Rosebank Operator Selects Fugro

 
The use of AUV technology is normally associated with deep water developments in other parts of the globe and, while Fugro has previously conducted small AUV surveys in North West Europe, this is the first time that AUV technology will be used for a major UK deepwater project.

Fugro is providing two of its dedicated survey vessels, M/V Geo Prospector and M/V Fugro Discovery, for this project. In addition to the geophysical data acquired from the AUV, Fugro will collect seabed samples using a 6m piston corer and a box corer. In-situ piezo-cone penetration tests for soil stability will also be undertaken, using Fugro developed equipment. Further geotechnical laboratory analysis of samples will be undertaken in a specialist onshore Fugro facility.

Sidescan sonar survey by AUV is an efficient method of habitat assessment in deep water and the onboard analysis of this data will guide the environmental survey. High resolution colour photographs will be taken and the seabed soils sampled. Laboratory based analysis for chemistry, trace metals and benthic fauna identification will be undertaken by Fugro.

Fugro has considerable experience in conducting such deep and ultra deep water field developments around the globe. Their AUVs have clocked almost 80,000 kms of survey (twice the distance around the equator) in water depths as deep as 2,850 metres.