DOF Subsea Norway (DOF), together with Ocean Floor Geophysics (OFG), has completed geophysical mapping of a 5 km2 area in Bjørnafjord, Norway, for Statens Vegvesen (SVV).
The project was executed using the Hugin AUV ‘Chercheur’, owned and operated by OFG, in combination with the small survey catamaran ‘GeoCat’ owned by DOF.
The aim of the work was to obtain the necessary basis for engineering design services for a bridge over Bjørnafjord in connection with the ‘Ferry Free E39’ project.
The assignment included geophysical surveys, consisting of bathymetry, shallow seismic, and side-scan sonar, in order to provide SVV with detailed high-resolution geophysical data.
In addition, detailed acoustic surveys were carried out at a selection of possible anchor locations to discover any objects with a diameter of 0.5m or more that could possibly obstruct the placement of anchors.
Tore Thomassen , responsible for seabed conditions on the Fjord Crossing Project, Ferry Free E39, said, “In connection with the geophysical investigations needed for Bjørnafjord, Statens Vegvesen Region Vest, chose to go with an unknown and previously untested method for this type of topographically very challenging terrain. In competition with more traditional geophysical and tested methods we chose to use an AUV as it was offered by DOF Subsea Norway in cooperation with Ocean Floor Geophysics. The survey was executed effectively and within shorter duration than promised. The data set displays good quality and is well within the requests for the specifications of the project. Statens Vegvesen Region Vest is very satisfied with the cooperation and the execution of this particular project and view the use of AUV as a future tool for marine seabed investigations.”
Matthew Kowalczyk , CEO OFG, added, “This is the second shore-based AUV project executed using DOF Subsea’s GeoCat and the OFG AUV Chercheur, the first being a subsea pipeline inspection in the North Sea in March 2018. The successful completion of this low logistics survey further validates the approach that OFG and our partners have taken to developing systems tailored to our customer’s needs. SVV chose a solution that demonstrates their commitment to deploying state-of-the-art systems but with a keen eye to the costs savings.”
In conclusion, DOF EVP Jan-Kristian Haukeland , said, “We are excited about the successful completion of this project. It demonstrates the capability of DOF Subsea, in collaboration with our partners, to rapidly develop new systems and technology, deploy them in a cost effective and timely manner, while continuing to exceed the quality and safety standards our clients expect.”