MacArtney Launches Intelligent Underwater Winch

Forming part of the renowned MERMAC range of electrically driven winch and LARS systems, the new MERMAC U from MacArtney is an underwater winch range designed for use within scientific, naval and homeland security applications.

For decades, MacArtney winch and handling solutions have been trusted by operators within maritime industries due to the fact that the systems embrace some of the most advanced and rugged solutions available. In consequence of several requests from core customers to MacArtney, a number of different prototypes of underwater winches have been delivered thus far. Based on the experiences gained from these projects and an increasing demand for underwater winches, MacArtney is now introducing a range of underwater winches to expand the MERMAC family of electrically driven winches.

Seabed

MacArtney has integrated several features into this intelligent underwater winch to help ensure that the winch works optimally from the seabed. Consisting of a winch fixed to a platform on the seabed, MERMAC U controls the deployment of oceanographic equipment by raising and lowering a buoy at pre-defined intervals and speeds and to set depths.

The MERMAC U system is available with various purpose-built properties and options, which makes it ideal for use within multiple applications. MERMAC U is rated for deployment at depths of up to 3,000 m and comes with an intelligent control system for launching and retrieving as well as a state-of-the-art data collection system.

Harsh environments

Based on high-end technology and decades of extensive winch design, manufacturing experience and knowhow, the MERMAC U is designed to operate in harsh underwater environments and equipped with standard industry components. The winch motors and control electronics as well as the slip ring are all encapsulated and in general the winches are manufactured from structural steel as standard.

MERMAC U comes in two sizes: 500 m and 3,200 m cable capacities. They can be equipped with steel-armoured and PUR jackets cables.