Ocean Services Provider DeepOcean Takes Delivery of New Uncrewed Surface Vessel
Ocean services provider DeepOcean, in collaboration with joint venture partners Solstad Offshore and Østensjø Rederi, has recently acquired a state-of-the-art uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for subsea survey, inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations within the offshore energy sector.
The newly christened USV Challenger is set to dock at DeepOcean’s subsea base in Killingøy, Norway, where it will undergo rigorous trials of its launch and recovery system (LARS) designed for its onboard remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Measuring at 24 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width, the USV Challenger is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and a cutting-edge battery package that enables the vessel to operate autonomously offshore for up to 30 days without the need for charging or refueling.
Key Features of the USV Challenger
Designed by DeepOcean, the LARS system comprises an electrical winch, sheave wheel trolley, kicker, and rear hatch for seamless ROV deployment and retrieval. Once approved by maritime authorities for its remote operating capabilities, the USV will enter a long-term charter agreement with DeepOcean, managed by the joint venture company USV AS.
The USV Challenger will be remotely controlled from shore and boasts multiple autonomous features that allow it to operate effectively in harsh weather conditions. Both the maritime crew and ROV operators will be stationed in the same remote operating center (ROC) at Killingøy, ensuring streamlined coordination during operations.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
According to Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean, the USV Challenger presents a cost-effective alternative for various offshore tasks, reducing the reliance on larger vessels and offering substantial cost savings. Equipped with a fully electric work class ROV capable of operating at depths of up to 1,500 meters, the vessel is primed for a wide range of subsea operations.
The ROV is outfitted with advanced survey sensors, hydraulic capabilities, and a comprehensive tool package for tasks such as pipeline surveys, seabed mapping, and maintenance operations. Additionally, the ROV can interface with a fly-out ROV for visual inspection support in complex operating environments.
Future Endeavors and Collaborations
DeepOcean has partnered with operator Aker BP to pioneer the use of the USV Challenger for subsea IMR and survey work, with plans to engage other Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) operators for demonstration projects. Notably, Vår Energi is set to participate in a project showcasing the USV’s capabilities in 2025.
With its innovative technology, operational efficiency, and cost-saving benefits, the USV Challenger is poised to revolutionize subsea operations in the offshore energy industry, driving advancements in safety, sustainability, and productivity.