Deep Ocean Search (DOS) Ltd has taken a significant stride in the underwater exploration and survey sector, launching its new Mariner XL Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and entering a strategic partnership with US-based Deep Sea Vision (DSV). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to streamline operations and enhance service offerings for clients in the deep ocean space.
The Mariner XL ROV is a light work-class vehicle designed for ultra-deep operations, capable of diving to depths of 6,000 meters. Its versatility allows it to perform a wide range of tasks, including inspection, sampling, object recovery, imaging, and data acquisition. The ROV’s compact design is a standout feature, as it can be mobilized quickly and easily for rapid deployment anywhere in the world. The system, including the launch and recovery system, ultra-long range inertial and acoustic positioning system, pilot station, and store space, is contained within just four 20-foot containers. This modular design requires no major structural modifications to the support vessel and eliminates the need for calibration, making it an attractive option for clients seeking flexibility and efficiency.
DSV, a deep-water survey company with a proven track record, brings to the table its expertise in using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) such as the Kongsberg Hugin 6000. The Hugin 6000, like the Mariner XL, is capable of diving to depths of 6,000 meters. Through this partnership, DSV and DOS can offer AUV and ROV services from the same platform, with shared multirole personnel. This synergy is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs for clients.
The collaboration between DOS and DSV is set to reshape the underwater survey and exploration landscape. By combining their strengths, they can provide a comprehensive suite of services, including geophysical acquisitions, photogrammetry, metrology, sampling, rig move or ROV survey/sampling, field development/construction survey, subsea structure inspection, TDP monitoring, pre-lay/post lay survey, debris survey, and out of straightness survey. These services cater to a diverse range of clients, including industry, government, National Oil Companies (NOG), and private entities.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond the immediate benefits to the involved companies. The integration of AUV and ROV services from a single platform could set a new standard in the industry, prompting other companies to explore similar collaborations. This could lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced capabilities in underwater exploration and survey operations.
Moreover, the rapid deployment and mobilization capabilities of the Mariner XL ROV could accelerate response times for emergency situations, such as search and rescue operations or environmental monitoring. This could have significant implications for maritime safety and environmental protection.
In the long term, this partnership could drive innovation in the underwater exploration and survey sector. As DOS and DSV work together, they may develop new technologies and methodologies that push the boundaries of what is possible in the deep ocean space. This could open up new opportunities for scientific research, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring.
In conclusion, the launch of the Mariner XL ROV and the partnership between DOS and DSV mark a significant development in the underwater exploration and survey sector. By combining their strengths, these companies are poised to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. The implications of this collaboration extend beyond the immediate benefits to the involved companies, with the potential to reshape the industry and open up new opportunities for scientific research, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will be crucial in driving progress and addressing the challenges of the deep ocean space.