TDI-Brooks’ new DP vessel launches into offshore realm
TDI-Brooks has strengthened its fleet with the RV Nautilus, a 75-metre DP2 vessel with enhanced capabilities that was built in 2000. This addition, which features the Geomil Manta-200 CPT system for efficient soil penetration, will bolster support for offshore wind operations. Following a six-month retrofit in Las Palmas, the Canary Islands, the Nautilus is en route to the US east coast and is expected to be fully operational in March.
Highly adaptable vessel
The Nautilus can best be described as a highly adaptable vessel and is equipped with numerous features and tools. It has a North American MCK-1240 upper forecastle deck on the starboard side, which includes a SWL 7.1-ton crane, and offers spacious accommodation with 46 berths and a large deck capacity. The newly-acquired Geomil Manta-200 CPT can be deployed through the Nautilus’ mid-ship moonpool. The system can penetrate soil up to 40–50 metres, depending on the soil composition. The Nautilus also boasts Neptune 3K & 5K vibracorers and a specially designed pneumatic vibracorer by TDI-Brooks. These enable efficient and accurate geotechnical surveys and sampling.
To facilitate comprehensive surveys, the Nautilus is equipped with a Teledyne RESON full ocean depth multibeam echosounder (MBES). This advanced equipment allows for surveys of up to approximately 2,500 metres water depth. It is particularly useful for conducting hydrographic marine surveys, surface geochemical ‘seep-hunting’ (SGE) and seabed heat flow surveys (HF).
The demand for subsea services continues to thrive in the market as clients increasingly seek enhanced capabilities. The vessel provides a wide range of offshore support, including subsea services, construction assistance, exploration, production and AUV, ROV and diving support. It also caters to military operations, scientific marine research and survey mapping. “TDI-Brooks remains dedicated to the expanding offshore wind market and other scientific survey initiatives,” said Jim Brooks, TDI-Brooks president and CEO.
