ROV launch & recovery systems
Developing bespoke twin systems to enable operations within challenging space constraints and weather conditions.
Developing leading capabilities for a new-build vessel.
Well intervention leader Helix Energy Solutions approached us to design and build twin Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) to support ROV deployment and recovery on the company’s new-build Q7000 semi-submersible light well intervention rig.
The system needed to maintain reliable operability in notably severe weather conditions and work seamlessly with existing third party equipment.
However, the key design driver was that the solution had to fit within the compact space available in the below-deck ROV hangars on-board the Q7000, which ruled out using existing commercially available solutions.
We worked very closely with the Helix team to create a suitable concept to meet all requirements.
Innovative design to support effective operations.
Our resulting ROV LARS system was carefully crafted to ensure we could meet all Helix’s requirements. We designed a 2-wire cursor guided system, for safe and effective launch through the splash zone in heavy weather conditions of up to 5m significant wave height.
To cope with the potentially severe weather, the deployment system incorporates a fast-acting active heave compensated umbilical winch; this allows for wide weather windows when deploying and retracting the ROV and TMS from the cursor system. Mounted on guide-wires, the cursor provides positive down-force when deploying the ROVs through the moonpool and splash zone, preventing damage to the ROV and TMS during deployment.
A cursor system captures the ROV and Tether Management System (TMS) and passes it through a moonpool in the lower deck during launch & recovery to prevent damage in the splash zone. The cursor lowers to the base of the pontoon, whereby the TMS can be released from the cursor and the ROV & TMS are free to continue lowering to depth.
Image credit: Helix Energy Solutions
A suite of cutting-edge equipment.
Our ROV LARS were the first systems in a suite of equipment we delivered to Helix for use on its newly-built Q7000 semi-submersible vessel. The success of the ROV LARS project led to us also supplying two Umbilical & Guide-wire Handling Systems (UGHS), a Maintenance Tower, and an Intervention Tension Frame to work in conjunction with the ROV LARS.
These systems work together to enable vessel operations. The ROV LARS launches the ROV, which then observes operations subsea and inserts the guide-wires into the wellhead. Our maintenance tower stores the subsea stack, the UGHS guides the guide-wires and umbilicals through the moonpool, and the ITF supports carrying the load and facilitates intervention activities.
Check out our ROV LARS system, as well as the Intervention Tension Frame and other equipment we provided to Helix, in its Q7000 overview video below.
Video credit: Helix Energy Solutions
“Once again Osbit has demonstrated an ability to innovate and rapidly translate our requirements into practical, high quality engineered solutions.”