Echoscope Assists in Cable-laying and Pull-in Operations

This is the first time the Echoscope has been used to monitor the touchdown of a cable into a trench on the seabed. Using the sonar, the operator was able to visualise in real time the cable’s catenary and touchdown point in three dimensions as it was being laid. Additionally, it was also used to visualise and monitor the pull-in of the cable into the J-tube. This gave the operator an immediate 3D view of the subsea scene during the operation, resulting in confident decision making.

Furthermore, using CodaOctopus’ proprietary USE (Underwater Survey Explorer) software with its augmented reality capabilities it was possible to overlay a computer generated image of the planned siting of the cable onto the sonar view to confirm the cable was being laid on target. Work is on-going but early results indicate that this approach has led to a major increase in productivity.

Jurgen Beerens, commercial manager at Deep BV, said that this project has proven that Echoscope use can bring significant productivity gains. By ensuring the correct siting of the cable and by making necessary adjustments as it is being laid, the company was able to work continuously without having to stop to check its position and without having to go back and take remedial action.