Research & Development
Innovation is an important part of our operations. We are continuously looking for methods to perform our services better, simpler and more cost-effective for our client.
Our Research & Development department is committed to developing innovative tools and services that allow us to deliver safer and faster. In the field of subsea services in particular, our R&D capabilities have made great progress.
In recent years, we’ve developed various tailor-made tools for installing and inspecting subsea components, from idea and initial concept to implementation and offshore operation. Just another way in which we’re able to exceed our clients’ expectations and go the extra mile.
The Artropod inspection tool
The Arthropod is a tool deployed by an ROV that can clamp around a member and perform inspections on or near the member it is attached to.
With five degrees of freedom, the Arthropod can move inspection probes around a complex weld geometry on a structural member, or scan around it. Originally designed to carry out Alternating Current Field Measurements (ACFM) on nodal joints, the Arthropod can be tailored to carry different sensors as well to perform the inspection required. With intuitive control and full feedback from all joints, the software supports the operator in manipulating the inspection probe and keeps track of the probe’s travel and location.
The Gobiesox inspection tool
The Gobiesox is a tool deployed by an ROV that adheres to a member or surface using pressure, and can perform inspections with a variety of sensors.
With six degrees of freedom, the Gobiesox can perform a variety of inspections on a broad range of subsea locations. The tool was designed to carry out Alternating Current Field Measurements (ACFM) on nodal joints, larger monopile welds or flat surfaces like vessel hulls or tanks, meaning it can be tailored to carry different sensors. The software’s intuitive control mechanism assists the operator in using the inspection probe, keeping track of its travel and location, by providing full feedback from all joints.
The Crawler
Following a request for close seabed survey work with higher currents than ROVs can typically handle, Bluestream designed a crawler able to carry the full range of our ROV vehicles. With a minimal mobilisation footprint, the Crawler can be launched from small vessels.
To keep flexibility high and reduce the mobilisation footprint, the crawler houses a Bluestream ROV. The ROV provides the cameras, depth sensor, compass and channels for sensors and other auxiliary equipment required to carry out the survey. While the ROV is mounted in the crawler, the crawler drives over the seabed. Whether the requirement is depth of burial, touchdown monitoring or UXO work, the Crawler provides a steady platform. If the Crawler is not needed, it’s stored on deck and the system can be reconfigured to use the ROV instead.