Page 33: of Marine Technology Magazine (April 2020)

jumpers and TLP tendons. graphical software allows for easy inter- During the placement of the other struc-

During the installation process for pretation of data, with fnal analysis of tures, the DMS was confgured for au-

Ocean Installer, the DMS calculated data performed offshore. Combining re- tonomous independent operation, com- and logged structural defection, head- mote communications systems with re- municating data to one of the installation’s ing, pitch, roll, depth and suction pile sponsive technology has allowed the DMS ROVs. Measurement sensors and position- differential pressures in real-time. This to create a lower CAPEX environment ing tools were used to enhance the accu- instantaneous method of monitoring is while still preserving the highest level of racy of the data collected, ensuring maxi- essential during the placement of suction project support. mum performance of the DMS and, once pile-based subsea structures, as it ensures In addition, the real-time analysis of the installation was complete, all equip- any issues can be rectifed immediately data from onshore positions reduces the ment was removed via ROV for topside before there is any risk of damage or un- logistical and personal risks involved in inspection, with data transferred to and safe situations occurring. a project of this nature. As less personnel interpreted by the offshore team.

Ashtead Technology provides the DMS, are required to be transported offshore, The DMS technology has proved invalu- which are bespoke and scalable to the the inherent dangers of working in a haz- able for the safe and effcient installation needs of any project, with a proven track ardous environment are limited to only es- of ITS during the two projects. With on- record around the world. User-friendly sential staff. board feld engineer support, real-time

Solutions for challenging seabed terrain information software and multiple display

During the frst Ocean Installer project, options, the team were able to continuous- the four suction piles of the ITS were low- ly react to the changing conditions during ered and installed on the seabed in turn. operations, with the system proving to be

This posed a risk that the structure would both robust and accurate.

twist, thus leading to potential stress and concluSion integrity issues. To counteract this, the suction piles on each ITS were used to Precision is key in the installation of any control the descent into the seabed and mi- subsea structure to ensure it operates to its nimise any out of plane bending. The suc- full potential. However, operating in harsh tion piles themselves ensure stability of underwater environments with deep water the structure in the challenging seabed of and strong currents, such as those found the Norwegian Continental Shelf, where in the North Sea, can make data gathering the seabed terrain often shifts. both diffcult and time-consuming.

Using the powerful suite of software Combining modern technology and in- elements within the DMS, Ashtead Tech- telligent software solutions, the DMS is a nology’s technicians kept a close eye on reliable antidote to the challenges of struc- out of plane defection, structure level tural monitoring in harsh underwater envi- and differential pressures within each ronments. These two projects demonstrate suction can. This ensured structural in- that the company’s DMS can be quickly tegrity was maintained during installa- mobilized, enabling critical operations to tion and the structure was installed with- be completed safely with straightforward in engineering tolerances. access to onshore support.

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