ROVs are used today on most semi-submersibles, jack-ups and drillships. They are used for many tasks on and around the seabed where a marine drilling rig is positioned.
Fugro-Rovtech provides a complete range of ROVs, from small observation-type systems such as the Falcon through to full hydraulic work-class ROVs, to meet all its clients’ needs.
The small ROVs occupy a minimal footprint, with portable gravity-based launch systems, allowing rapid installation on to clients’ installations without the need for welding.
At the other end of the spectrum, Fugro-Rovtech offers a fleet of deepwater work-class ROVs. To meet the increasing demands placed on today’s ROVs, Fugro has developed the FCV work-class ROV.
The current FCV range comes in two versions – the FCV 3000 and the FCV 1000.
The FCV 3000 offers the latest deepwater work-class ROV to the construction and drill-support market. The FCV 1000 provides clients with similar benefits of the FCV 3000, but in a smaller, lighter package capable of working in depths up to 1,000m.
The FCVs have been built using the best-in-class industry equipment and technology available in the market.
The new features boasted by the FCV range include ROV DP (dynamic positioning) and mission rehearsal with the addition of a built-in ROV simulator. The simulator allows the pilots to fly the ROV in the same way and in the same environmental conditions as they will see at the work site, even using the identical chair and control joystick of the actual ROV system.
At first glance, some may see it as a simple pilot training device, but there is much more – missions can be rehearsed off the critical path and difficult manoeuvres can be practised as many times as the pilot requires.
Onshore, the ROV simulator is used as a development tool for the engineering department. During the design phase, engineers can develop equipment while identifying potential operational problems, such as equipment clashes and access issues. All of this is done in the 3D world prior to any actual equipment manufacturing taking place.
The engineering department also provides design, build, draughting and operational support to the offshore fleet. Everything from standard intervention tools through to bespoke design solutions for unique client requirements can be provided in-house.
As well as having the right ROVs and support equipment to deliver the services to its clients, Fugro also recognises the requirement for a highly skilled workforce.
To achieve this, it employs and trains its own crews and staff using its own in-house training facility – the “Fugro Academy”. The academy provides world-class training to maximise the efficiency and competence of Fugro staff around the world.
Fugro-Rovtech has a fleet of four ROV support vessels and more than 55 ROV systems and operates from Bridge of Don, in Aberdeen, providing services to clients in the North Sea, Mediterranean and West Africa. In addition to this, Fugro-Rovtech has access to the worldwide fleet of Fugro vessels, ROTVs and survey services.
If you would like to know more about Fugro-Rovtech, its ROVs or tooling systems, contact the company on 01224 257600, or visit its website at www.fugro-rovtech.co.uk