Saab Seaeye Cougar XT Chosen for Multi-purpose Support Vessel

Norway-based Østensjø Rederi has chosen a Saab Seaeye Cougar XT underwater robotic vehicle as a deployable resource aboard their multi-purpose support vessel ‘Edda Fonn’. The company is contracted to deliver the vessel to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence in 2019 with an integrated ROV and dive system amongst its upgrades. The ship will subsequently be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Østensjø Rederi chose the Cougar over other robotic vehicles after hearing ‘very good feedback’ from end users around the world. The Cougar also had the best overall specification and is backed by Saab Seaeye’s 30-year reputation.

Remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and diving consultant at Østensjø Rederi, Arvid Bertelsen, explains “The Cougar XT has the best power, thrust and payload in its class, with the widest and most comprehensive range of quick-change tool skids. It was also the most technically compliant to the specifications demanded by NORSOK (the Norwegian Technology Centre), the Royal New Zealand Navy and Østensjø Rederi.”

Launch and Recovery System

To meet the Navy’s exacting operational requirements, Østensjø Rederi expanded and extended the technical specification for the complete system including the Cougar, the control room, and in particular, the Launch and Recovery System (LARS).

The ability to safely launch the Cougar in sea states specified by the Royal New Zealand Navy was of paramount importance. This set a special focus on the LARS and its position inside the vessel, with the Cougar launched from a mezzanine deck inside the vessel’s ROV hangar.

Østensjø Rederi concluded, “The Cougar with a modified dipping and extending LARS with snubber, heave compensation and electric winch motors, was the best solution.”

Along with the LARS, the complete system includes a standard Cougar XT with minor modifications to include three cameras and a sonar system, together with its tether management system and three individual tool skids with manipulators, cutters and water jetting system.

Also specified is a control room integrated into the vessel created to a design centred on operator ergonomic principles.

Manoeuvrability

The 2,000m rated Cougar XT’s manoeuvrability comes from its six thrusters, each interfaced with a control system and solid-state gyro for enhanced azimuth stability and control.

Its compact 1.5m size footprint makes it easy to mobilize, yet despite its small size, it has the power to handle a wide range of heavy tooling.