UK firm chosen to inspect Chinese subsea cables

The compact and powerful ROV will be used by China Southern Power Extra High Voltage Power Transmission Company (EHV, CSG) for inspection of the 31km physical power cable connections in the Qiongzhou Strait between Hainan Island and mainland China.

“Our Atom system has a proven track record working in challenging operational environments, varying from shallow waters and high currents to scorching temperatures, all of which can cause significant problems for standard work class ROVs,” said Mark Collins, SMD business development director.

Offshore power

The Atom system is SMD’s lightest work class ROV suitable for offshore power applications, survey and light construction duties and can be mobilised on vessels with limited deck space.

For this contract, SMD will integrate a TSS350 cable tracking system and other survey tools to perform cable inspection.

Scheduled for delivery at the end of 2018, the ROV will be equipped with SMD’s proven and reliable range of Curvetech components, DVECSII control system and 20ft control cabin which will be mobilised on board CSG’s new cable installation vessel.

SMD Services will utilise CRRC SMD Shanghai’s facilities to support mobilisation of the ROV on board CSG’s new vessel.

They will also lead on the sea trials ensuring the ROV operates at maximum capacity with support from the SMD Services offshore team, who will be on hand to provide assistance for any on deck ROV support.

By Anne-Marie Causer