The next step to more efficient and lean IRM vessels?

Richard Myhre

CEO and co-founder of AXTech AS

Molde/RMY/25.11.2016

Agenda

• Evolution, vessels

• Module sizes

• Cost Factors

• Module Handling

• Vessel Stabilization

• Future opportunities

• System capacity

– Growing in size: 20, 35, 60, 70t.. And now 420t!

• Open sea operating conditions

– Increasing: HS 2 - 4 - 5,5 (latest)

• Vessels

– More and more specialized

– Multiple moon-pools

– Growing in size, Substantially larger >160m

• Cost

– Increasing – peaked at 2014/15

Evolution of IMR module handling (Last 10 years)

• More than 3000 modules

• Weights from <1 to 380t

• Modern MHS capacity: up to 70t

• Vast majority of modules: < 20t

– Only a very few above 60t

Subsea modules in the North Sea

Åsgard control power distribution

units module 8,5x5x4,9m

Gullfaks wet gas compressor

module (64t, 8,5x5x3m)

Typical small module

• Factors for consideration:

– Vessels

– Lifting equipment (type, properties)

– Mobilization time

– Lifting capacity

– Operating sea state

– Crew

– ++

Large IMR vessels are still necessary to cover all current modules..

..but what if the smaller modules could be handled by smaller vessels with less crew, rented equipment and a very short mobilization time…?

…and if the vessel could be taken from the currently inactive fleet?

IMR operation cost drivers

• New “light” module handling concept

• Quick mobilization and vessel independent

• No modification to the vessel

• Handle standard cargorails

• Allows for both Overside and moonpool operation

• Will cover well above 90% of all subsea modules in the North Sea – 25t capacity

Light Module Handling System - LMHS

LMHS animation

Video can be found at AXTech’s youtube channel and at www.axtech.no

• Same unit for overside and moonpool operation

• Fit most moonpools

• Extended cursor guide frame during moonpool operation

Moonpool operation

Inte

gra

ted H

PU

and

co

ntr

ol syste

m

• Fully integrated HPU and control system

• Mobilization within 48 hours

• Barge, truck or 40" container transport

• Rental, lease or purchase business model

• Available now..

Versatile and flexible

• IMR vessel size and complexity growing over years

– Functionality, Capacity and Operating Sea State

• Enhanced stability can also enable the use of smaller vessels

– Reduction of vessel Roll and Pitch

• Enables the potential for variable buoyancy systems on offshore vessels

– Potential for use of smaller vessels at higher operational sea state

– Optimize vessel draft and ensure an efficient anti-heeling system

– Incorporate equipment properties and operational requirement into a central buoyance management system.

– In sum: Do more, with smaller vessels at higher sea states!

IMR Vessel size and stability

MRPC – One option:

• Variable vessel buoyancy system

• Open ballast tanks to sea

• Air compressors will regulate seawater volume (also in vacuum)

• No need for fluid transfer between tanks

• Could potentially be linked with AHC lifting equipment – vessel motion management system

• Redundant system

• Highly energy effective.

• Improve stability with up to 80%

• Effective in all weather conditions

• Certified and approved by flag state and class.

MRPC Active Stabilization System

MRPC Vessel animation

Video can be found at MRPC’s youtube channel and at www.axtech.no

MRPC towing tank

Video can be found at MRPC’s youtube channel and at www.axtech.no

• Large and specialized IMR vessels are still necessary, but

• Increased focus on cost makes room for new ideas and concepts

• Compact systems and efficient vessels for smaller modules

• Technology demand challenges the industry for:

– New concepts for safer material handling between vessel and seabed

– Increased demand for more cost efficient and safe solutions

– More advanced technology utilized for optimized vessel and equipment performance.

Q: Are vessel designers or shipyards the only ones to determine vessel performance?

Summary

Thank you for your attention

Want to know more….?

Visit us at www.axtech.no and www.mrpc.no

and of course at

Richard Myhre

+47 91190203

rmy@axtech.no