining the system sonar to the survey, dredging and firm to undertake the project, whilst third-party validation of depth scientific research markets. In a still obtaining the accurate and reliable accuracy and target detection. versatile and cost-effective package, information needed.” WASSP S provides accurate and Those users not utilising Hypack or reliable real-time seafloor and water WASSP S also allows non-surveyors QINSY can instead utilise WASSP’s column information in an intuitive user to self generate valuable information, own optional software program interface. and the system’s practical design and called Navigator. In addition to intuitive ease of use, requires minimal various other functions, Navigator “WASSP S is suited to dredgers and installation or operational training. is ideal for tracking the movement hydro graphic surveyors who currently of sediment plumes from a dredge use single beam sonar’s but don’t The practical operation of or monitoring schools of fish, both have enough projects to warrant WASSP S means it can be used in of which can be viewed in 3D from the use of a more costly multibeam situations where a survey vessel would any angle throughout the survey system. WASSP S has been designed ordinarily be called in to undertake the area. to be cost effective and yet provide the project. In the case of users such as performance they would expect from wind farm operators, or port authorities, Its low weight, volume and power a high level multibeam sonar,” says they can have WASSP S permanently requirements make it a useful WASSP CEO, Gareth Hodson. fitted to their workboat, and be able system for small boat operators. to perform the work on site when The 327mm L X 164mm W X “The more affordable WASSP S required, saving time and money. 94mm H transducer is easily solution, provides operators the adaptable to suit over the side pole ability to carry out their own surveys Compatible with Hypack & QINSY mounting.

117 UT2 August 2012 Underwater Vehicles Underwater Vehicles

UT2 August 2012 118 Underwater Vehicles

Kongsberg Deep Sea Cameras in Trench expedition

Kongsberg Maritime’s OE14-502 High Definition Cameras raised the bar for deep-sea exploration during a recent expedition of China’s manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong to the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean.

The Jiaolong has been equipped with two ultra deep water versions of Kongsberg Maritime OE14-502D High Definition Cameras along with an ultra deep OE14-208 Digital Stills Camera and two OE14-364 Compact Fixed Colour Cameras.

The Jiaolong made a total of six dives altogether, reaching a depth of 7062 meters on its final dive. This surpassed a national record depth of 7020 meters reached just a few days previously. While at the ocean bottom, scientists captured high quality video, conducted geological surveys, placed markers and gathered samples of organisms living on the ocean bed.

The HD video footage is the deepest recorded using KONGSBERG HD cameras.

119 UT2 August 2012 FoundationsSUT Foundations Batoil Services Nigeria selects Easytrak

Batoil Services Nigeria Limited based of a variety of pipeline crossings in and gyro compass, the precise in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has recently the Addax OML 123 Field, so that position of the pipelines could be purchased an Applied Acoustics’ large concrete mattresses could be established with a high degree of USBL tracking system to add to its placed over for protection. accuracy, sub one metre. Armed equipment pool. with this information, the large The Easytrak USBL underwater concrete mattresses could be Amongst its other company positioning and tracking system is placed in the correct positions, functions such as corrosion control centred on a multi-element, single as confirmed by divers during and inspection services, Batoil is transducer that transmits and installation, adding to overall a leading supplier of equipment receives acoustic signals to dynamic operational efficiency. and services used during pipeline subsea targets from which range, route, engineering and hydrographic bearing and depth information can be “We aim to source equipment that surveys for the Nigerian oil industry. determined. can provide innovative solutions for our clients’ many challenges,” Bamidele Olagunju, Managing For the Kaztec Engineering project said Mr Olagunju, “and we found Director at Batoil Services Nigeria the underwater target to be tracked the Easytrak Lite system very user Limited selected the Applied was the company’s sub-bottom friendly and easy to set-up, so it Acoustics’ Easytrtak Lite USBL profiler used to locate pipelines fitted the bill perfectly. positioning system for a particular on, or often under, the seabed. By contract the company secured with attaching an Applied Acoustics 1019 We’re delighted that our clients Kaztec Engineering Ltd. This was to Mini Beacon to the towed unit and were satisfied with the accuracy of provide accurate underwater positions interfacing the system with GPS the positioning results obtained.”

Foundations

UT2 August 2012 120 ROVSUT

Falcon Frees Willy

Helping Free Willy in the fourth remake The success of the project, says Kevin It is not the first time the Falcon of the film is a strong-swimming Bey-Leveld, helped keep down the cost has starred in the movies. In the Falcon. of filming. Bollywood film, ‘LUCK’, also filmed in South Africa, it was strapped under a With the world-famous Willy strapped “The way the Falcon flies, combined 4.2 metre long latex and polyurethane to its back, the small Saab Seaeye with trained ROV pilots, allowed the replica of a tiger shark and used Falcon ROV used its five powerful director to film the sequences in a to replicate the realistic swimming thrusters and intelligent electronics relatively short space of time, in terms motion of the shark and its violent to give Willy the wriggle he needs to of normal filming,” he explains. attacks on hapless swimmers. swim free. The Falcon is owned and operated by Filmed in South Africa, the realistic Cape Town based Marine Solutions. swimming motion was cleverly The ROV’s worldwide success across recreated through the precise fingertip a range of industries, has come from control of the Falcon by ROV pilots its power to hold steady in strong Nick Stroud and Josh Smit of Marine cross currents. Solutions. Although small and compact, the Falcon was powerful enough to Its distributed intelligence control The biggest challenge, according to manoeuvre in both swimming pool and system that allows up to 128 devices Marine Solutions director, Kevin Bey- the open ocean - the trick, explained to be connected together on a single Leveld, was to make the Orca whale, Kevin Bey-Leveld, was to balance the RS 485 serial network. This means with its large body, look like it really buoyancy to compensate between sea different equipment can be easily was swimming along. water and fresh water. added and changed as needed.

Underwater Acoustic Modem Emulator EvoLogics has developed an features of the modem’s data-link acoustic networks. Furthermore, some underwater acoustic modem protocol layer and includes a simulator commercial customers were granted emulator that recently underwent of the physical protocol layer. emulator access to simplify system successful beta-testing and will soon integration of EvoLogics modems: the be available to the customers. A network of virtual underwater customers used the emulated virtual acoustic modems, configured and modems to get accustomed with After releasing the WiSE (White Line run on EvoLogics server, can be modem control sequences before the Science Edition) line of underwater accessed remotely and therefore actual hardware delivery. acoustic modems with an embedded provides a hardware-free framework network protocol development for development and training. Any EvoLogics received great feedback platform, Evologics GmbH continues code, written and run on the modem from emulator users, who found it very to promote underwater networking emulator, can be later run on the convenient for debugging network technologies with a new tool that actual modem hardware without any protocols in development, as well as offers more flexibility for underwater modifications, offering a time-saving to plan and refine experiments before network protocol developers and solution that minimizes development conducting them on real modem end-users of EvoLogics underwater costs for upper layer network hardware. Valuable suggestions from acoustic modems. protocols and simplifies integration the beta-test collaborators will help of acoustic modems into underwater improve the emulator before its final EvoLogics’ new solution is a real- infrastructure. release planned for fall 2012. time emulator of the S2CR-series underwater acoustic modems. The EvoLogics underwater acoustics The EvoLogics team will report on the This tool is aimed at optimizing modems emulator underwent beta- underwater acoustic modem emulator underwater network protocol testing in 2011-2012. The company’s during the UComms Conference on development by taking out expensive academic partners remotely accessed Underwater Communications and the modem hardware from the early the emulator to develop and debug FAC Conference on Manoeuvring and testing stages - it emulates all upper layer protocols for underwater Control of Marine Craft.

