Leaner Cougar for Wind Turbines

D.E.C.O. needed an ROV system that could function in strong currents and poor visibility, and also work alongside uninterruptable high-cost pile-driving operations, 24 hours a day, with zero down time.

After several meetings with D.E.C.O, Pommec and Saab Seaeye, Pommec's solution was a completely duplicated system-spread with two identical Cougar XT Compacts in each system - making it easy to switch instantly between ROVs, and between systems.

In putting together the spread, Pommec has supplied the control and maintenance containers and the stainless steel launch and recovery system.

The two 20-foot containers, internally split between control and maintenance sections, can each store their twin Cougars and tether winches. The launch and recovery systems will allow the Cougars to be deployed and operated in the harshest of sea conditions.

To create a compact version and minimise the effect of current, Saab Seaeye engineers set about reducing the frame size, buoyancy and weight. A thinner 17mm tether is also used to minimise drag. Overall, the compact design has the highest thrust to weight ratio in its class.

Each D.E.C.O. / Pommec Cougar is fitted with a low light colour camera, rear-facing B&W camera and Kongsberg high definition low light CDD camera. A Tritech Super SeaKing sonar is also fitted along with a free-issue Linquest tracking system. A bare tooling skid is supplied and a Gauntlet Plus four function manipulator.

Saab Seaeye believes that the Cougar XT Compact, along with other specialist vehicles like the Panther XT Plus, is ideally suited for the specific and growing needs of the renewable energy industry.