Unique Group’s diving & life support equipment manufacturing division, Unique Hydra, has developed its new LRE50-A2 extended reach diver launch and recovery system.
The LRE50-A2 is designed to resolve an operational requirement to deploy divers a distance off of the side of a vessel.
Namely, DP diving vessels need to keep a safe distance from oil and gas platforms or FPSOs. This distance offset from the dive site is a challenge to diving operators as the divers excursion distance is limited by umbilical lengths that need ensure the diver is always kept at a safe distance from the vessel DP thrusters.
To overcome this operational challenge, diving contractors will typically make use what is referred to as a Gold Gate, which provides an aperture through which the divers will pass on route to the dive site. The Gold Gate is typically suspended from the vessel crane which limits the use of the crane during diving operations.
The LRE50-A2 is design based on safe operational requirements and a design FMEA. The unit is also DNV approved and designed in accordance with the latest IMCA guidelines, PUWER and LOLER requirements, the company explained.
According to Unique, the unit is provided with a remote control station that operates the A-frame boom and knuckle, main winch, guide wire winch and both umbilical power sheaves via joystick and button control.