DLM Wheel De-trenching Grapnels
Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM), of Southampton, UK has received a landmark order for two wheel de-trenching grapnels, which will be deployed from subsea cable repair vessels in France. The products will be delivered to a long-standing DLM customer in May.
DLM is already renowned for the manufacture and supply of running line monitors (RLMs); saddleback monitors (SNMs), used in pre-lay grapnel run (PLGR) and route clearance operations to measure line tension; load pins; and load cells that capture data as tension is applied to the winch rope towing the grapnels. However, these products are unique in that they are specifically for recovering cable that is buried in a seabed.
A wheel de-trenching grapnel (or WTG) is used to de-trench cables buried at depths of greater than 0.5m. The WTG is one of the most robust grapnel products available; it can be used in harsher seabed environments, for example, rocky conditions, but also in soft and crumbly (friable) seabeds, where the addition of the wheels will help to maintain penetration. The end user operates a fleet of cable repair vessels, but the solution will be of interest to anyone that completes repair work on laid cables.
The customer knew of the concept, but asked DLM if it could design a version that was suitable to penetrate 1.8m into the seabed. Previous designs were only suitable for 1.1m. Notably, DLM is the only company that offers a 1.5m and 1.8m fluke (a prong-shaped tool that penetrates the seabed) version of the product.
Chris Scrutton, technical manager at DLM, said: “We will never sell lots of these products, as there is a limited number of cable laying ships in the world capable of handling them, but the fact that we have upgraded the design for the 1.5m and 1.8m penetration shows that we have one of the best offerings on the market and this will appeal to any cable ship owner in need of this type of equipment. Further, it reinforces the engineering prowess for which we are renowned. This type of product represents a steady source of income for us—and we can design them quickly and confidently. We completed a feasibility study for the client prior to them placing an order to ensure that the product would be suitable for the application.”
The de-trenching grapnels will be used repeatedly in a suite of cable repair equipment. They can also be used for plough assessment surveys to assess what the industry calls “plough-ability” of the seabed, providing important information prior to laying a new subsea cable. In other words, this deciphers how tough the seabed conditions are and what equipment will be required to lay a new subsea cable.
RTsys announces AUVs contract award with Slovenian Navy
RTsys, the French manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and handheld imaging sonar for EOD divers announces the contract signature with the Slovenian Navy for the supply of one COMET-MCM AUV and two NEMOSENS micro-AUVs.
These 3 autonomous vehicles will be added to the existing range in use of SONADIVE hand held sonar units and therefore will give to the Slovenian Armed Forces through its EOD Diving Department full capabilities for Mine Counter Measures from very shallow water up to 300m depth.
The COMET-MCM is designed to quickly and efficiently cover large underwater areas with both high-definition sonar imaging and TV camera capabilities, by offering the most accurate real-time tracking and positioning of the market. Alternatively, micro-AUVs NEMOSENS, man-portable and modular vehicle offering the same capabilities of live tracking and high accuracy positioning would operate in very shallow water (less than 5m) for various scope of operations like beaching, rapid environmental assessment or identification and localization of underwater mines.
“Delivering a new complete MCM ecosystem to a NATO Country is always a privilege for RTsys and confirms the attractiveness of our company in the supply of sea-proven manned and unmanned solutions” says Pierre-Alexandre Caux, RTsys business director. “Autonomous vehicles combined with EOD divers’ skills remain the most reliable and efficient combination to operate safe MCM operations while reducing the time of divers’ action into the water. It also makes sense for Navies worldwide to cooperate closely with one unique manufacturer, from their original clarification of needs up to final delivery, operational training, spare part management and long-term support for maintenance.”
Spectrum geophysics announces investment in edgetech 4205 sidescan sonar for their portfolio
Subsea Technology & Rentals (STR) are delighted to announce that Spectrum Geophysics have purchased an
EdgeTech 4205 Side Scan Sonar System to complement their existing pool of geophysical survey equipment.
