Rapid mobilization ROV launch and recovery system

The fully integrated system, designed and built to launch and recover a free-flying ROV, contains a winch / levelwind assembly, self-erecting A-Frame, docking head / over-boarding sheave assembly and electro-hydraulic power unit, all mounted to a single skid. This innovative design allows the entire system to be placed into an ISO flat rack for ease of transport and deployment. To further facilitate rapid mobilization, the ROV is stored on the skid assembly during transport.

The winch assembly provides a full drum safe working load of 14,678 N (1,467 Kg) at a full drum line speed of 0.50m/s. The winch drum is capable of holding 939 metres of 26mm outside diameter umbilical. The system A-Frame provides a safe working load luffing / overboard of 14,678 N (1,467 Kg) an over-boarding reach of 3,023mm and width between legs of 1,930mm. The system docking head provides a cushion / latch assembly to secure the ROV and features swing in-out and rotate capability for safe launch-recovery.

The entire handling system, which was designed and built in accordance with ABS Rules for Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles, Systems and Hyperbaric Facilities (2017), is powered by an Okeanus-supplied 18kW (25HP) electro-hydraulic power unit which is also stored on the skid assembly during transport.

By Jake Frith