121 UT2 August 2012 SUT SUTSUT Patrac Introduces Seabed Erosion Measurement In most coastal and estuarine have considerable ecological and settings, the seabed elevation (water environmental impacts. depth/bathymetry) changes due to the processes of sediment and sediment The Genesis 2 MHz High Resolution deposition on a daily basis. Recording Altimer is a marine sonar (3.6° at –3dB beam width) capable More pronounced changes occur of measuring small scale (mm – cm) when wave energy can penetrate changes in sediment level in coastal to the seabed during winter storms. and estuarine environments. It is Changes in seabed level greater than based on an echo sounder which can 0.10–0.15m can be detected using be deployed onto fixed infrastructure or conventional single and multi-beam on a special frame which is designed echo sounders. to avoid any sediment scouring in the measurement area. From a navigational safety viewpoint it is only changes at scales greater The elevation resolution varies with than this which are of importance. fixed distance (2mm , for range 20–70 However, smaller scale changes cm; 5 mm , for range 20–200 cm). The (mm–cm) are important to, amongst instrument is autonomous and self- others, benthic habitat stability, logging, and can operate unattended contaminated sediment impacts, for periods up to 9 months (variable dredging impact evaluation eg, according to sampling frequency). siltation onto sensitive benthic A second channel measures water communities, and benthic ecosystem Within these examples the transfer pressure (depth), which can also be function. of sediments on the small scale can configured to sample for waves.

UT2 August 2012 122 SUT

Gardline upgrades with Sonardyne – From First to 6G Leading marine contractor Gardline As a result, the company decided survey operations, reduce vessel Geosurvey has selected Sonardyne to upgrade and replace equipment delay and improve the total cost of International’s Ranger 2 USBL on five of its vessels to the latest ownership. tracking system as part of a multi Ranger 2 USBL specification. vessel upgrade programme. “With the exception of the Four of the vessels were equipped competing USBL system that we By equipping its survey vessels with Sonardyne’s first generation have had some issues with, the with Sonardyne’s latest generation USBL system, whilst a fifth had majority of our equipment was acoustic technology platform, a non-Sonardyne USBL system legacy Sonardyne technology so Gardline will now benefit from installed. we knew the quality of the products Ranger 2’s ability to track multiple we were looking at,” said Steve subsea targets over long ranges A survey grade USBL acoustic Hodds, Navigation and Positioning and with the highest level of positioning system, Ranger 2 is Manager at Gardline. positioning accuracy. designed for deep water, long range tracking of underwater targets and “Since installing the latest Ranger Specialising in geophysical, position referencing for dynamically 2 systems we’ve experienced hydrographic, environmental, positioned (DP) vessels. a big jump in performance and oceanographic and geotechnical capability, meaning that we can surveys, Gardline’s decision to It builds on the simplicity and continue to provide our clients switch to 6G is further recognition performance of Sonardyne’s original with quality data that has been of the performance gains and Ranger system by adding support delivered in a safe, efficient operational savings that the new for 6G® technologies that are manner with minimal impact on the technology offers. proven to increase the efficiency of environment.”

123 UT2 August 2012 Titan Survey has been involved in marine surveys both in the UK and worldwide for over 30 years and is increasingly involved in offshore renewable energy schemes, particularly wind farm projects, where an accurate interrogation of the subsea geology is so crucial to turbine foundation design, as well as route selection for the cabling to shore. The company has found the Applied Acoustics seismic survey equipment, the CSP energy supply and sound source known as a boomer, particularly useful for this near shore sub-bottom survey work.

Subsea Equipment

Trencher Camera

Subsea Equipment Global marine technology developer harsh environment trenching and mining Kongsberg Maritime’s Aberdeen operations as well as for regular ROV The Kongsberg Maritime cameras and based underwater camera group operations, and we are pleased to have accessories chosen by SMD for its has received contracts to supply supported SMD’s full range of vehicles latest generation vehicles are market comprehensive underwater camera for many years with the latest camera leading in their own rights. The OE10- packages to a total of four new state- equipment, including these impressive 102 has fast become the electrical of-the-art SMD trencher and mining high end vehicles,” comments Bill Stuart underwater pan & tilt unit of choice vehicles being delivered to major Sales Manager, Kongsberg Maritime since its launch less than 3 years ago, subsea service clients. Camera Group. with SMD alone having now purchased over 100, in addition to over 70 similar The first contract is for cameras and Uniquely Kongsberg Maritime is OE10-103 single axis rotator versions. accessories for a new generation the only camera manufacturer that high powered deep water Trencher, offers the complete suite of in- The OE14-366 has become recently delivered and currently house manufactured underwater established as the industry standard undergoing sea trials. cameras and accessories, including general purpose ROV inspection standard definition and high definition camera with over 2000 units now sold. The Trencher is capable of operating colour inspection cameras, low-light The OE13-124 navigation camera in water depths of up to 3000m monochrome navigation cameras, offers the best low light performance and jet trenching in soils of up to sophisticated Pan and Tilt Zoom (PATZ) available and has proven itself as a 100KPA and chain cutting of soils and Zoom Rotate and Tilt (ZRAT) worthy replacement for the world’s up to 250KPA. The Kongsberg dome cameras, specialised digital best-selling OE1324 SIT camera while Maritime camera package for this stills cameras, flashguns, lamps and the OE14-122 PATZ dome camera sophisticated vehicle includes: rugged electrical pan & tilt and rotator is the best-selling deep water dome 4 x OE14-366 colour zoom positioning units. camera on the market. cameras, 1 x OE13-124 BIT low light navigation camera, 1 x OE14-376 light ring camera and 4 x OE10-102 serial controlled electric pan & tilt units. The second contract is for an Allseas Cameras extensive package of cameras and accessories to be installed on three Bowtech has announced that its of the latest generation of SMD Benelux agent N-Seatec Subsea mining vehicles. These vehicles are Systems has won a contract from flexible subsea production tools, Allseas. This involves the supply of which will be used to mine copper Surveyor HD cameras, replacing the and gold a mile below the surface. existing HD cameras on all its Schilling For each mining vehicle Kongsberg UHD ROVs. Maritime is supplying a sophisticated payload of camera sensors and Bowtech and N-Seatec secured the accessories including: contract also won the supply of the Cameras for ROVs associated connectors and various 2 x colour OE14-366A colour zoom interconnection cables. Standard video output is component, cameras, 2 x OE13-124 BIT low however HD-SDI and fibre output are light navigation cameras, 2 x mini Allseas is planning to upgrade all 30 also available. fixed colour OE14-110 cameras, 1 x cameras on their existing ROV fleet OE14-122 PATZ (Pan and Tilt Zoom) and have already ordered the first A unique feature of this camera, dome camera and 4 x OE10-102 four cameras after testing them on the apart for the picture quality, is its serial controlled electric pan & tilt Schilling UHD ROV. size. The camera has a titanium units. housing rated for work in water Bowtech’s Surveyor High Definition depths around 6000m. It has an “Kongsberg Maritime underwater (HD) colour zoom camera utilises optically clear sapphire window. cameras and positioning devices Sony’s latest block camera are proven to withstand extreme incorporating 1/3in HD CMOS The camera is smaller than the conditions, including low visibility CCD giving good picture quality, standard underwater colour zoom and high vibration and shock levels, 10:1 optical zoom lens, as well as camera and, therefore, ideal for which makes them ideal for use in horizontal resolution of 800+ TV lines. mounting on all ROVs.

UT2 August 2012 124 Snooperette-UV and Aquila-UV BIRNS has launched a new line of free while using a powerful UV light to Rated to 3400m, the Snooperette-UV Ultra Violet (UV) lighting systems help identify metal fissures and weak is highly versatile, compact (76mm), for the commercial diving and ROV areas at depth. and is perfect for divers, cameras and market. ROVs. Whether used in ship inspection, or The Snooperette-UV and the for myriad military and offshore oil and The BIRNS Aquila-UV is rated to Aquila-UV bring versatile new gas applications, the new low voltage 200m and features a 60mm (2.4in) options to a wide range of Magnetic BIRNS UV lights have brilliant LED housing with wire-free construction, Particle Inspection (MPI) and Non- illumination in conjunction with UV which combines advanced design Destructive Testing (NDT) projects. lamps, so they operate safely both in characteristics with a streamlined and out of the water. Plus, they are 97mm (3.8in) profile that makes it BIRNS has been delivering ballast-free systems, with instant On/ simple to relamp in just 30 seconds. innovations that have helped shape Off capabilities, so they’re extremely the technology of the subsea and easy and convenient to use. It has an ergonomically- commercial diving markets since designed compact mounting 1954, including the revolutionary diameter, with a coarse BlackBIRN, the world’s first diamond knurled surface for self-contained underwater MPI easy hand gripping or positioning system, which allows a single diver on a mounting bracket. to detect oil leaks and cracks or weld defects in underwater steel Both of these innovative new UV structures, and the BlackBIRN II for lighting systems are destined to ROV use. become a part of BIRNS’ rich history of developing the ultimate high With the new BIRNS UV helmet performance, proven lighting systems lights, divers can have both hands BIRNS ultraviolet lighting systems in the market.

