In subsea exploration, precision and speed are crucial. The Surveyor is a remotely operated vehicle designed to elevate underwater surveying by merging rapid movement with high data accuracy.
This innovation, developed in collaboration with Reach Subsea, addresses the need for faster and more efficient data collection while handling a comprehensive sensor array for various applications, including seafloor mapping, pipeline inspection, and detecting buried objects.
– The main goal with the Surveyor was speed, says Åge Holsbrekken, CCO at Kystdesign.
– Reach Subsea came to us with a clear challenge: create an ROV that can move fast and still gather accurate data. It wasn’t just about going faster; we had to ensure that the sensors delivered the highest quality data, even at high velocities. The result is a specialized vehicle that doubles the speed of conventional ROVs, he explains.
Development
Balancing speed and stability were the primary challenge, especially to ensure precise sensor readings at higher velocities. The design of the Surveyor was focused on performance. At 5.5 meters in length, over 2 meters in width, and weighing around 5 tons, it’s a powerful vehicle. We crafted it to be long, low, and streamlined—nearly drop-shaped. This unique form, combined with powerful thrusters, enables the Surveyor to reach speeds of up to 8 knots.
Due to limitations on sensor data acquisition capacity, survey tasks are normally performed in max speed of 5-6knots, but still, this is about double the speed of conventional ROVs in similar applications. Yet, speed was only part of the equation; the vehicle’s stability was equally crucial to prevent interference with the sensitive sensors it carries.
One of the standout features of the Surveyor is its capacity to carry up to 600 kilograms of sensors in various configurations. This flexibility allows it to be customized for diverse missions. The Surveyor is equipped with a range of advanced sensors, including:
- Multibeam echosounders: These create continuous profiles along a line, essential for detailed mapping.
- Sidescan sonars: Used for profiling areas far off to the side, giving a broader view of the seafloor.
- Camera booms: For visual feedback, crucial in inspection tasks.
- Sub-bottom profilers: Capable of detecting objects buried beneath the seafloor.
Performance and market impact
The vehicle’s design includes nine thrusters— three for vertical movement, two for lateral movement, and four large ones for forward thrust. This configuration ensures that the Surveyor maintains its course and stability, even in challenging conditions. The minimized acoustic noise and lack of interference allow the sensors to operate without disruption from the vehicle’s movement.
Since its introduction, the Surveyor has exceeded expectations, becoming a critical asset in subsea surveying and inspection. It offers a superior alternative to traditional methods, opening new opportunities in the subsea market.
Collaboration
The development of the Surveyor was a highly collaborative effort, involving close coordination between our engineering team and Reach Subsea’s experts. In less than two years, a dedicated team of 4-5 engineers worked intensively to bring this cutting-edge vehicle to life.
The strong partnership allowed us to streamline the development process and focus on innovative solutions, leading to the successful creation of the Surveyor.
The Surveyor was specifically made for us and our specifications to achieve our goal of creating a new standard for high-speed survey and pipeline inspections. The collaboration with Åge and the team was excellent, as always. Our operational experience, combined with Kystdesign’s production expertise, resulted in a world-class solution.
Jostein Alendal
CEO, Reach Subsea
– We thrive on pushing the boundaries of innovation, and the Surveyor is a perfect example of what we can achieve. Taking on these kinds of challenges is what we love most, especially when we see that the product makes a big difference to our customers and to the industry in general, concludes Holsbrekken.
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