THREE60 Energy’s client, Fugro, operates a range of ROV systems in support of critical subsea and offshore operations, and clients increasingly want assurance that the equipment being mobilised is fit for purpose before it reaches location. As part of this assurance process, THREE60 Energy's Specialist Subsea Engineering and Test facility in Ellon, has become a trusted venue for wet testing Fugro ROV systems under real-time, controlled conditions.
Challenge
Several Fugro clients requested reassurance that the ROV systems supplied for their operations were fully fit for purpose, including a wet test to confirm performance in real-world conditions. Fugro does not operate an in-house wet test facility, so an alternative venue was needed, one capable of replicating the deployment sequence exactly as it would happen offshore, in a controlled and repeatable environment.
Solution
Fugro approached our team to ask whether wet testing could be carried out at the Ellon facility. Following discussions between both parties, THREE60's specialist subsea engineering and test facility was identified as an ideal setting for validating a range of ROV systems. When units arrive on site, they are positioned alongside the test tank, with all associated equipment set up and function-tested before the ROV is deployed. The system launches and recovers the ROV in exactly the same manner as an offshore deployment, allowing every stage of the process to be checked and proven ahead of mobilisation. Because the facility is covered and the tank water is clean, visibility during testing is excellent, a clear advantage over harbour-based testing, where open, murky water can make it difficult to properly observe the ROV in operation. The controlled setting also allows Fugro to bring the client, and any other representatives, on site to witness the testing and deployment first-hand. If any issues are identified during testing, they can be resolved on site using the facility's workshop support, avoiding delay.
Result
- A repeatable, controlled environment for wet testing ROV systems ahead of mobilisation.
- Clients and their representatives able to witness deployment and testing directly, building confidence in the equipment.
- Client sign-off achieved on site, giving all parties assurance that equipment is ready to go on arrival at location.
- Any issues identified during testing resolved immediately using on-site workshop support.
- Clear visibility of ROV operation thanks to the clean, covered test tank environment, compared to the often murky conditions of harbour testing.
Client Impact
Feedback from recent projects has confirmed that wet testing at THREE60 facility gives Fugro's clients genuine confidence in the equipment they will be using offshore. By replicating the offshore deployment sequence in a clean, controlled setting, Fugro are able to demonstrate equipment readiness clearly and conclusively, reducing risk and uncertainty before mobilisation.