125 UT2 August 2012 Jumbo Javelin on Anholt

Jumbo has successfully completed the transition piece (TP) installation for the Anholt Offshore Wind Farm, off the Danish coast.

Its DP2 heavy lift vessel Jumbo Javelin installed the 111 TP’s with a record-breaking installation rate of 3 TP’s per day. The transport, installation, access to the TP’s and grouting was done without any lost time injuries.

Jumbo’s scope of work included transport and installation of 111 TP’s. The TP’s, weighing up to 180t each, were loaded in Aalborg, Denmark and transported to the offshore location on board the Jumbo Javelin. At the field the heavy lift vessel positioned itself on DP and lifted the TP’s from her hold to place them on the pre- installed monopiles. Jumbo’s highly skilled crew made the operations safe, efficient en reliable. Anholt Offshore Wind Farm is being built by DONG Energy. Jumbo is contracted by the Danish contractor MT Højgaard, who is in charge of the foundation installation work.

During mobilisation from the end of March till mid April 2012 the Jumbo Javelin was outfitted with job-specific equipment, amongst others a motion compensated walkway to provide safe access to the TP’s (Ampelmann), a grout plant (Densit) and Jumbo’s new temporary accommodation unit. This offshore approved unit accommodates up to 50 persons and can be placed on all J-type vessels of Jumbo. The Jumbo Javelin was also equipped with in house developed passive heave compensators (with a 2.5m stroke and a Safe Working Load of 300t) and two job- specific, remote operated spreader bars to lift the TP’s.

The Jumbo Javelin is able to carry up to 9 TP’s at a time, stowed vertically in the hold. The vessel is well-equipped for wind farm installation work: it is free floating, uses its DP2 system combined with a newly installed Taut Wire reference system to position itself, has a transit speed of up to 17kts and is able to sail with open hatches. This means a large transport capacity, fast transit times to and from the installation site, efficient installation up to three TP’s a day and easy relocation from one position to the next.

UT2 August 2012 126 127 UT2 August 2012 Research Research

Marine Energy Doubled by Predicting Wave Power EMU Environmental

New tools for predicting wave power in the amount of energy they produce Statement could double the energy from marine if their response closely matches renewables. the force of the waves and previous The Environmental Statement research has looked at trying to (ES) supporting the development The energy generated from our increase this efficiency. marine license application for oceans could be doubled using new the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe methods for predicting wave power. However, this is the first study that has Offshore Wind Farm was Research led by the University of focused on increasing the device’s submitted to Marine Scotland last Exeter, published in the journal efficiency by predicting and controlling week and marked the start of the Renewable Energy, could pave the internal forces of the device caused by formal consultation period, which way for significant advancements in forthcoming waves. will continue for six weeks. marine renewable energy, making it a more viable source of power. The team devised a system, which Prepared by EMU Limited, enables the device to extract the working with developer The study was carried out by a team maximum amount of energy by Mainstream Renewable of mathematicians and engineers predicting the incoming wave. This Power, the ES represents the from the University of Exeter and information enables a programme to culmination of three years’ worth Tel Aviv University. They devised actively control the response required of assessment and consultation a means of accurately predicting for a wave of a particular size. effort for the project, which is the power of the next wave in order approximately 15.5km east of to make the technology far more Because the device responds Fife Ness and will comprise efficient, extracting twice as much appropriately to the force of the next between 64 and 125 wind energy as is currently possible. wave, it is far less likely to be damaged turbines. and would not need to be turned off in Marine energy is believed to have stormy conditions, as is currently the EMU Limited Director Bruce the potential to provide the UK with case. Tomlinson said the marine electricity twice over. However, consultancy team managed technologies to extract and convert Lead author Dr Guang Li of the the environmental impact energy from the sea are relatively University of Exeter said: “Our research assessment (EIA) process, immature, compared with solar or has the potential to make huge engaged with consultees and wind, and are not yet commercially advances to the progress of marine stakeholders and prepared the competitive without subsidy. renewable energy. There are significant ES for the Neart na Gaoithe benefits to wave energy but progressing development, which has the Very substantial progress has this technology has proved challenging. potential to produce enough been made by the leading device green energy to power a city the developers, but key challenges “This is a major step forward and could size of Edinburgh. Worldwide Underwater Technology R&D Engineering System Integration Sales Service Launch & remain: preventing devices being help pave the way for wave energy to Recovery damaged by the hostile marine play a significant role in providing our “So far the application has environment; and improving the power.” been very well received by efficiency of energy capture from the stakeholders and regulators waves. Co-author Dr Markus Mueller of the alike,” Dr Tomlinson said. Remote Technology Environment and Sustainability Institute Project Management This research addresses both at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Mainstream’s Environment & Engineering problems by enabling control over Campus said: “The next step is for us to and Consents Manager Zoe the devices that extract wave see how effective this approach could Crutchfield said that through Infrastructure energy. The key to this is to enable be at a large scale, by testing it in farms the whole EIA process the Instruments devices to accurately predict the of Wave Energy Converters.” EMU project team performed power of the next wave and respond exceptionally well and have by extracting the maximum energy. The University of Exeter is collaborating produced an environmental with Ocean Power Technologies, a statement that everyone involved The research focused on point leading wave energy device developer, can be very proud of. absorbers, commonly-used floating to exploit and further develop the devices with parts that move in results from this research. This further “I am delighted with the way the response to waves, generating activity is supported by the European team has worked together over energy which they feed back to the Union Seventh Framework Programme the past three years and look grid. Point absorbers are already (FP7/2007-2013) in a project called forward to working with them in Telemetry known to be much more efficient ‘WavePort’. the future,” she added.

UT2 August 2012 128 www.macartney.com Training

Jee launches personal online training account

Following the successful launch of instructions, copies of invoices and Jenny Matthew, Head of Courses its new website, subsea engineering much more. commented, “This exciting development and training firm Jee, has announced with the Jee website allows our the latest phase of development for Some of the benefits for learning delegates and training managers to all its training course customers and and development and training view all their course bookings and delegates. managers and their administrators information in a secure environment.” will allow them to view in one place In response to customer and training information regarding Jee courses She added, “Delegates who attend our manager feedback to be able to that their employees have attended courses come from around the globe access information, everyone who and are planning to attend in the and access to their personal training has attended/or organises training future. account will allow them to amend their for delegates to attend a Jee course, details and read useful information, will now have access to their own It will show all bookings made, offer such as venue directions, and tutor personal secure training record. a one stop shop for information on profiles, in real-time via the Jee joining instructions, downloadable website.” The account has been designed to invoices and the ability to amend all allow delegates/training managers contact details and preferences. For On the new website, readers can to organise their subsea training with online course modules, delegates see the full range of Jee’s subsea Jee, via 24/7 easy online access, and will be able to contact their tutor and engineering capabilities, and can book is a respository of secure information start their online course with just one any of Jee’s public and online technical on courses attended, joining click. training courses.