STR, who are a representative for EdgeTech in the United Kingdom, have seen an active increase in sales over the
past twelve months in EdgeTech’s sonar imaging systems and underwater technology to support their global
offshore energy customers.
Neil Jackson, STR’s Regional Director EMEA, said “STR are delighted to continue its long-term relationship as
Edgetech’s Authorized Service Centre in which we support both users and customers. In order to service this
relationship, STR has built a large inventory of stock and our technicians have been specifically trained to service
EdgeTech’s systems”.
Rob Arnold, Geophysics Director at Spectrum Geophysics, said “Spectrum are pleased to be adding the 4205 Side
Scan System to complement our existing pool of EdgeTech geophysical survey equipment. The system will be utilised
straight away on a Southern North Sea debris clearance contract for an offshore wind project”.
Doug McGowen, EdgeTech’s Director, Sales & Marketing, said “The next generation 4205 is a versatile Side Scan
Sonar system that can be configured for almost any survey application from shallow to deep water operations. The
system is available in either a tri-frequency side scan sonar configuration or motion tolerant and multi-pulse (MP)
configuration. Spectrum selected the 540/850kHz MP version of the 4205 which provides surveyors the ability to
operate either at faster survey speeds or in more adverse weather conditions while still obtaining high quality
underwater imagery. Additionally, this configuration can be operated in a single pulse high-resolution mode for
those operations that require an even more finite view of the seafloor.”
NextGeo completes offshore route surveys for TenneT
In support of TenneT TSO B.V. and the Dutch government’s programme to increase offshore wind capacity by 2030, marine geoscience and offshore construction support service provider NextGeo has recently successfully completed the final reporting phase of the offshore route survey activities (non-UXO).
The project covered the Hollandse Kust West Beta (HKWb), Ten Noorden van de Waddeneilanden (TNW) and IJmuiden Ver Alpha, Beta and Gamma export cable routes, extending from beach to the offshore platform area. More than 37,000 hectares of high-quality survey data have been acquired employing both geophysical and geotechnical techniques, utilising six offshore vessels, six nearshore vessels and three tidal vessels.
“NextGeo's dedicated project team is proud to have worked alongside TenneT for over two years to achieve this incredible milestone during one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced in recent years,” stated NextGeo Project Manager Joseph Keable.
NextGeo Project Director Giorgio Ruta added,
“This project has been NextGeo’s first experience with TenneT TSO B.V. and sets a high precedent for what we expect to be a long and fruitful relationship.”
Blue Ocean Seismic Services Makes Senior Appointments to Support Scale Up
Blue Ocean Seismic Services, the marine seismic survey disruptor, is delighted to announce two new senior appointments and the opening of a new office in London. Graham Philip has been appointed to the Blue Ocean Seismic Services board of directors as Non-Executive Chairman and Abdul Khan, FCCA, as Chief Financial Officer.
Both appointments bring significant expertise and experience to the Blue Ocean Seismic Services senior leadership team as the company advances into the operations phase of its development. In line with this strategy, Blue Ocean Seismic Services will be conducting multiple further sea trials during 2022 in various part of the world and then pre-commercial sea trials in 2023. Having achieved a 100% increase in the number of employees from 16 to 31 during 2021, the company also plans to continue growing its staffing levels in various parts of the business over the next 12 months and has opened a new office in the City of London.
Graham Philip is a highly experienced Non-Executive Chairman and company Director with a long track record of working with management teams to scale-up growth companies and build shareholder value in SME’s. During his extensive career, Graham has been CEO and Director of numerous international multi-location industrial / business service companies and has a particular specialism in the oil and gas services, offshore wind farm services and marine services. Amongst his recent experience Mr. Philip’s was CEO and then Non-Executive Director of Ashtead Technology, as well as a Non-Executive Director at North Star Shipping Ltd, White Light Ltd, Aubin Ltd, Oscar Propulsion Ltd to name a few. Mr. Philip started his long career as a chartered accountant at KPMG and attended Aberdeen University.
