JFD, part of the defence division within James Fisher and Sons, has confirmed the successful integration and acceptance of its advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) for the Republic of Korea Navy.
The tests of the free-swimming SRV included deployment and recovery through a moonpool using a dedicated launch and recovery system (LARS).
After completing factory and harbour acceptance trials in JFD’s subsea manufacturing facility in Glasgow, Scotland, the final phase involved integrating the SRV with the rescue vessel’s moonpool system.
JFD said that, unlike traditional SRV deployment methods, such as over the stern or side of a vessel, this integration required tailored engineering solutions.
JFD successfully integrated its SRV with a moonpool-specific LARS, incorporating hydraulic latching systems to securely handle the SRV and an enhanced control system for precise subsea manoeuvring into the cradle.
The integration was successfully completed following rigorous trials and acceptance testing, ensuring seamless operation of the SRV and its associated systems.
The inclusion of a moonpool design mitigates operational risks in challenging sea states, directly addressing the unique challenges of South Korea’s coastal waters.