Worldwide Underwater Technology R&D Engineering System Integration Sales Service Launch & Recovery

Remote Technology Project Management & Engineering

Infrastructure Instruments

Telemetry

129 UT2 August 2012 www.macartney.com News Acquisitions

Titan Survey opts for two more Applied Acoustics’ Boomers

Titan Survey has been involved in waters to deep clear water with Being able to offer this sort of marine surveys both in the UK and strong currents or even high sediment flexibility and efficiency alongside worldwide for over 30 years and mobility areas such as the Bristol excellent data quality has enabled is increasingly involved in offshore Channel,” said Chief Surveyor Matt Titan Survey to offer its services to renewable energy schemes, Ireson, “so we absolutely know the over 20 offshore wind farm projects, particularly wind farm projects, versatility of this equipment, but its including most recently the huge where an accurate interrogation of overriding asset is its small size and Dogger Bank project, 60 miles east the subsea geology is so crucial to weight and how easy it is to switch by of Scarborough, UK, where the turbine foundation design, as well hand between vessels. surveyors made use of a 1000J as route selection for the cabling to seismic power source from Applied shore. Operating primarily off our small Acoustics. boats, between 9 and 15m, means The company has found the Applied that we’re quick to mobilise and can If the plans for this windfarm come to Acoustics seismic survey equipment, easily make use of any third party fruition some 1800 off-shore turbines the CSP energy supply and sound vessels, allowing an efficient service to will be installed to supply electricity to source known as a boomer, our clients.” seven million homes. particularly useful for this near shore sub-bottom survey work. Titan’s recent purchase of two further In addition to offshore windfarm compact CSP-P bang boxes confirms site pre and post construction “We use an Applied Acoustics bang its confidence in the Applied Acoustics’ surveys, Titan uses its boomer set box and boomer catamaran for a systems that enable the company to up to provide sub-surface shallow number of different applications and quickly deploy a survey team to any penetration geology data for many a variety of marine environments site in the UK and beyond in response different marine engineering projects from shallow highly turbid esturine to its varied work load. such as cable route and cable

UT2 August 2012 130 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

landfalls, pipeline routes, tidal lagoon Direct Heating Cable reservoir site surveys and preliminary site surveys for tidal stream turbines. Nexans has secured a 10-year global strategic supplier of subsea systems frame agreement with BP International for demanding offshore oil and gas Well suited to Titan’s requirements, Limited, UK to supply umbilicals, DEH projects across the world,” says this compact sub-bottom profiling (direct electrical heating) systems, Ragnvald Graff, Sales & Marketing equipment sits within the company’s accessories and services for various Director, Hybrid Underwater Cable extensive equipment pool that includes oil and gas projects worldwide. Division, Nexans. tools for hydrometric and marine benthic surveys, as well as equipment The agreement runs from 2012 for geophysical, hydrographic and to 2022. It covers the design, Eiva – Subsea 7 topographic coastal surveys. manufacture and supply of bespoke Subsea 7 has chosen EIVA to supply umbilicals that will carry fluid, power, online survey and positioning software “These two new seismic power units control and telecommunication across the company’s vessels. are considerably smaller than other services for new subsea oil and gas As part of the contract, EIVA will versions so they offer us the space projects together with DEH systems extend the capabilities of the product saving and flexibility we seek without that provide flow assurance in suite to match specific needs any loss of data quality.” said Matt, pipelines. identified by Subsea 7. “With no reduction in the features offered they are ideal for us.” Nexans has had two umbilical frame “Standardization on a single solution agreements with BP Exploration is of strategic importance to us, The CSP-P unit from Applied Acoustics and Production Inc., one secured in and after thorough evaluation, we is part of a family of sub-bottom 2003 and the other in 2009 for deep have selected EIVA’s suite of online profiling systems that range in output water umbilical projects in the Gulf of products as the best fit for us,” said from 50 to 12,000 Joules. Similar units Mexico. Dave Roberts, Subsea 7 Life-of-Field to the ones owned by Titan Surveys Business Improvements manager. are in operation across the globe for “We are delighted to secure this “By mid-2013 all relevant Subsea 7 similar surveys in locations such as off major long-term umbilical/DEH frame vessels will be equipped with EIVA’s Canada’s Atlantic coast, the Baltic and agreement with BP. It further cements software as the data acquisition South China Sea. Nexans’ place in the market as a key software throughout Subsea 7.”

131 UT2 August 2012 Damen Delivers Simon Stevin

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered the Research Vessel (RV The two fishing winches, the net drum 3609) ‘Simon Stevin’ to its Belgian client DAB Vloot, the Flemish and the double anchor mooring winch are governmental fleet operator. The RV 3609 was jointly designed by designed and built by Maaskant Stellendam. Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and VLIZ, the Flemish Institute for the Sea. While hull and hotworks were built at Damen Shipyards In addition, the vessel contains an auxiliary Galati (Romania), the outfitting was done by Maaskant Shipyards winch to support the second A-frame on Stellendam (The Netherlands). This Damen yard installed all starboard side and a double-drum electrical, high-tech research and fishing equipment. The ‘Simon Stevin’ oceanographic CTD-winch (Conductivity, will be used offshore for scientific research on climate change, Temperature, Depth). These are used sustainable fishing, energy production at sea and for educational for lowering research equipment, e.g. a purposes. computer-guided CTD-carousel for taking water samples. The Flemish multidisciplinary research programs that are undertaken by VLIZ, Belgian universities and other scientific institutions all needed a modern research platform in the North Simon Stevin Sea for studies in oceanography, fishing, marine biology, microbiology, chemistry and archaeology. With the Simon Stevin this platform has now been realized. Its name relates to the influential Flemish mathematician and engineer Simon Stevin (1548-1620) who designed and executed many civil works related to water technology and marine engineering. Silent Mode The ship had to comply with extensive and rigorous requirements both as to its footprint and fishing gear. Therefore, the design and lay-out of the vessel is optimized to have very low underwater noise levels and be able to sail in ‘silent mode’. The silent mode complies to the ICES Standard 209 (International Council for Exploration of the Seas), a standard that limits Underwater Radiated Noise. The Damen RV 3609 is the smallest vessel in the world that complies with these strict requirements. Laboratories The scientists and researchers have both a ‘dry’ and a ‘wet’ laboratory at their disposal on the main deck. On the forecastle deck there’s a survey room (containing the servers and most computers) for data analysis. When the net drum is dismantled, the aft deck offers room for additional containerized laboratories.

Main characteristics Its basic characteristics are a tiltable A-frame on the aft deck, a number of winches for hydrographical survey work, soil sampling and fishing, two laboratories, a 200 kW bowthruster, a Dynamic Positioning system, and a free deck space of 45 m² allowing space for two containers. Underneath the vessel (and integrated in its keel) a ‘blister’ is installed, i.e. a pod containing a multi-beam echosounder and other equipment for 3D-imaging of the sea bed.

A set of purpose-built fishing winches, uniquely installed below- deck, allow the RV 3609 to apply several fishing methods. For pelagic fishing, a Maaskant low-noise and dismantable electrical net drum has been designed and installed for the 8-metre wide beam trawler. The lay-out of the top deck enables (visual) research on and counting of birds and aquatic mammals.

UT2 August 2012 132 Damen Delivers Simon Stevin

Accommodation which are flexibly mounted to reduce All in all, the three Damen yards, subsea noise levels. Three generator in cooperation with their client, The Simon Stevin has (sleeping) sets supply the electricity for the have done their utmost to deliver accommodation, incl. a separate propulsion system, the winches and a relatively small hydrographical messroom, for 10 crew and 10 other electrical equipment. Up to research vessel (36 x 9 m) which is scientists when going on multi-day 9.5 knots the Simon Stevin is able nevertheless abundantly equipped missions. For day-trips the vessels to sail in ‘silent mode’; its maximum with research, analysis and fishing can take up to 30 persons on board. speed is 12 knots. The bowthruster, equipment. part of the vessel’s DP-arrangement, Propulsion ensures good manoeuvrability in According to VLIZ, the RV 3609 The Damen RV 3609 is propelled ports and when performing diving is both its first newbuild Research by two 520 kW electric motors, operations. Vessel and a real showpiece.