Abdul Khan (FCCA) has a wealth of experience as a Chief Financial Officer for international businesses in marine, oil and gas services, geophysical services and manufacturing across multiple geographies including UK, Europe, Middle East, and the USA. With expertise in Finance, Human Resources, IT and Supply Chain management, Mr. Khan has served as Chief financial officer for international marine related businesses including Kasamar Holdings, Gulf Marine Services PLC and Lamnalco Group. Mr. Khan is a Charted Accountant and Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Simon Illingworth, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ocean Seismic Services said:
“Following a rigorous search and selection process, we are delighted to welcome both Graham and Abdul to the senior team at Blue Ocean Seismic Services. Both have decades of hands-on, senior level experience which will be critical for us as we transition from a technology company to an operating company. Their expertise will be immensely valuable as we plan our scale up to manufacturing, develop relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers and grow our geographical footprint particularly in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. We have an exciting year ahead with a range of sea-trials planned to support the development of carbon capture storage and other sub-surface projects and I have no doubt that Graham and Abdul will make important contributions as we move forward to the next phase of our growth.”
Graham Philip, Non-Executive Chairman, Blue Ocean Seismic Services commented: “I am very excited to be working with the team at Blue Ocean Seismic Services as it scales up to an operations company. Its highly innovative and disruptive technology has already established itself as a well-respected leader in the market and I look forward to helping ensure its long-term success.”
Backed by industry leaders bp Ventures, Woodside Energy and Blue Ocean Monitoring, Blue Ocean Seismic Services’ underwater vehicles are innovating the offshore seismic sector to become cheaper, faster, safer, and much less carbon intensive.
Blue Ocean Seismic Services recently, successfully completed a series of passive and active sea trials in the North Sea using a DP2 class Multi Role Vessel. The success of these trials marks a significant milestone towards validating the efficacy of Blue Ocean Seismic Services’ revolutionary technology for identifying and optimising offshore renewable, carbon capture storage and oil and gas reservoirs located under the seabed.
Subsea Europe Service GmbH appointed as new GeoAcoustics Ltd partner
GeoAcoustics Ltd is pleased to report the recent signing of a partnership agreement with hydroacoustic technology specialist Subsea Europe Services GmbH, who will add the GeoPulse Sub Bottom Profiler technology to its subsea sales & rental portfolios. The agreement with the Hamburg, Germany-based marine survey sensors, services and solutions provider builds on the extensive worldwide partner network GeoAcoustics Ltd has established since becoming an independent company.
GeoAcoustics Ltd now has approved representation in 70 countries from China and Singapore to the USA and Scandinavia.
“With experience and access to the North Sea coastal zone and offshore sectors, as well as reach into European inland waterways, we expect our partnership with Subsea Europe Services to meet existing demand while opening up new areas and applications for our products,” said Richard Dowdeswell, General Manager, GeoAcoustics Ltd.
“The GeoAcoustics name is synonymous with reliability and effectiveness in the shallow water market, and we are pleased to bring the quality and functionality it represents into our portfolio for sales and rental customers,” said Sören Themann, CEO, Subsea Europe Services GmbH.
Find out more about Subsea Europe Services GmbH at https://www.subsea-europe.com and locate your nearest GeoAcoustics partner at https://geoacoustics.com/channel-partners.
Tropical seafloor secrets discovered as mission to map world's entire seabed gains momentum
Satellite technology has been used to chart shallow areas of the Cook Islands’ seafloor in never-before-seen detail by scientists at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) working with the satellite data analytics company, EOMAP GmbH. The work was carried out as part of The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project – a collaborative project aiming to bring together all available bathymetric data to produce the definitive map of the world ocean floor.
The discovery coincides with the One Ocean Summit, held in France, which saw UNESCO call on the international community to strengthen efforts in pursuit of mapping the remainder of the ocean floor – 20.6 per cent has been mapped to date.
The chart of Suwarrow and Pukapuka in the Cook Islands builds upon decades-old surveys, with more accurate positioning and wider coverage, including information on harder to reach areas such as shallow lagoons.
