Ashtead Technology completes subsea installation monitoring for Ocean Installer

Ashtead Technology has successfully completed a subsea installation monitoring project for Ocean Installer in Equinor’s Askeladd and Johan Castberg fields.

The contract saw Ashtead Technology provide its integrated Deflection Monitoring System (DMS) services and equipment to support the installation of eight Integrated Template Structures (ITS) in the fields which are located in the Northern Norwegian Sea.

During operations, the dual independent DMS systems monitored, calculated, displayed and logged structure deflection, heading, pitch, roll, depth and suction can differential pressures, in real-time. This method of real-time monitoring is vital during the placement of suction can based subsea structures as it ensures any potential issues can be anticipated without delay, reducing the risk of structural damage.

The scope of work took place in quick succession over a 25-day period. This saw the project completed well ahead of schedule and resulting in significant cost efficiencies.

During the placement of the structures, the DMS systems were configured for autonomous independent operation, communicating data to one of the installation ROVs. Ashtead Technology utilized a range of measurement sensors and positioning tools along with special techniques to enhance the accuracy of the data collected, ensuring maximum performance of the system.

The Aberdeen-headquartered business provided field engineers to support the operations offshore and were responsible for analysis of data and compiling of installation reports for each of the structures within 24 hours of completion of each structure installation.

“When completing subsea installation projects, it is vital that the information provided is accurate, reliable and delivered in real-time,” Ross Macleod, Technical Director at Ashtead Technology, said. “This reduces the risk of damage to the structure during installation and ensures it is installed within specification on the seabed, providing a complete audit trail to support this for the client.

“For this project, we utilized our unique DMS service including highly trained specialists and latest monitoring technologies to deliver all eight installations safely and well within client specifications in just 25 days – well ahead of the planned completion date,” Mr Macleod added. “This performance highlights the accuracy and capabilities of our DMS services and the benefits our robust monitoring systems and services deliver to critical operations.”

“The DMS system proved invaluable for the safe and efficient installation of the ITS structures during the Askeladd and Johan Castberg projects,” Jeff Morris, Ocean Installer Offshore Manager – Normand Vision, said. “With onboard field engineer support, real-time information software and multiple display options, we could continuously react to the changing seabed conditions during operations. The data provided ensured that all eight ITS were installed to client specification. The system proved to be both robust and accurate “