Smart ROV Technology

20 February 2008 Aberdeen Evening Meeting

Chairman Tom Taylor, Subsea and New Developments, Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd
Sponsored by Fugro, Perry Slingsby Systems Ltd and GRL

Flyer

Overview

Following our theme from previous years, the presenters at the first evening meeting in 2008 of the Aberdeen Branch of SUT brought attendees an update and insight into the technology that is being built in  as standard features on the new fifth generation of work-class ROV systems. With almost every major ROV contractor expanding and/or replacing its work-class fleet, this places an increased burden of responsibility on the offshore ROV teams and their support engineering colleagues, both in terms of the finite numbers of personnel available to operate this new fleet and in the more complex tasks that have to be performed. We pose this question: 'Is it possible that enhanced technology, possibly imported from other sectors of industry, can assist us to alleviate some of the burden on the ROV team?' There were three presentations to possibly start the debate, if not yet provided the answer to this important aspect of our business.

Presentations

Simulation Support to ROV Operations

Dr Trevor Larkum, Chairman of GRL

Trevor's presentation brings us right up to date with the features and benefits arising from combining a simulator with an offshore ROV system and how it can offer the ability of sharing the data and information gathered with a broad audience for review and further decision making.

Kevin Taylor, General Manager, PSSL

Kevin's presentation shows the technology that has gone into the leatest offerings from Perry in terms of the DP control solutions and the Integrated Control Engine (ICE), plus some of the other innovations being worked on now to provide a better working environment for the ROV teams.

Jim Mann, Global ROV Manager, Fugro

Jim provided an overview of Fugro's in-house designed and built work-class ROV system, the the FCV 3000, illustrating how all these innovations and developments can come together to operate successfully in today's very demanding marketplace, where the ROV team has an ever more demanding role placed upon it.