Kevin Mackay, a Researcher of Marine Geology at NIWA, also heads Seabed 2030’s South and West Pacific Ocean Data Centre – one of the project’s four Regional Centres, each responsible for data gathering and mapping in their territory.
Commenting on the use of satellites as a tool for measuring the shallow parts of the ocean floor, Kevin says “To measure the depth of the ocean, you would traditionally have to send out a boat with an echosounder, which costs a lot of money and can be dangerous in rough and shallow seas.
“With satellites, we can access extremely remote locations, with less carbon footprint, and without having to endanger people.”
The images are taken from two commercially owned satellites, World-View-2 and GeoEye-1, which provide extremely high-resolution pictures of the earth’s surface. As a result, data accuracy is greatly improved. Satellite derived bathymetry can be used to a maximum water depth of 30m.
Stuart Caie, Manager Hydrographic Survey from LINZ, said: “The technology and processes are very clever – the satellite can see the shallow sea floor in exquisite detail, but to derive the water depth the software needs to get rid of obstructions such as shadows and waves.
“The software therefore strips away the water and uses complex algorithms to produce depth estimations before creating a map with colourings of what the seafloor would look like without any water, which we then use.”
Seabed 2030 – which is formally endorsed as a flagship programme of the Ocean Decade – is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) to inspire the complete mapping of the world's ocean and compile all bathymetric data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. GEBCO is a joint programme of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
The South and West Pacific Ocean Regional Centre is made up of NIWA, GNS Science and LINZ, who are working together to map over 123 million km2 of ocean.
The nautical chart will be published in February and is hoped to improve ocean safety and scientific knowledge.
Fugro joins UN Ocean Decade Alliance to advance global marine science agenda
Fugro has accepted an invitation from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (IOC-UNESCO) to join the Ocean Decade Alliance (the ‘Alliance’). Comprising an eminent network of global leaders and institutions, the Alliance aims to catalyse support for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021 2030 (the ‘Ocean Decade’) through targeted resource mobilization, networking and influence.
IOC-UNESCO Executive Secretary Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin extended the invitation to Fugro CEO Mark Heine based on the company’s demonstrated and sustained commitment to the vision of the Ocean Decade. Fugro’s recent partnership agreement with IOC UNESCO to transform the coordination of and access to global ocean science data, including privately-held Geo data assets, exemplifies this commitment. The agreement includes significant in-kind support from Fugro via loan of experts to the IOC-Secretariat in Paris for establishing and administering two key ocean science working groups.
As a member of the Alliance, Fugro will collaborate and coordinate with other Alliance members in leveraging existing commitments to raise awareness about Ocean Decade objectives and activities worldwide; create a platform for demonstrating the role and power of science in providing solutions for ocean sustainability; and establish a broad international network that stimulates additional actions and commitments in the framework of the Ocean Decade across all levels of society.
Fugro CEO Mark Heine stated:
“We are proud to support the Ocean Decade and honoured to be part of the Ocean Decade Alliance. It is critical that the private-sector help lead this global initiative, as we collectively have much to offer and much to gain from a sustainable and equitable ocean economy. I can personally attest that Fugro is up for the leadership challenge and will deliver on the trust that has been instilled in us.”
For more information please contact Edward Legierse [email protected].
About Fugro
Fugro is the world’s leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full life cycle.
Employing approximately 9000 talented people in 61 countries, Fugro serves clients around the globe, predominantly in the energy and infrastructure industries, both offshore and onshore. In 2020, revenue amounted to EUR 1.4 billion. Fugro is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
About the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science and tsunami warning. The work of the IOC contributes to the mission of UNESCO to promote the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity, key to economic and social progress, the basis of peace and sustainable development.
Find more here > http://ioc.unesco.org
About the Ocean Decade
Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’) seeks to stimulate ocean science and knowledge generation to reverse the decline of the state of the ocean system and catalyse new opportunities for sustainable development of this massive marine ecosystem. The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. The Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The UN General Assembly mandated UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to coordinate the preparations and implementation of the Decade.
