Australia: OTT Launches World’s First Subsea Drill Rig, Ocean Ranger OTO2

Ocean Trenching Technologies (OTT) introduced the Ocean Ranger OTO2 Subsea drill rig.

General Manager from OTT Mr Tom Wilson said: “OTT has leveraged its leadership in technology and innovation to design environmentally-friendly subsea equipment.”

Mr Wilson stated that OTT success is with the input and effort of the company Operations Manager and designer, Mr Ian Monks, who with the thanks to his lead superintendent, Mr Neil McDonald, and Senior Technician Scott Ruch, collectively engineered and developed the Ocean Ranger OTO2.

The new subsea all-purpose machine built upon a proven platform will be equipped with the latest drilling, rock bolting, micro pile technology, whilst also structured to accommodate the dependable mechanical trenching tools and jetting swords. With an operating weight of 30t features improved hydraulic efficiency, improved control, simplified maintenance to extend component life, and a large undercarriage design that significantly increases operating capabilities, and allows for the rapid tool exchange to be done on-site with minimal downtime.

Special features of the new Ocean ranger OTO2 include:

*Rock drilling, anchoring and micro piling up to 300mm diameter and varying depths.

*Rock saw for 1.2m burial depth in 40Mpa rock

*Chain cutter for 3m burial depth in stiff clay or highly weathered rock.

*Water jetting sword for burying pipe, fibre optic cable or umbilicals to 3m burial depth in sand.

*Robust Undercarriage carrier base design for interchangeable tooling.

Mr Monks OTT operations Manager went on to say: “The Ocean ranger OTO2 features a design concept that provides high levels of reliability and long component life, the over side lift capacity also increases subsea stability in applications that require long arms or heavy lifting at maximum reach. The robust undercarriage design also features an underslung cable highway system for driverless intervention and protection of the cable from cutting teeth.”

Highly Efficient Hydraulic System

All major components on the new Ocean ranger OTO2 including hydraulic pumps, motors and valves are exclusively designed and re- manufactured by OTT. This integrated design uses a closed centre load sensing hydraulic system that has taken hydraulic efficiency to the next level using variable speed matching. Variable speed matching allows the speed to adjust based on the hydraulic pump output for both light and heavy-duty applications.

OTT significant investment in new equipment includes subsea drilling machine, machines and associated ancillary equipment.

Space has already been made in the factory to accommodate the new equipment and all the upgrades are scheduled for completion and implementation by the end of May 2012.

These upgrades follow on from the other significant steps that OTT has taken to modernise its plant and improve efficiency.

Mr Monks went on to say: “OTT has significant investment in new equipment and our commitment to staff training are clear evidence of the commitment we have to provide our future clients with the highest quality Australian manufactured products coupled with the shortest lead times.”

Mr Monks added: “It will also ensure we remain competitive against overseas companies in the future OTT is a first tier subsea equipment suppliers and operator.”

[mappress]

Subsea World News Staff , March 19, 2012; Image: OTT