TDI-Brooks has completed a six-month retrofit of its dynamically positioned vessel RV Nautilus to support offshore wind projects and subsea needs. The 75-meter vessel is equipped with advanced technology, including Geomil Manta-200 CPT, which can penetrate soil up to 40-50 meters. This data is critical in determining the optimal location and design of offshore developments such as wind farms. The RV Nautilus is equipped with a North American MCK-1240 upper forecastle deck, large deck and Teledyne RESON full-ocean depth multi-beam echosounder for marine hydrography, surface geochemical surveys and seafloor heat flow surveys.
French subsea power cable manufacturer Nexans has completed offshore export cable pulling work at the Moray West offshore wind farm in Scotland. The operation was carried out using a Nexans Aurora cable-laying vessel. The project is being developed by Ocean Winds as part of a joint venture between Engie and EDP Renewables. The next step is to energize the first circuit. Amazon will purchase 473 megawatts of clean electricity from wind farms.
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has successfully conducted the first remotely controlled completion operation in the Bonga field offshore Nigeria. This operation was performed using a Remote Operations Control System (ROCS) provided by Norwegian technology company Optime Subsea. ROCS eliminates the need for umbilicals and upper hydraulic control units, reducing costs and required deck space. The operation also reduces operating time and HSE risks on the drill floor, thereby reducing capital and operating expenses for the operator.
Helix Energy Solutions has been awarded the contract for deepwater well intervention in the Erha and Usan fields in Nigeria by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria. The project will begin in September 2024 and will involve the use of a Q4000 semi-submersible workover vessel, a 10k workover riser system, remotely operated vehicles, project management and engineering services. The vessel will undertake a range of missions including subsea well intervention, on-site decommissioning and emergency well containment.
Swedish marine energy company Minesto has successfully commissioned its 1.2MW utility-scale Dragon 12 tidal energy installation, which has delivered its first electricity to the Faroe Island grid. The 12-meter-wide, 28-ton undersea kite is powered by tidal currents and began generating electricity during its first phase of operation. This marks the most important milestone in the company's history.
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has launched the first domestically produced submarine Christmas tree. It is a 22-ton piece of equipment capable of pumping seawater with a maximum pressure of 17 MPa into the reservoir. The tree pumps seawater at a maximum pressure of 17 MPa and is expected to increase oil production by 30,300 barrels per day by 2025.
Norwegian company Reach Subsea has secured charter agreements for the Northern Maria and Olympic Taurus vessels to meet growing demand in the subsea services market. Northern Maria is a survey vessel equipped with a 20 ton crane suitable for the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. The Olympic Taurus is a multi-purpose offshore vessel with diesel-electric propulsion, a versatile choice in the IMR/LCV sector. Both charters are subject to final approval by the lender. Reach Subsea's comprehensive service portfolio addresses the needs of both the renewable energy and oil and gas industries.
Equinor has signed a "major contract" with DOF Group for its Norwegian operations, including the use of Skandi Iceman and ROV services. The contract, worth $47 million to $95 million, will provide two anchor handlers through 2027. The contract will begin in the second quarter of 2024 and consists of a three-year fixed-term deal with three one-year options.
UK-based Silicon Sensing Systems, a joint venture between Sumitomo Precision Products and Collins Aerospace, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with sales growth of more than 65% over the past five years. The company has provided inertial sensors and systems for high-profile projects, including the Segway personal transportation device and the Mayflower autonomous ship. Silicon Sensing's technology has expanded as demand for precise motion sensing data continues to grow in various markets including surveying, mapping and marine. The company’s patented microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology addresses a range of inertial requirements, including single sensors and full 6-axis IMUs. The latest inertial measurement unit, the DMU41, redefines the capabilities of MEMS technology, delivering navigation-grade inertial sensing performance in a compact, rugged and cost-effective package.
Global offshore wind provider Gazelle Wind Power is focusing on the maturation of floating platforms to increase resource availability, as discussed by new chief financial officer Alvaro Ortega.