133 UT2 August 2012 Weighing the Ocean: Solving the biggest problem in sea level science

Oceanographers from Newcastle focuses on detecting the small measuring fractions of a millimetre and Liverpool have thought of a pressure fluctuations produced by of water (a few pascal) per year, novel way to measure the ocean – the deep ocean waves that become while sitting under the immense weigh it. tsunamis at the coast. pressure of 4 km (more than two and a half miles) of water. In research published this week, From these measurements, the team scientists from the National including Dr Rory Bingham, based Prof Hughes: “Of course, what we Oceanography Centre and in the School of Civil Engineering are most interested in is how much Newcastle University have and Geosciences at Newcastle water accumulates in the ocean proposed an idea that will assess University, have been able to show each year, and this is where we the mass of the world ocean by that a net 6 trillion tonnes of water currently have a problem. While weighing it at a single point. But enters the ocean between late March present instruments are able to there is a catch. and late September each year, measure pressure variations very enough to raise sea level by 1.7 cm, accurately, they have a problem Global sea level is currently rising and leaves the ocean in the following with long term trends, producing at about 3 mm per year, but six months. false outcomes. predictions of rise over the century vary from 30 cm to over a metre. At the moment oceanographers can “This is a challenging goal. The There are two ways global sea measure how quickly the oceans pressure changes are smaller level can increase. The water in are filling with thousands of drifting than the background pressure the oceans can warm and expand, moorings, tide gauges and satellites, by a factor of about 10 million, leading to the same weight of water but the methods are complex and and the deep ocean is a hostile taking up more space. Alternatively, fraught with uncertainties; a simple environment for mechanical more water added to the ocean pressure measurement could solve components with erosion and high from melting of land ice will increase this problem. But the catch is that a pressures. However, there are the ocean’s weight. sensor sensitive enough to measure many other measurement systems long term changes does not yet exist. with this kind of accuracy and there The National Oceanography is no reason, in principle, why Centre’s Prof Christopher Hughes The group is hoping that engineers someone with a new idea and a said: “We have shown that making will rise to the challenge of fresh approach could not achieve accurate measurements of the developing an instrument capable of this. changing pressure at a single point in the Pacific Ocean will indicate the mass of the world ocean. And we know where to place such an instrument – the central tropical Pacific where the deep ocean is at its quietest. This pressure gauge needs to be located away from land and oceanic variability .

The principle is rather like watching your bath fill: you don’t look near the taps, where all you can see is splashing and swirling, you look at the other end where the rise is slow and steady.”

By a lucky chance, pressure measurements have been made in the Pacific Ocean since 2001, as part of the U.S. National Tsunami Prof Christopher Hazard Mitigation Program, which Hughes

UT2 August 2012 134 Weighing the Ocean: Uvic Team To Help With Arctic Mystery Solving the biggest problem in sea level science

Will this be the year that the great with new partners, vessels and research engineer and team leader Canadian mystery of the lost ships of instrumentation to cover more area Alison Proctor. “That’s an integral Sir John Franklin is solved? over an approximate four weeks part of our navigation system and rather than the six days of surveying these are uncharted waters, so we Researchers from the University done in past years. are uncertain what to expect.” of Victoria will be in the Arctic this summer with their autonomous UVic’s Ocean Technology Lab’s AUV Team members will spend 12 to 14 underwater vehicle (AUV) to assist is equipped with a bathymetric side- hours a day on the water operating Parks Canada as it continues its scan sonar system to gather three- the AUV from a 16-foot boat that will search. dimensional data about the ocean be launched daily from a Canadian floor that can be used to identify Coast Guard vessel and a research Underwater archeologists from items of archeological interest and vessel provided by the Arctic Parks Canada have recently spent also for charting by the Canadian Research Foundation. three field seasons searching for Hydrographic Service. HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, which Other collaborators include the disappeared during the British “This collaboration with Parks Canada Canadian Hydrographic Service, explorer’s 1845 mission to chart the offers incredible learning opportunities Canadian Space Agency, Canadian Northwest Passage. for graduate students in our lab and Ice Service, the Government of also showcases the type of work Nunavut and Environment Canada. None of the 129 men on board we’re able to do,” says Dr. Colin survived and although traces of the Bradley, a mechanical engineer and UVic acquired the AUV in 2009 with expedition have been found, the director of the Ocean Technology Lab. funding from the Western Economic ships’ final resting places remain Diversification Canada. For the last unknown. “Among the challenges, will be six months, the AUV has been used navigating the torpedo-shaped by the VENUS coastal network, part Parks Canada is expanding the vehicle in the northern waters where of the Ocean Networks Canada scope of its investigation this year the magnetic field is erratic,” says Observatory, in Saanich Inlet.

UViC team with AUV

135 UT2 August 2012 BAS and NOC to Merge? Taken from the NERC’s BAS NOC Merger consultation document

The Natural Environment Research their key role in rapid environmental high-impact research programmes. Council (NERC) announced that change, scientists‟ greater uncertainty Some key (but not exhaustive) areas of there is a strong strategic case for in predicting these regions‟ future synergy and interface include: the merger of the British Antarctic environmental response and the Survey (BAS) and the National increasing pressure on natural l Ocean-polar coupling in an earth Oceanography Centre (NOC) to resources in frontier regions; system context including ice melt sea- take place, creating a new Centre level rise; encompassing polar and marine l Stimulating the development science. and application of new observing l Identifying earth - climate system technologies, recognising the common tipping points with better integration of The oceans and polar regions (Arctic challenges of making measurements in observation and modelling; and Antarctic) are of ever-growing the polar regions and oceans which are concern, interest and importance generally remote, hostile and sparsely l Carbon flow between different due to rapid environmental change sampled; polar – sub-polar reservoir sinks and affecting the whole planet and sources perturbed by global climate increasing pressures on natural l Securing efficiency savings by change; resources. combining similar activities and creating a single management structure; l Teleconnection between polar and The vision is to set up a world- mid-latitude climate with specific focus leading centre for integrated marine lMaximising resources available for to the Atlantic Ocean and polar science – from coast science through more coherent and to deep ocean and from pole to efficient planning and management l Ecosystem processes in extreme pole. It will be distinctive for its own of the expensive large-scale research and rapidly changing environments; scientific excellence and also for its infrastructure and complex logistics role in enabling the whole UK and needed for both ocean and polar l Ice and marine sediments as international science community to science, especially research ships; archives of past earth history; work together to tackle some of the most exciting and important scientific l Strengthening organisational l Seafloor processes in a warming challenges that are facing. resilience and operational flexibility world – hazards and resources; to plan, operate and secure From a UK perspective, the efficiencies across all areas of the l integrated biogeochemistry and objectives of merging the two new Centre’s mission in the context trophic interactions in oceans and Centres include: of the constrained resources likely to coastal waters; apply within public finances for the l Providing a clear focus to enable foreseeable future. l Enhancement and integration the UK science community to of long-term observing of extreme, develop and deliver ambitious, The new Centre would encompass the climate sensitive environments (e.g. a integrated scientific research breadth of polar and marine science, Southern Ocean “observatory”); programmes in marine and polar ranging from geology, glaciology, sciences – fully capitalising on the deep-sea biology, polar meteorology, l Technology challenges including capability of the whole UK science upper-atmosphere processes and polar sensors for extreme environments, community; terrestrial and marine ecology through autonomous measurement platforms, to global oceanography, marine telemetry, low-power systems. lTackling the scientific problems of biogeochemistry, benthic ecology and greatest global significance involving marine geoscience. NERC values The oceans and the polar regions the oceans and polar regions within this breadth – encompassing both the (particularly the Arctic) are “frontier” the Earth system context, especially marine and non-marine dimensions of environments where, of necessity, those where a long-term research polar science - which is important for there will be increasing economic focus is essential and recognising scientific vibrancy and to encourage activity in the coming decades - not the close coupling between the polar a multi-disciplinary Earth-system least because of increasing pressures regions and the oceans; approach to science. on natural resources.

l Driving the timely translation of There are obvious areas of scientific Marine living resource exploitation in scientific knowledge into beneficial synergy between marine and polar Antarctica is regulated, and mineral impacts for society. This is especially science. There are significant resource extraction prohibited, by vital given the ever-growing opportunities for the UK science the Antarctic Treaty System to which importance that the oceans and community to work more effectively the UK is strongly committed, but polar regions will have for people together both domestically and this region is nevertheless subject in the coming decades, due to internationally to develop ambitious, to increasing human influence (e.g.

