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spill retainer system shown in Figure 1. American Energy is the developer and owner of the PROE patent which was is- sued in 7.5 months. PROE is pictured in the in the submerged surveillance posi- tion consisting of two linear parts point- ing into the ocean current as shown. PROE is highly ß exible since it is modu- lar, self-propelled and submersible with a retractable retainer curtain. Thus, its size may be expanded or reduced, it can rapidly change location and, except for periodic testing, it remains submerged some 50 feet below marine trafÞ c and weather. The retracted curtain during submergence substantially reduces cur- rent drag and compressed natural gas fuel usage. Most important, PROE is assigned continuously to the rig during all drilling and completion operations. In the event of a blowout or other accident PROE is surfaced, the two ends are locked to- gether to encircle the rig and the retainer curtain is deployed as shown in Figure 2. Set-up operations are estimated to require less than one hour. The azimuth thrusters provide the force necessary to move PROE into the correct position and maintain that location with the aid of GPS. Depending upon the circumfer- ence of the system and curtain height, PROE can contain in the order of about 2.5 to over 5 million barrels, which may be desirable despite the fact that oil and emulsion will be ofß oaded by tankers from PROE shortly after initiation of the blowout. According the company, advantages of PROE include:  Protection: Avoid the widespread de- struction of marine life, terrible pub-lic relations and catastrophic, Òcom-pany killerÓ costs for damages.  Immediate Response: 24/7 surveil- lance at the well for immediate re-sponse. No delays due to travel time that might cost up to $20,000,000 each hour.  Conservation: Reclaim the spilled oil since virtually all the oil will be quickly contained by PROE and re- moved by oil skimmers and tankers.  Reduction of Insurance Costs: Very likely reduce the cost of spill liability insurance premiums.  Modest Cost: PROE is estimated to be only about 5% to 6% of deepwa- ter drilling costs, not considering the possible savings in spill liability in- surance.www.marinetechnologynews.com MTR #8 (18-33).indd 25MTR #8 (18-33).indd 2510/13/2014 9:44:58 AM10/13/2014 9:44:58 AM