Revolutionizing Underwater Inspection: INCITIAS’ ROV Project

Amanda Johnson

Our ROV project represents more than just a successful inspection; it embodies our ethos of innovation, collaboration and excellence.

In the realm of underwater inspection, innovation is key. At INCITIAS, we thrive on pushing boundaries, embracing novel approaches and exceeding expectations. Our latest project exemplifies this approach as we tackled the challenge of conducting the mooring inspection part of the UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking) in collaboration with our long-term client, Matahio.

Rob Fisher, Chief Operations Officer at Matahio, commended INCITIAS for their innovative approach and commitment to excellence demonstrated throughout the UWILD project. Fisher highlighted INCITIAS’ ability to surpass expectations and solve complex challenges with professionalism and creativity.

Traditionally, UWILD mooring inspections are conducted using large Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) deployed from Dynamic Positioned (DP) vessels. However, Matahio entrusted us with a unique opportunity to revolutionize this process, challenging us to explore new technologies and optimize costs without compromising on results.

In response, we embarked on a journey of innovation. Departing from the conventional approach, we devised a considerably scaled-down ROV and operated from a non-DP vessel. This shift required meticulous planning, customization and rigorous testing. Within a remarkably short timeframe of just nine weeks, we procured, customized and tested two micro ROVs in our Melbourne facility before mobilizing our team of skilled engineers to the Philippines.

The customization of our micro ROVs was comprehensive, including the integration of fibre optic tether, sonar, lights, cameras and custom batteries. The customisations enabled convenient air freight transportation and expedited project execution. Despite the challenges of an older vessel, we were able to leverage the expertise of the skilled captain and our team successfully completed the UWILD mooring inspection certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), allowing Matahio to renew its certification.

Haravinth Thiruthonder, served as the Client Project Manager for Matahio, playing a pivotal role in our collaboration. His oversight ensured the resources essential for the project were promptly provided, guaranteeing a smooth workflow without any disruptions which could compromise the project’s completion. “Spearheading daily progress meetings while the INCITIAS team was offshore, I witnessed firsthand how their innovative micro ROV solution effectively addressed challenges.” Haravinth praised. 

Our team, Chris Ward and Nakhesh Singh, our client and crew on the vessel, were instrumental in overcoming obstacles and achieving remarkable results. Their commitment underscores our unwavering pursuit of excellence and our ability to rise to the occasion.

As we reflect on this achievement, we are motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. We invite other clients to explore the possibilities offered by micro ROVs and customized tooling, which enable us to accomplish tasks previously reserved for larger vehicles. We are committed to refining our technology further, with a focus on extending battery life and enhancing availability, using dynamically positioned cages from non-DP vessels. Our resolve to rise to the challenge remains steadfast and we eagerly anticipate opportunities to demonstrate our capabilities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matahio for their confidence in our capabilities and for entrusting us with this challenging endeavour. 

Ready to embark on your next underwater inspection project with confidence? Contact us today to explore the possibilities with INCITIAS. Let’s redefine what’s possible together! 

For further reading about this project, dive into the details of our innovative solution and discover this success story here and on our socials below. 

To read further about other impressive projects from INCITIAS, visit our website’s project examples section here or follow us on LinkedIn or YouTube

For more information, please contact: Bastiaan Scheepers. 

Engineering Services

INCITIAS Services and Original Products are supported by in-house team of engineers and designers:

  • Naval architects
  • Process engineers
  • Mechanical and Marine engineers
  • Safety and risk engineers
  • Structural and civil engineers
  • Electrical and instrumentation engineers
  • Subsea engineers
  • Construction supervisors
 

Naval Architecture services:

  • Hydrodynamic analysis
  • Hydrostatic analysis
  • Offshore and nearshore mooring systems design 
  • Design in accordance with IMO and class requirements

Process Engineering services:

  • Cryogenic system engineering for LNG, ethane, LPG, and hydrogen
  • Chemical engineering for olefins, biodiesel, and chemical bulk handling
  • Natural gas networks
  • Fuel systems
  • Jetty topsides for conventional oil and LNG
  • FPSO topsides design
  • Process system commissioning
 

Mechanical and Marine Engineering services:

  • Original equipment and machinery design
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic system design
  • Cryogenic pressure vessel design
  • Piping systems design
  • Package engineering
  • Marine systems integrations
  • Cargo and ballast systems, HVAC, and cooling propulsion solutions
 

Safety and Risk Engineering services:

  • Explosion studies
  • Gas dispersion studies
  • Cooling water dispersion studies
  • QRA, HAZOP and HAZID coordination
 

Structural Engineering services:

  • Marine and offshore structure design
  • Structure life extension
  • Fatigue studies
  • Asset integrity
 

Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering services:

  • Load lists
  • Shore-to-ship power connections
  • Power system design
  • LV and MV engineering
  • Subsea electrical systems engineering
  • Process and machinery instrumentation design
 

Subsea Engineering services:

  • ROV operations engineering
  • Subsea intervention engineering
  • Subsea pipeline system design
  • Flexible flowline and umbilical design

FPSO External Riser turret mooring

Mooring Handling LIFTING BEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY Original Equipment

Hose Reel 3D hybrid render

FPSO Bow Extension 3D modelling

FPSO Decommissioning

Our clients find our experience invaluable during FPSO decommissioning planning and execution, using the INCITIAS teams’ ability to assess the most suitable strategy, based on the project and local authority’s requirements. Our team has extensive experience in the design and installation of FPSO mooring systems, risers and umbilicals.