UT2 August 2012 136 BAS and NOC to Merge?

international scientific infrastructure, l Establishing explicit translational research community) on what are tourism, trans-boundary pollutants and research programmes to turn data and the more important determinants climate change). research outcomes into innovative, and considerations for structuring timely information products; science groups across the three A long-term vision is needed to: sites of Cambridge, Liverpool and l provide Government with the l Strengthening and focussing Southampton. evidence base for the edge it will partnerships with key operational need in exercising leadership in agencies and networks (e.g. Met Financial implications the formulation of domestic and Office, Natural Hazards Partnership) The following drivers of costs and international policy to maximise pull through of science to savings have been identified and can commercial and operational use; be considered in two aspects – those l provide the critical underpinning associated with the transition and knowledge and expertise to sustain l Exploring scope for more those that will be features of the new the UK‟s strong commitment to the imaginative use of NERC‟s physical Centre. Antarctic Treaty System estate at Cambridge, Southampton and Liverpool, as appropriate, for the In terms of transition costs, the costs l support the UK Government‟s creation of enterprise spaces within of relocation and /or of redundancy position as a State Observer to the these campuses. of staff depend on the detail of plans Arctic Council, and which are still to be developed, but as The Centre would be based on the proposals envisage maintaining all l equip UK business and UK the three existing NERC sites at three current UK sites, these are not investors with the edge needed for de- Cambridge, Southampton and expected to be significant. risking major investment decisions in Liverpool (in addition to the polar hostile, unfamiliar environments. stations). In terms of on-going savings post transition, savings arising from Within this context, a key objective The development of positive, merging management structures, from of the Centre will be to rapidly mutually beneficial relationships merging some functions and from the establish itself as a hub for innovation and partnerships (formalised as more coherent and efficient planning to harness and support growth of appropriate) between the Centre and of large scale infrastructure are to be widely dispersed UK scientific and its neighbouring/hosting Universities expected. There may be increased technological expertise to exploit these at Southampton, Liverpool and costs of travel associated with opportunities. Areas of high potential Cambridge would continue to be operating across three sites, but these include: strongly encouraged. are expected to be small compared to the savings and will be mitigated by l Technologies (such as The new organisation would have effective use of ICT. autonomous and robotic systems) for some 370 scientists that are currently operational monitoring and survey in structured in six science groups at BAS NERC’s four Royal Research Ships extreme environments; and five science groups at NOC (with (RRS Ernest Shackleton, RRS three of the latter working across both James Clark Ross, RRS Discovery, l Risk analysis and mitigation for the Southampton and Liverpool sites). RRS James Cook) would become extreme environment operations; These current eleven science groups a single fleet within the new Centre vary in size from 16 to 55 staff. with unified management of ship- l Real-time and forecasting related functions (e.g. marine systems for ice conditions; Given that science staff will remain at operational activities, marine HR, the three sites of Cambridge, Liverpool marine engineering maintenance and l High precision sea-floor and and Southampton, the organisation / ship fuel procurement). The focus habitat mapping – in the deep sea and management of the science teams will for ship management would be at under ice likely require a matrix structure with a Southampton. mix of local site-based management The merged Centre would seek to and also a strong mandate of science Cambridge would be the focus for all exploit opportunities to do this by integration across sites, where polar facilities (polar research stations appropriate. and aircraft), polar logistics and l Strengthening the business and operations and related engineering commercial expertise within a re- Given that strategic science and technology other than for ships. shaped senior leadership team; integration is a major objective of Some marine operations staff would the merger (so as to realise new and also need to be based at Cambridge l Building and broadening business enhanced research opportunities for to ensure satisfactory interaction of engagement, particularly in the the UK), views are welcomed from the ships with other polar logistics (eg. seeking of regional innovation clusters; BAS and NOC staff (and the wider resupply of research stations).

137 UT2 August 2012 SUT SUTSUT

Aberdeen Branch

Offshore Marine Operations Wednesday, 7 March 2012 By Phill Roberts, Shell

The title ‘Offshore Marine days and who have lived through some more recent ‘groundhog day’ in the Operations’ has scope to of the disasters of the last 40 years, form of Macondo which cost 11 encompass a vast and varied the presentation reminded us of the workers their lives. multitude of activities both above consequences of complacency and the and below water. Each year at fact that history has a habit of repeating The parting comment was that least one evening meeting covers itself. made by the Macondo duty holder marine operation topics which are in a TV interview after the event. both interesting and varied. This The question of ‘Why legislate?’ was While regretting the deaths, he said evening’s topics were no exception. posed, and the answer is that it is plain that the HSE people just prior to the common sense – it’s obvious and really event had carried out a review and Our chairman for the night was Mike there is no price on safety. There are audit and had given the operation a Hawkyard, a senior project engineer always suggestions of why we should clean bill of health!! from Technip and a member of the minimise legislation and rely more on SUT Aberdeen Branch Committee. self-regulation; this view is occasionally The next presentation was the result of the activities of ‘safety given by Fraser Finlay on the Mike has had a long career in zealots’ and those that promote blind topic of light well intervention subsea and marine operations compliance as a replacement to using vessels instead of drill rig and has made a particular effort in sound engineering and informed risk workovers. The main operational the career development of young assessment. requirements normally fall into three engineers, particularly through the main areas of activity: integrity The Institute of Marine Engineering, The common overriding themes related, surveillance (by way of Science and Technology (IMarEst) supporting the case for HSE collecting well data) and production professional registration schemes. regulation are safety management, enhancing. risk management and the often Mike introduced the three speakers underestimated management of Fraser then went on to explain the for the evening: Paul Marshal of change, lack of which is often the root equipment and procedures used to Sineumbra, Fraser Finlay of BP and cause of major incident events. achieve these activities and showed Eamon Sheehan, also of BP. a number of slides relating to the Paul suggested that the components vessel layout, surface- deployed As usual with the marine operations of safety management, which equipment and subsea equipment. evening meeting, the topics covered ultimately provides an understanding were unrelated in specific terms, as to whether an activity is safe, A comparison was made between but interrelated in general terms, are competence, supervision the fairly heavy typical workover particularly when one considers and discipline, hand in hand with equipment, including well control Paul’s subject of health, safety and overarching company support. package, subsea riser and the environment (HSE) and the case lubricator, and the lightweight for supporting legislation. Assuring safety may be achieved by alternative in which there is no riser legislation, even with procedures and to the surface and only the various Fraser Finlay’s topic was Light engineering, without good management cables, guidewires and umbilical Well Intervention and was followed creating the right conditions and the required for the control of the well by a number of marine operations correct motivational environment, it is and the intervention downhole. case studies presented by Eamon unlikely for a successful safety culture Sheehan. to prevail. There followed some examples of some light well interventions Paul’s presentation was extremely Paul ended his talk by showing a carried out in 2009 and 2010 west of well delivered and in some areas number of slides of previous disasters Shetland. was a chilling reminder of the including a number of instances where consequences of ignoring HSE or the event was so serious that it was The first example was a leaking making it a tick box exercise and erroneously thought it could never oil well which required a tree lulling oneself into a false sense of happen again. cap change-out. The well was security because someone with an shut in losing 3mbd and then the HSE role has provided a clean bill of These included Piper Alpha, which was intervention was achieved using a health at a particular point in time. followed by Tempsa and then the 2009 monohull vessel in 5 days, which Motara blowout in the Timor Sea – a was estimated as being a huge For some of us long enough in the result of the failure of the downhole saving over standard rig intervention tooth to go back to the ‘Sea Gem’ cement barrier – followed by another methods.

