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MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2

Feasibility study of a concept for operating remotely controlled underwater vehicles from an unmanned surface vessel, phase 2.

Alternative title: Mulighetsstudie av et konsept for å betjene fjernstyrte undervannfarkoster fra et ubemannet overflatefartøy, fase 2.

Awarded: NOK 5.5 mill.

Project Number:

310166

Project Period:

2020 - 2022

Location:

The project’s objective is to establish a concept for operation of remotely operated vehicles from an unmanned surface vessel. The project is the progression of a study that has substantiated the feasibility of such concept. The project results shall be sufficient to decide on industrialization of the concept. Underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are among the essential tools for seabed surveys and installation and -maintenance of subsea installations within the oil & gas industry, and increasingly also within aquaculture and offshore renewables. ROVs are highly maneuverable, and able to operate a wide range of tools and instruments. ROVs are normally operated from a manned surface vessel, with which it is connected via an umbilical for power supply and exchange of data and -control signals. The surface vessels are often large, multi-functional offshore vessels. As a result, the current cost of ROV operations primarily relate to the surface vessel and its crew, and to a lesser extent to the ROV and its operators. Moreover, the ROV operators are required to stay aboard the vessel even if the ROV is only occasionally used, which further adds to the cost. For many ROV duties where a multi-functional offshore vessel does not add value, notable savings could hence be made if ROVs could instead be operated from an unmanned, small and single-purpose vessel, and where the ROV would be controlled remotely by operators at an onshore control centre as and when required, and where the operators may commonly control multiple ROVs. The latter becomes further relevant as ROVs are anticipated to increasingly operate autonomously, and only occasionally require manual control. The key challenges to be addressed in the project relate to the following: 1)Motions and motion reduction for small vessels; 2)Launch and recovery of ROV from/to small vessels more prone to motions; 3)Offshore communications for effective monitoring- and remote control of ROV and surface vessel. In 2021, the project had higher activity than originally planned, and was then able to carry out several tasks early. This resulted in an approved change application with an updated activity plan, budget, and project duration. In 2021, two scaled model tests were carried out by partners SINTEF Ocean and NTNU, respectively, with a vessel alone and with an ROV connected. The results were analysed and shared between the partners. Based on the same results, the established movement model from phase 1 of the project was updated and a dynamic simulation platform developed. Furthermore, the specification for the next generation ROV was established, as well as potential suppliers identified. The vessel concept and LAR system were also further refined based on the test results. The focus in 2022 has been to complete work on the vessel concept and LAR system as well as updating the cost models and business case. The work package related to dynamic DP has also been completed, where several master's theses and scientific articles related to the research topic have been delivered. The work package relating to risk and reliability has also been completed with interesting results and conclusions. As a result of the research project, a contract has been entered into between KM and partner Reach Subsea for the delivery of two USVs based on the ROV Revolution concept.

The successful realization of the concept would radically reduce costs and enhance productivity of a wide range of ROV operations, thereby lowering the cost of offshore oil & gas, and enhancing the competitiveness of offshore renewables. For the industrial partners, realization of the concept is estimated to provide a value creation in the range of 350 – 425 million NOK per annum in total, as a continuous business. Further to lowering the cost and enhancing productivity of current ROV operations, the ROV Revolution also creates important opportunities for extended innovation in the subsea value chain, including operational-, process- and business model innovation. Notably, the introduction of land-based control centres allows for extended integration between subsea service providers and end-clients, while also creating employment opportunities with improved work/life balance, which would support gender equality in society, and may attract women to a current male dominated business.

Due to superior performance and versatility, work-class ROVs are – and are likely to remain – the workhorse of subsea construction and IMR within oil & gas and renewables. ROVs are today primarily operated- and controlled from large, manned, multi-functional subsea vessels. However, for many ROV duties, there is limited- or no value added from the extensive capabilities of such vessels. On the contrary, the current means of operation drives costs and restricts productivity. The project pertains to a concept for operating ROVs from a small-scale, un-manned, self-propelled, remote or autonomous controlled mother vessel (named the ROV Revolution). If and when the mother vessel and/or ROV does not operate autonomously, either may be controlled from a manned control centre, either ashore or aboard another fixed or floating asset. Pursuant to a proof-of-concept study (phase 1) a concept solution and accompanying numerical motion model has been developed, showing promising results. However, considering the moderate scale, particular hull features and interaction between vessel and ROV while in close proximity, the motion model shall have to be calibrated and validated. This project (phase 2) will perform model tests to calibrate and verify the motion model, and employ the model to dimension the means of control and devise control algorithms accordingly for vessel, ROV and LARS to enable effective ROV launch and recovery – which is considered the foremost challenge in realizing the concept. Furthermore, the project will identify and qualify relevant ROV(s) with reliability and maintenance concepts that would allow for prolonged operation from an unmanned vessel. If successful, the ROV Revolution concept could radically reduce costs and enhance productivity of ROV operations, thereby lowering the cost of offshore oil & gas, and enhancing the competitiveness of offshore renewables.

Funding scheme:

MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2