SMD to Deliver ROV Package to Shanghai Salvage

Shanghai Salvage Company (also known as China Offshore Engineering Shanghai) has signed an order with SMD for a Quasar MKII 6000m remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2017, the system should include a full suite of equipment suitable for both deep sea salvage and oil and gas operations.

“We are delighted that Shanghai Salvage have chosen SMD as their ROV equipment supplier,” said Mark Collins, managing director of SMD ROV Systems. “This system includes some new innovations in ROV modularity that will enable the client to operate across a wider range of markets, maximising revenue potential from their SMD asset. We believe that modular systems, which can be quickly optimised for a particular operation, will become important as clients continue to seek reductions in their operating costs. SMD’s ability to offer innovative products coupled with a strong global service network will support Shanghai Salvage as they expand.”

The ROV is a deep water version of SMD’s standard Quasar. According to the company, it will be one of the most powerful and capable systems to operate down to 6000m.

Deck equipment for the project, which will be designed and manufactured by SMD, includes a dual use 3000m/6000m winch and two cursor launch and recovery systems, one of which will be hanger mounted, the other mobile. The umbilical winches will be electrically driven with an axial fleeting configuration and active heave compensation, and provide the ability for interchangeable drums to accommodate steel wire armoured and aramid umbilical.

Leading the deck equipment business, Paul Hatchett, explained: “SMD has a long track record of designing and building more than four hundred systems with highly capable deck equipment for a broad range of subsea vehicle and cable handling applications. By holding this experience and capability within a dedicated unit in SMD we offer operators such as Shanghai Salvage a reliable and bespoke solution, which is seamlessly integrated with the subsea vehicle system.”