2002-2003 OTRC PROJECT: ROV/AUV CAPABILITIES
OBJECTIVE:
Complete a technical assessment of present and future AUV/ROV capabilities relevant to subsea deepwater oil and gas developments.
APPROACH:
ROV’s and AUV’s offer considerable promise for subsea development systems in deep and ultra-deep water. ROV and AUV technology is rapidly evolving in a highly competitive market. The ROV/AUV technology must interface with subsea well and production equipment, which is also rapidly evolving, in order to result in effective subsea development systems. An objective technical assessment of future ROV/AUV capabilities is needed to promote synergy and integration with subsea production systems.
A workshop will be held to develop a broad, objective assessment of ROV and AUV technology and capabilities relevant to subsea production systems. The assessment will include present technology as well as technology and capabilities that could be available in 5 years and in 10 years. The assessment will consider both operational needs and safety issues.The workshop will include oil and gas operators, subsea engineers, ROV and AUV companies (suppliers, contractors), and subsea equipment manufacturers.DISTRIBUTION OF RESULTS:
Workshop proceedings would document the presentation, discussions, findings, and recommendations of the workshop. The workshop would provide the oil and gas industry with a view of current and future ROV/AUV technology and capabilities for project planning. Results would also be useful information for promoting and encouraging synergy, integration, and interfaces between ROV/AUV and subsea equipment developments.
ANTICIPATED PROJECT DURATION: 1 year
PROJECT PLAN FOR YEAR 1 (2002-2003):
Scope of Work: Form a steering committee from the various communities to develop detailed objectives and plans for the workshop.
Conduct the workshop – sessions could include
· AUV/ROV technology – present and future capabilities, expectations of capabilities in 5 and 10 years
· Subsea well and production equipment and operations (installation, operation, maintenance, intervention)
· Future subsea development system needs and opportunities
· Possibilities for synergy and effective ROV/AUV and subsea technology developmentPublish workshop proceedings.
Anticipated Results:
Workshop convened in Spring 2003.
Proceedings published documenting workshop activities.PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:
Robert E. Randall, Professor, Ocean Engineering Program, Civil Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-3136.
Date: November 20, 2002
Project Name: ROV/AUV Capabilities
Project Number: 32558-58880G CE Task Order: 85268
Principal Investigators: Robert E. Randall, Emmett G. Ward
Estimated Completion Date: September 30, 2003
Project Description:
The objective is to complete a technical assessment of present and future AUV/ROV capabilities relevant to subsea deepwater oil and gas developments. ROV’s and AUV’s offer considerable promise for subsea development systems in deep and ultra-deep water. ROV and AUV technology is rapidly evolving in a highly competitive market. The ROV/AUV technology must interface with subsea well and production equipment, which is also rapidly evolving, in order to result in effective subsea development systems. An objective technical assessment of future ROV/AUV capabilities is needed to promote synergy and integration with subsea production systems. A workshop will be held to develop a broad, objective assessment of ROV and AUV technology and capabilities relevant to subsea production systems. The assessment will include present technology as well as technology and capabilities that could be available in 5 years and in 10 years. The assessment will consider both operational needs and safety issues. The workshop will include oil and gas operators, subsea engineers, ROV and AUV companies (suppliers, contractors), and subsea equipment manufacturers.
Progress:
A one and a half day workshop entitled “Challenges of Interfacing Remotely Operated Vehicles and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Deepwater Subsea Systems” is scheduled for April 10 –11, 2003 at Texas A&M University’s Institute of Biosciences & Technology (IBT) in Houston, Texas. The draft agenda is attached to this report. An Industry Steering Committee consisting of Drew Michel, Charles White, and Doug Fernandez has been formed and we continue to look for a couple more persons to serve on the committee. We are recruiting speakers to present the current and 5-10 year future capabilities of ROV and AUV for intervention activities for deepwater subsea systems. Subsea operator views on intervention needs are also being sought. A kickoff presentation will set the goals of the workshop and industry experts will present their views on the current and future needs of deepwater subsea intervention. The first day will conclude with a dinner for social discussions and interaction. The second day is a half day and will include a 1.5-hour working session where the workshop participants will be divided into four breakout groups and each group will be asked to formalize findings and recommendations for future (5-10 year) needs of subsea intervention. Flip charts will be available for group discussions and organizing ideas. Each group will be asked to give short 15-minute presentation on their vision for the future in a 1-hour wrap-up session. These visions will be captured from flip charts and a court reporter for inclusion in the Workshop Proceedings along with copies of the previous days presentations. The proceedings will be published after the workshop with an expected availability by June 30, 2003. It is anticipated that 50 to 100 people will attend the workshop and a registration fee of $100 (speakers exempt) to partially cover expenses.