UT2 August 2012 138 SUT SUT

The second example related to the The future will obviously result in Each of the case studies had its first rigless intervention in 400m an increase in these Living Water own unique features, and the slide of water. Previously monohull International (LWI) operations in record may be seen on the SUT intervention vessels had only been deeper water and using other types website. capable of working in less than 190m of equipment such as coiled tubing. of water. Since 2009 further successful What was evident during open-water wireline operations have Fraser suggested that light well this last presentation was been carried out, in 2010 and 2011. intervention techniques and the Eamon’s enthusiasm for subsea development of deepwater vessel engineering, and it is obvious that The total cost per operation was intervention capability have opened he regards the work almost as a around $50 million against rig costs; up new horizons for well work. hobby! additionally, the wireline operations optimised 45 000bwpd of water These advances have created the The other common feature injection, showing an incremental breakthroughs necessary to meet amongst the impressive level of increase of production of 6000mbd. base surveillance plans, generate heavy subsea engineering was value- adding activities and optimise the requirement for a high level of Finally, an example was shown in reservoir management. planning and project management which a full high-risk workover was which leads to the three outcomes proposed using a drill rig, but an The evening concluded with an of a successful operation: on time, alternative intervention was identified account by Eamon Sheehan, a on budget, but most of all, a safe as a clear opportunity to reduce the subsea engineer of ten years, who operation as highlighted in Paul risk. illustrated five case studies. These Marshall’s initial presentation. included a subsea fibre-optic network The location was a high-pressure gas installation; a floating production, The evening wound up with the well requiring a tree change-out plus storage and offloading (FPSO) usual supper and snacks. There the installation of a new subsurface offloading system replacement; was quite a lot of networking as safety valve (SSSV). The operation large offshore lifts under the Magnus well, with people still in deep was successfully completed at a cost platform; decommissioning the NW discussion at 8.30pm, indicating of $40m compared to a mobile drill rig Hutton jacket; and installation of that the topics obviously generated workover cost. the longest bundle system to date. a lot of interest.

North of England Branch Deep Sea Mining 23 May 2012 By Dr Andrew Pople, Atkins (meeting chairman)

Forty-four people attended the evening company he represents, Geomarine, companies are investing in the seminar on the subject of Deep Sea and gave some background on their development of equipment to recover Mining. The event was sponsored by areas of expertise. He described manganese nodules now that the Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD), who how manganese nodules were first commodity price has improved. also provided one of the speakers recovered from the deep sea by sailors He drew an analogy between the (Stef Kapusniak). The other speaker in the 19th century and went on to nodules and a potato, based on for the evening was Jon Machin of describe the physical characteristics their shape and size, and showed Geomarine. and composition of the nodules, and a picture of some agricultural their distribution. machinery that could be adapted for The chairman for the evening, the marine environment. Dr Andrew Pople, welcomed the Jon spoke about the technical and audience. He gave a brief overview of engineering developments that were The discussion following Jon’s the topic, noting that deep sea mining made in the 1970s and noted that the presentation included the subject of is an area of growing interest, and development stopped when a drop in commodity price versus commodity introduced the speakers. the commodity price was experienced. rarity. The first speaker of the evening was Jon Machin. Jon introduced the Jon explained that a number of Stef Kapusniak was the evening’s

139 UT2 August 2012 SUT SUTSUT

second speaker and started by giving For this reason, the potential recovery Following his talk, Stef’s colleague, a brief introduction to SMD. He went costs for subsea deposits may not Nick Ridley, joined him to answer on to describe the characteristics be disproportionate to those of technical questions on the machinery and distribution of deposits that onshore operations given the reduced presented. have potential value as recoverable infrastructure (roads, etc.) requirement commodities, including the copper-gold and mobility of the processing The discussion covered a number of massive sulphide deposit off Papua equipment. subjects including the potential repair New Guinea (Nautilus Solwara). rates and availability of the equipment, Stef described the three subsea mining the benefits of spreading functionality Stef described possible uses for the production tools that SMD is designing between different machines to allow extracted minerals and referred to and building as part of the Nautilus work to continue during periods of them as ‘industrial vitamins’ that can project. maintenance or breakdown, and the be added to existing manufacturing advantages of stockpiling in ensuring a processes to provide desired He showed pictures of the continuous flow of product back to the characteristics. He noted that so-called substructures that have already been surface. ‘rare earths’ are, in reality, not that rare! fabricated and images of what the tools will look like when complete. Stef went After the interesting questions and He also noted that subsea deposits on to give audio commentary over an answers session the audience and are often in better condition (due to animated ‘walkaround’ of the vessel that speakers retired to the bar and buffet. reduced weathering) and in higher will host the tools being built by SMD, concentrations than their onshore which very effectively demonstrated the Thanks are extended to the speakers counterparts. concept of subsea mining. and the sponsors of the evening.

London Branch Subsea HP/HT Production Technologies – Current Status and Future Trends Marlin AUV Presented by Cranfield University MSc students: Al-Ameen (Toby) Abdullai, Japheth Joel Charima, Gurinderjit Singh Dosanjh, Chimene Elechi-Amadi, Filimon Gonidakis, Noor Hafiz Kamaruddin, Olusola Oguntuberu, Michael Okeligho and Julian Richter

Thursday, 17 May 2012

By Gurinderjit Singh Dosanjh, MSc Student, Cranfield University

This SUT evening seminar focused l Multiphase flowmeters, controls Results were presented on a graph on a project that had been carried out and high integrity protection systems; (based on wellhead conditions) depicting by a group of masters students from l Manifolds, flowlines, risers and the distribution of HP/HT fields with Cranfield University. It was aimed jumpers respect to ITF Tier classifications. at identifying the technology gaps l Umbilicals and flying leads. in the availability of high pressure/ To complete the scenario planning, three high temperature (HP/HT) subsea The project focused on wellhead HP/HT configurations were studied for production equipment. conditions where subsea production each fictional field. Utilising the results equipment is not exposed to reservoir of this study and information obtained The technology gaps were identified conditions. Upon carrying out the from the technology review, several field via scenario planning for three fictional review, associated HP/HT challenges development options were produced for HP/HT fields, as well as a review of were identified, including: corrosion; each scenario. current HP/HT subsea production material selection; sizing and weight; equipment. The following technologies equipment qualification; and many An ‘Equipment Availability’ chart was were reviewed with regards to design more. Furthermore, technology then produced for each field, displaying pressure, temperature and rated water developments currently under way the availability of the technology depth: were identified. presently and within the next two years. l Surface-controlled subsurface safety The technology gaps were identified by valves (SCSSVs) and wellheads The project also reviewed current means of determining which equipment l Trees, chokes and sand HP/HT gas/condensate fields, either was unavailable from each availability management in production or under development. chart.

UT2 August 2012 140 SUT

From the technology review, the protection system (HIPPS) and sand facilities for qualification of Tier II-III maximum capabilities of currently screen for Tier III; technology l available subsea HP/HT production No wellheads rated to Tier III l Use of ‘limit state design’; and equipment were found to be: (currently under development by l Focus on handling and installation l Wellhead limited to 20 000psi and Plexus/HGSS) of equipment. 176°C l No subsea tree and manifold l Subsea trees limited to 15 000psi and developed for Tiers II-III (Tier II It is important that future research and 176°C currently under development by FMC, development is aimed towards the l Manifolds limited to 15 000psi and however, progress is dependent on exploration and production of HP/HT 177°C industry demand). wells in deeper waters. It is an area l Subsea HIPPS limited to 20 000psi which contains significant limitations and 190°C. At the end of the presentation a due to the lack of qualified technology. number of recommendations were Some of the technology gaps identified made: Numerous questions from the l include: A focus on production equipment audience were addressed confidently l No signs of development for subsea is required upstream of the HIPPS; by the group, after which they retired l manifold, high integrity pressure Increased requirement for testing for well-earned refreshments.

