Allseas has ordered a fleet of hybrid-electric heavy duty remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) from TechnipFMC’s Schilling Robotics division.
Allseas’ existing ROV fleet will be progressively replaced by the vehicles, which will support intervention operations as well as subsea construction and inspection work. Their rating covers water depths of up to 6,000 metres.
Allseas plans to deploy the systems across its pipelay and heavy-lift operations, alongside its subsea construction activities. The company also identified offshore renewable energy and the collection of deep-sea minerals as possible future applications.
The eHD platform uses direct-drive electric propulsion alongside hydraulic work capability. As a result, the vehicles can use existing tooling and infrastructure while reducing their reliance on hydraulic components for propulsion.
Pilots will be able to operate an ROV either aboard a separate vessel fitted with the system or from an onshore operations centre. The remote-piloting functions allow operators to support work in deep water or remote locations.
The systems include navigation and automated assistance for station keeping and subsea-work precision. Monitoring and condition-based maintenance functions will provide equipment data for maintenance planning, while modular components are intended to reduce repair time and downtime.
TechnipFMC’s preliminary specification sheet lists a weight in air of 4,100 kg and dimensions of 2.9 by 1.7 by 2.0 metres. Payload capacity ranges from 250 to 450 kg, depending on configuration.
The published specifications include a forward speed of up to four knots, station keeping within 5.0 cm and a docking-interface safe working load of 9,700 kg. A through-frame lift capacity of 3,000 kg is also listed.
Hydraulic circuits provide flows of up to 125 litres per minute at 207 bar for tooling and 30 litres per minute at 207 bar for manipulators. The platform can carry hydraulic or electric tools, Schilling manipulators and inspection sensor payloads.
