Page 51: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jul/Aug 2024)

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Seatools ployed to offshore energy projects globally.

ROVS

The new fully-electric ROV offers superior levels of

In the ROV segment, companies like Reach Subsea, Sea- tools and DeepOcean are pushing the boundaries of what stability, position-keeping, effciency and reliability, for

ROVs can achieve, offering more precise, autonomous, increased performance across a wide range of subsea ap- plications, at a lower operational cost, noted SMD.

and effcient subsea operations, while some, like Soil Ma-

Seatools, a specialist in subsea technology, has partnered chine Dynamics (SMD), signal a shift to fully-electric with Belgium-based offshore installation services frm

ROV, having recorded its frst sale of such unit in 2024.

SMD has developed a modular robotic range ROV, DEME to develop and deploy a state-of-the-art fall pipe

ROV. This ROV is specifcally designed for subsea rock available in work-class and survey class forms. The Quan- tum EV platform is suitable for heavy-duty construction, installation projects, where precise placement of materi-

IRM, salvage and science work. The lighter-duty Atom EV als is required to protect pipelines and other subsea infra- structure. The newly developed Fall Pipe ROV introduces is well placed for renewables, drill support and IRM ap- several innovative features, including the integrated rota- plications.

tor, which enables the offsetting of the ROV’s heading

SMD claims that its new robotics range is twice as ef- fcient as an older generation hydraulic ROV. For a given relative to the vessel heading. This innovation ensures an input surface power, a hydraulic ROV will only convert optimal vessel heading, enhancing the workability level of rock installation operations while saving signifcant power around 34% into usable thrust performance. compared to conventional Fall Pipe ROVs, according to

However, SMD said its EV range is capable of convert-

Seatools. Another feature of the ROV lies in its expansive ing 63% of the input power into useable thrust perfor- on-board survey equipment suite, employed for precise mance.

According to the company, its robotics range does not ROV positioning, monitoring operations and the environ- just offer better performance and reliability but they also ment, as well as conducting comprehensive pre- and post- consume less energy and dramatically reduce potential oil surveys. The Fall Pipe ROV passed Factory Acceptance contamination risk, making operations more cost-effective Tests (FAT), conducted by Seadrill, ahead of deployment on DEME’s rock installation vessel Yellowstone, which se- and environmentally friendly.

cured a job in the U.S. to work on the Coastal Virginia

In March 2024, SMD sold its frst electric ROV to Lux-

Offshore Wind project, where DEME is installing 176 embourg-based marine contractor, Jan De Nul Group.

SMD’s Quantum EV will be integrated into Jan De Nul monopile foundations, three offshore substations and sub- sea cables.

Group’s new cable laying vessel, Fleeming Jenkin, and de-

JULY/AUGUST 2024 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 51