Aberdeen

ROV Technologies Wednesday, 18 April 2012

By Donald Thomson, Schlumberger Subsea Surveillance

The Aberdeen Branch evening meeting the first correct answer receiving a to $1!). In the ROV world these allow on ‘ROV Technologies’ was the best Marlin AUV prize donated by Schilling. such operations as automatic ‘T’ attended for many months, with 140 handle pickup and tool tracking to be registrations. Peter commenced his talk by stating ‘de-skilled’. that to meet the growing needs of the The capabilities of remotely operated industry, automation, service and repair Other examples of Schilling’s vehicle (ROV) systems and their all need to become easier. The industry developments demonstrated by associated technologies are key enablers has a requirement for increased videos from their test tank included for the maintenance and integrity of numbers of operators, but has less software-based compliance existing assets, and the industry’s experience available, resulting in a developments related to force capability to develop new fields. With a skills gap. Increased automation can feedback from manipulators, and high concentration of SURF companies in help close the gap. He explained that reduced repair times, with Schilling’s Aberdeen, ROV-associated topics always consumer goods are a good example latest hydraulic power pack able to generate good interest. of easier automation. be changed out, on the ROV, in 60 minutes. The evening brought together speakers To illustrate the point, Peter flew a from Schilling Robotics LLC, represented Quad Copter model, controlled from Steve Walton then took the floor to by Peter MacInnes, VP Sales and his iPad in the auditorium, which update the audience on specialist Marketing, who presented on ‘Latest was the prize for the competition. ROV tooling services available via Advances in Automated Subsea Congratulations are given to Alan Sub Atlantic, DPS Tooling Rental Intervention’; Steven Walton, Global ROV Anderson of Fugro Subsea who is now and Perry Slingsby Systems Ltd, Manager, Forum Subsea Technologies, its proud owner. all members of the Forum Subsea who presented on ‘ROV Tooling’; and Ian Technologies stable. These included Murray, Business Development Manager, Peter went on to show videos of vision- various ISO 13628-8 Interface torque Fugro Subsea Systems Ltd, who spoke based automation systems, which tools from classes 1 to 7 with torque on ‘ROV Technology Applications’. he explained required well-behaved capabilities up to 17kNm. machines, high-performance cameras The evening was ably chaired by Jim and clever software algorithms. Such Steve also presented details of hot Mann, Global ROV Manager, Fugro SSD . systems have progressed quickly stab systems, and the associated In his introduction to the evening Jim with the advances in size and cost of tooling control systems, before posed a question about the similarities cameras (Those in our mobile phones providing details of their latest 10t between ROV systems and tractors, with are apparently manufactured for close ROV operated chain block. He

141 UT2 August 2012 finishing by describing their BOP system. Projects described included various tools through this, using a actuator systems and some of the replacement of a 150t load pin on a combination of jigs and associated issues associated with providing 330l fairlead, cofferdam installation and bespoke tooling systems. of fluid in 45 minutes. crawler vehicle deployment. Ian summed up the theme of the The third of the evening’s speakers, Two of particular interest, which saved evening with his concluding remark Ian Murray, took the audience through their client considerable expenditure, that “ROV systems can perform any a number of case studies which were the replacement of a tubing subsea task if the intervention tooling demonstrated his mantra that “with hanger coupler, thus avoiding the is well engineered and prepared”. proper engineering design, everything recovery of the completion and is possible with an ROV”. associated rig downtime, and a detailed Following the meeting, those attending project involving ‘keyhole surgery’ on retired for the buffet and drinks and Ian explained the problem, the a manifold, which allowed the cutting to network. Thanks are given to the engineering involved and the solutions out and replacement of a sand-eroded presenting companies, Schilling employed using both pictures and pipe elbow. This involved accessing Robotics LLC, Forum Subsea simulations from Fugro’s ROV the pipework by cutting a hole in the technologies and Fugro Subsea training and engineering simulation protective cage and deploying the Services Ltd for their sponsorship.

Perth Branch Mighty Movers By Ray Farrier, SUT Perth Branch Vice Chairman

Massive complicated offshore website (http://www.sut.org.au/perth/ common technique being used for packages are built onshore and then sutau_perth_events_archive.htm. the installation of very large, fully delivered and sometimes installed integrated and pre-commissioned by specialist vessels. Jeroen’s presentation focused on topsides units. The technique can also the heavy lift scope that consisted be used for relatively small topsides The three presentations of of installing five risers in one of the or module loads, but with careful the ‘Mighty Movers’ evening world’s deepest developments to date, consideration of downscaling issues. meeting looked at the numerous the Cascade and Chinook fields, in complications involved in the 2500–2750m water depth. The dynamic response of smaller process of delivering and installing float-over vessels and loads demands such packages. This development, by operator hydraulic load lowering systems, as the Petrobras, also brought the first traditional ‘barge ballasting’ techniques The audience of approximately floating production, storage and are too slow for the higher system 140 people were presented with offloading (FPSO) unit into the Gulf response rates. three very informative and different of Mexico. It is also coincidentally the papers: deepest FPSO installation in the world ICON Engineering has conducted to date. several successful float-over 1. Heavy Lifting in Ultra Ben’s presentation looked at the installations of wellhead platform Deep Water: Challenges and Future holistic need to match industry’s topsides in Malaysian waters, with Technologies, presented by Jeroen evolution from the first exploration loads as low as 800–1000 tonnes Kock, BDM Jumbo Offshore stage through development having been installed using a ‘floating production, and finally to refining and forklift’ technique. 2. Floating, Drilling and processing. The value chain was Production Assets for Deepwater examined and cost considerations Garrick provided a brief overview of Locations, presented by Ben van der looked at. this installation technique, which again Hoeven, Area Manager Australia, demonstrates the advantages that can Dockwise Shipping Australia Pty Ltd The engineering requirements taken be gained from applying sophisticated into consideration when contemplating hydraulic solutions to the dynamic 3. Light Weight Float Over moving very large heavy objects offshore environment. Installation, presented by Garrick across the world’s oceans proved Aberle, Director, FIE Australia, ICON fascinating, with numerous examples The presentations concluded at Engineering Pty Ltd of recent heavy ocean passages. 7.30pm, at which time everyone continued discussions and networking All of these presentations are Garrick explained how float-over while enjoying the hospitality available on the SUT Perth Branch installations are an increasingly sponsored by ICON Engineering.

UT2 August 2012 142 Measure Once, 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] +1 206-826-5844 www.blueview.com 143 UT2 August 2012 People PeopleSUT

Julian Rickards

Applied Acoustic Engineering has strengthened its Sales team with appointment of Julian Rickards as Technical Sales Advisor. Julian has more than 15 years experience within the industry with Acoustic and Inertial manufacturers so brings a wealth of valuable expertise to the company, including time spent operating positioning equipment offshore.

“I’ve admired Applied Acoustics for some time, not only for the quality of the products but also its top class customer service, “explained Julian, “so I’m delighted to be joining the company, taking on new responsibilities and contributing to its ambitious growth agenda.”

Commenting on the appointment Gavin Willoughby, Sales Manager, stated that, “Julian is an excellent addition to Applied Acoustics. His extensive knowledge, technical capability and strong personal understanding of this industry will be invaluable to us as we develop new markets and increase our product portfolio.”

Calixto Deberaldini Julian Rickards

Fluke Engenharia has strengthened their management team with the appointment of Calixto Deberaldini in support of its drive to grow the company’s market share for subsea products and services.

As business development manager and strategy adviser, Deberaldini will be responsible for new business development and sales for the Brazil-based company in addition to developing key customer accounts with significant growth potential in Brazil and Latin America. He will report to Laurent Maubré, managing director.

Deberaldini has 15 years of experience in the upstream oil and gas sector. He has held sales, business development and commercial positions with companies such as Chevron, Schlumberger, Vetco Gray and GE Oil & Gas. Most recently as the Brazil sales manager for GE Oil & Gas’s subsea division, he was responsible for the company’s entire subsea product portfolio and the related engineering integration and associated installation services.

Maubré said “We are looking forward to having Calixto on our team. His wide experience and extensive contacts within the Brazilian oil and gas industry will help us with the execution of our regional sales strategy and business plan of product portfolio expansion and the growth of our market share in the subsea industry.” Calixto Deberaldini

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John Hunter Greg Hewitt at Divex

John Hunter was appointed Project Engineering Manager at Divex’s Global Headquarters in Westhill, Aberdeen.

Mr Hunter brings with him a wealth of experience in the saturation diving industry having previously worked at DOF Subsea Pte Ltd and Technip UK Ltd, among others. Having liaised with Divex on many projects in his former employment, Mr Hunter has also been associated with over 17 major Dive Support Vessels in the construction, manufacturing or refit of these boats.

Greg Hewitt was appointed General Manager of Divex’s Asia Pacific region. Responsible for the day to day management and running of Divex’s facilities in both Perth and Sydney, Mr Hewitt is responsible for 42 employees however expected awards for Saturation Diving Systems mean that the Australian branch will soon be looking to expand and recruit.

Mr Hewitt worked for the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and overseen all maintenance to support the “In Service” Collins Class Submarines. His other roles have included General Manager for Furmanite Malaysia / Singapore as well as Business Manager for Western Australia. The

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