We improve efficiency throughout the marine construction process by providing accurate and precise positioning services for drilling rigs, pipeline lay and derrick barges, and dynamically positioned (DP) multi-purpose construction vessels.
Marine Construction
Our integrated surface positioning solutions combine Oceaneering® C-Nav3050® differential global navigation satellite system (DGNSS) receivers, gyrocompasses, and inertial navigation systems with state-of-the-art navigation software modules.
We offer integrated subsea solutions including ultra-short baseline (USBL) and long baseline (LBL) positioning, subsea gyros, Doppler velocity logs, and a variety of sonar systems for positioning and orienting subsea assets such as wellheads, trees, pipeline end terminations (PLETs), pipeline end manifolds (PLEMs), umbilicals, seabed well templates, flowlines, pipelines, and suction piles.
Pipeline Construction Survey Support
We support the entire pipeline laying process from developing an appropriate route to positioning surface vessels, monitoring the pipeline’s touchdown point, executing post-lay surveys, and reporting.
Prior to pipeline construction, we use our GIS database to evaluate the proposed route for layout dimensions, alignment configuration, and hazard identification. In addition to positioning pipelay barges, we also provide remotely operated vehicle (ROV) positioning for pipeline touchdown monitoring and pre-route inspection.
Additionally, we provide USBL and LBL positioning, positioning for as-built surveys, depth-of-burial surveys, mat placement, and any pipeline activity requiring surface or subsea positioning.
Rig Positioning
We have decades of experience in positioning jackups, anchor rigs, dynamically positioned (DP) rigs, submersibles, and semisubmersibles. We also provide route planning and navigation support to reposition mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs).
Using proprietary data from our GIS database, our team establishes the safest and most appropriate route to the rig’s new location. We provide field navigation along the track for both the rig and tow vessels.
For complex projects or those involving the positioning of multiple vessels, we use our field-proven graphic navigation package incorporating differential global positioning system (DGPS) units, gyrocompasses, and a network of radio communication links stationed on the rig and on each handling vessel.
Each finalized well location is verified, and the results are presented in a formal survey report that includes the methodologies used, measurements acquired, calculated-minus-observed observations, final conclusions, a graphical representation of the results, a certified plat of the well, and a final anchor location layout.
ROV Positioning
To accurately position ROVs subsea, we use a combination of USBL and LBL positioning. Our cost-effective USBL system is most often used in ROV, AUV, and towfish tracking.
Our LBL system uses five or more transponders deployed on the seabed or a subsea structure to precisely measure relative distances, effectively forming an underwater navigation network. LBL positioning offers the highest available subsea accuracy and repeatability, and can be configured to support all types of deepwater construction projects. Typical LBL operations may involve positioning multiple ROVs working in close proximity.
We provide ROV subsea positioning services for inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations involving choke changes, power pod replacements, and flying lead repairs. We routinely provide a variety of ROV positioning services, including touchdown monitoring of pipelines and umbilicals, archaeological shipwreck inspections, push coring acquisition, pipeline depth-of-burial surveys, and detailed inspections of pre-lay pipeline routes.
Jumper and Spool Metrology
We are experienced in performing subsea metrology. We use specialized acoustic, inertial, and photogrammetric metrology techniques to accurately measure distances, elevations, and orientations between connecting hubs.
As spool pieces or jumpers are fabricated, our survey engineers ensure precise adherence to all measurements. During the subsea assembly process of these components, we provide comprehensive positioning services for derrick barges, divers, and ROVs.