The animation shows a new hybrid ROV/AUV technology as a permanent subsea infrastructure for Life of Field management services.
The so-called Hydrone, developed by Italian oil and gas industry contractor Saipem and its Sonub division, was born as an evolution of the Innovator 2.0 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system.
In 2016, Saipem completed sea trials of the Innovator 2 heavy work-class ROV after three years of design and testing.
The new Hydrone system expands the ROV by integrating AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) functionalities and new automation features, suitable to perform inspection and light intervention operations for long time, without support vessel.
“Our resident intervention ROV moves the industry a step closer to cost effective subsea field operations and maintenance, allowing the transition from vessel based operations to permanently integrated subsea technology,” Saipem said.
Subsea World News Staff; Video: Saipem