Grandeur Subserv Chooses Exail USBL System for Shallow Water Operations
Grandeur Subserv, a company specializing in underwater and environmental engineering services, recently acquired an Exail Gaps M5 USBL system for shallow water geophysical surveys on the Nigerian coast. In search of an agnostic acoustic positioning system that is compatible with third-party transponders and capable of accurately tracking any asset in very shallow water, the Gaps M5 USBL system appeared to be the best fit for their needs.
“As part of a survey to determine the location of pipelines or hazards that could impede drilling on the Escravos field, we have to track sensors in water depths ranging from 8 to 100m, which is a real challenge, especially since our client expects centimetre accuracy in positioning these sensors. We recently discovered and acquired the USBL Gaps M5 system for this purpose and we are fully satisfied! With exceptional horizontal tracking capabilities, the Gaps M5 has met and exceeded our customers' expectations by accurately tracking sensors to a layback of 100m in water depths of 40m with centimetre accuracy,” said Oge Dangogo, project coordinator at Grandeur Subserv.
Challenging Circumstances and Shallow Water Conditions
Exail's Gaps M5 motion sensor, based on FOG technology, offers stable heading, roll and pitch compensation and a true north reference. With a positioning accuracy of 0.2% and an operating range of up to 995m, it provides maximum reception and transmission power levels as well as interference cancellation capabilities for optimal positioning data even in challenging underwater environments.
Especially suited for subsea positioning needs of 1,000m or less, it is highly efficient in shallow water and horizontal conditions, making it ideal for any tracking operations, from diver to multiple subsea assets or inspection ROV tracking. The pre-calibrated, compact and lightweight design makes it easy to integrate and operate from any small vessel with reduced crew onboard or even deployed on instrumented buoys. It is well-suited for nearshore oil and gas applications.
“Since its launch in 2020, Gaps M5 has been met with great success worldwide and has proven its capabilities for shallow water operations. It is increasingly requested by our customers for nearshore and offshore applications in West Africa, who particularly value its outstanding positioning performance in very shallow waters, but also its ease of deployment, handling and maintenance in the field. On top of that, Gaps M5 is free of export restrictions, so units can be delivered worldwide within a few days to meet urgent needs,” according to Rahim Kadir, business development manager at Exail.