Find more here > http://oceandecade.org
Sonardyne launch wireless seabed unexploded ordnance disposal capability
Marine technology company, Sonardyne, is aiming to improve the safety and efficiency of unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance during offshore energy projects with the introduction of a secure, wireless underwater initiation capability.
The company’s new Initiation Transponder 6 (IT 6) is designed to be connected directly to a remotely deployed, non-electric mine neutralisation device, such as a Viper MDS from ECS Special Projects. This allows explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams to send a wireless, acoustic command from their vessel, safely initiating a shock tube detonator. Recent demonstrations were conducted over distances in excess of 1,000 m away.
IT 6 is based on Sonardyne’s field-proven Wideband 2 digital signal technology, which offers a reliable and long-range underwater wireless communications link. The development of IT 6 means that technicians no longer need to wire UXO neutralisers up to signal relay buoys on the surface and are not restricted to good weather and daylight for setting up an initiation operation.
IT 6 is small, lightweight and designed to be placed by an ROV or diver for both high order detonation and low order deflagration. It features multiple layers of security to prevent unintended activation, including a hydrostatic switch, which only allows the unit to be armed when a pre-determined depth has been reached.
Operations using IT 6s are controlled using Sonardyne’s new rugged Deck Topside case and cabled dunker. Environmentally rated to IP67, the case features a daylight readable interactive 7-inch resistive touch screen and rechargeable battery, for when operating on small boats with no external power.
The user interface was designed in close co-operation with EOD technicians and enables operating parameters to be set and multiple IT 6s to be configured prior to deployment. During a live operation, two physical buttons provide an additional layer of security, requiring users to hold one button to arm, then simultaneously press the other to initiate.
The dunker, which is supplied with 10 m of cable, provides a secure two-way communications link between the surface and IT 6, and is simply lowered over the side of a vessel.
John Houlder, Product Manager at Sonardyne said; “European waters are littered with unexploded ordnance (UXO), the result of past military conflicts, training exercises, weapons development and dumping activities at sea. During the construction phases of wind farms, for example, the risk to personnel, assets and project timescales are significant.”
“When disposal rather than avoidance is deemed necessary for turbine or cable route placement, our new IT 6 and topside will help those involved with the hazardous task operate entirely wirelessly and in any weather, day or night. Underwater acoustic command and control is a core Sonardyne capability, so IT 6 can be considered as reliable and as secure as traditional methods involving shock tubes and a lot safer than electrical detonation lines.”
Image Captions:
Sonardyne_IT 6: IT 6 is used with Sonardyne’s new IP67-rated, touch-screen Deck Topside case and cabled dunker, which can be used without any need for an external power source. Photo from Sonardyne.
Sonardyne_IT 6_illustration: With IT 6, mine clearances operations can be performed wirelessly and remotely, making site preparation work safer and more efficient. Artist’s illustration.
Custom Umbilical for powerful ROV
When a powerful Remotely operated vehicle ROV has to face tough offshore conditions, it has to be connected with the proper reliable umbilical cable. This is why Copenhagen Subsea addressed Novacavi for its Gorilla ROV new cable solution and Novacavi developed a custom neutrally buoyant fiber optic data umbilical cable for fast and noise immune transfer of data. The perfect mix of materials, correct configuration and production capabilities sort out in an umbilical cable able to guarantee manoeuvrability and reliability while supporting ROV operations in harsh and demanding environments such as offshore wind farms where strong currents activity is the norm.
Specialist in custom cable design & manufacturing for advanced technology since 1975, NOVACAVI develops any cable solutions with engineering expertise, comprehensive knowledge of materials and a high degree of manufacturing.
You can meet Novacavi at OI 2022 London on stand N250 next 15-17 March.
For more details, please contact [email protected] or visit https://www.novacavi.it/custom-umbilical-for-powerful-rov/.