 

We can support the client decommissioning plan with the following services:

 

  • Decommissioning option selection study and recommendation
  • Cost estimate and assessment of cost escalation
  • Contracting strategy options selection and recommendation
  • Integrated owner engineering team
  • Original equipment to unlock value in the decommissioning plan
  • Project management of decommissioning team and sub-contractor

 

Examples of typical deliverables for FPSO Decommissioning are:

 

  • Execution plan and cost estimation
  • Riser, umbilical and mooring disconnection analysis
  • Vessel spread selection and market enquiry
  • Decommissioning story board, tools and resource lists 
  • Design and build of original equipment 
  • ROV campaign support
  • Decommissioning schedule and procedure
  • Request for quotation, bid assessment and recommendation 
  • HAZID and HAZOP

Single Point Mooring system

Turret Mooring

Independent Verification Design

Working together with INCITIAS, clients can obtain objective evidence of asset compliance with project requirements.

With our independent verification design process, INCITIAS applies an efficient risk-based assessment method to prioritise critical elements of the asset.

 

An INCITIAS comprehensive review can include:

 

  • Desktop review of design documents
  • Review of HAZID, EIA and QRA findings
  • Risk ranking of asset elements
  • Preparation of review plan
  • Client approval of review plan
  • Execute review plan, including on-site performance verification
  • Issue of certification certificate
 

We work together with our clients to ensure the appropriate level of review is carried out.

Operations & Maintenance Support

INCITIAS combines our Engineering expertise with real world Operations and Maintenance experience.  We support our clients with O&M development and management activities including:

 

  • Enterprise management system development
  • Organisation structure development and evaluation
  • Systems and procedures development and review, including detailed procedures, permits and work systems
  • Emergency response systems
  • Defining specific port operations requirements
  • Operation and maintenance training and competency assessment
  • Commissioning activities

Integrated Owner’s Engineering Services

We support Owners with engineering, technical, and project management expertise across LNG, marine, and vessel conversion projects. Our clients can minimise risk and maximise opportunities earlier in project execution, with INCITIAS Owner’s engineering services. 

 

INCITIAS can provide integrated owner’s engineering services for onshore and offshore projects from a client office, site location or remotely from our offices in Melbourne. 

 

Typical services are:

 

  • Design and construction management
  • Customised risk management solutions
  • Specialist LNG process and marine engineering
  • Budget implementation, scheduling, and cost control
  • Non-permanent on-site dedicated offices for project

 

 

Indicative deliverables are:

 

  • Technical document reviews
  • Project bankability documents 
  • Basis of design
  • Functional performance specification
  • Resource plan and project schedule
  • Request for quotation and technical bid evaluation
  • Participation in HAZID, HAZOP, QRA, design reviews
  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) certification
  • Work packs for installation contractor
 

We can be as involved as you require. From specialist resources who consultant on specific aspects of your project, to the provision of a fully integrated Owners team. 

At INCITIAS we develop tailor-made delivery solutions to match your project’s execution strategy and risk profile. Offering a full range of alternative delivery methods enables us to deliver the most effective project outcomes for you.

CLP Jetty Installation during the daytime

Advisory Services

INCITIAS offers integrated technical and commercial advisory services to assist clients advance their projects and provide support for their decision-making process. Clients can reduce risk and maximise opportunities by accessing our team of advisory specialists’ wealth of experience.

 

Typical advisory services are:

 

  • Technology assessment and selection. 
  • Commercial risk assessment.
  • Pre-feasibility, feasibility, and pre-FEED and FEED studies.
  • Contract review against the project technical performance.
  • Independent review of project execution plan.
 

INCITIAS techno-commercial advisory services aligns commercial drivers with feasible and proven technical solutions. Our team’s experience includes facility selection, financial assessment, contracting strategies, construction management and project operations. Assisting clients meet their business objectives using our capabilities to provide insights and solutions. 

 

Indicative deliverables are:

 

  • Site selection study
  • Environmental pre-assessment 
  • Technology options, recommendations and definition
  • Review of contract commitment against the facility performance
  • CAPEX and OPEX estimates
  • Financial models, NPV calculation, tolling model, and sensitivity assessment 
  • Project bankability document pack
  • Probabilistic models combining queueing and Monte Carlo assessment for logistic studies
  • HAZID, HAZOP, QRA and project risk assessment 
  • Operations and training requirements definition