Negative Planning LL with PGNiG

Tomcat (6501/10-1) – N/A

What happened:

It is strong currents at the location, and it was very hard to keep the ROV stable when surveying the lines. This made it very hard to provide good stills and accurate coordinates for the findings. Due to a short-circuit in the ROV’s Tether Management System (TMS), this operation had to be terminated after surveying line #3 and #4.

What was planned:

Due to the environmental sensitivity at the Tomcat location, and possible presence of vulnerable species and structures, as coral reefs, coral gardens and sponges, an ROV inspection of all 8 anchor lines was planned. Ross Offshore then recommended a trawling ship (Sunny Lady) with a

What was learned:

A smaller vessel as a fishing vessel (trawler) with a small ROV (Sub-Atlantic Mohican, model 12) are not the best “tools” when providing environmental data, especially not in areas with strong currents.

What actions are required:

Important that bigger and more stable vessels with a good working ROV are provided for such environmental surveys, to secure better data and more efficient operation.

What Was Done

A coincident really, but due to this short-circuit the inspection was resumed in June, and the other anchor lines were inspected with the vessel (AHV) Island Vanguard. The survey went much faster and the bigger ROV (Magnum® Plus) was a lot more stable, providing better still images and accurate positions.