Excess Engineering through an R&D project in collaboration with Geoquip Marine, was looking for Electrification & Automation of subsea systems, thus has designed and developed a fully electric and acoustic operated seabed frame. It is rated for 3000 m water depth with total weight of 15,000 Kg, including control system and battery package.

For latching, utilizes Excess Electric Actuator technology. The latching mechanism includes 4 electric actuators, assembled together with subsea gearbox, electromagnetic fail-safe brake and electro motor. The actuator also includes a secondary release mechanism in case of failure.

Main components in the seabed frame are battery, control system, acoustic modem, camera, altimeter and Echo sounder to detect the seabed during deployment. And it sis fully electric and acoustic operated through two modes, one mode is located subsea while the surface mode is subsurface between 20-50 m below the vessel keel. A small handling system for the surface mode is included in the design, which consists of a A-frame and small winch to allow for deployment over the side of the vessel.

Seabed Frame main features:

• All-electric system, including seabed sensor and camera

• Designed for 600 clamping operations before recharging

• Incorporated, adjustable clump weight, 15 ton

• Secondary release system on clamping mechanism in case of power or communication failure

• Seawater boost pump to aid its release from seabed

• HMI control system at surface for operation and monitoring

• Maximum deployment/seabed depth of 3000 m

• Special developed software for acoustic picture transfer

• Seabed sensor to detect seabed prior to landing