Completes FAT on newly developed ROVs

From the left: Øivind Fagervik, Operations Manager at Solstad Offshore; Geir Thoresen, Project Manager at Omega Subsea; Leif Johnny Thorsen, Project Operations Manager at Solstad Offshore; Frank Hodnefjell, Project Manager at Omega Subsea; Leif André Enevoldsen, Project Manager at Kystdesign; Morten Haugen, Operations Manager at Omega Subsea; Tore Nedland, CEO at Kystdesign; Åge Holsbrekken, CCO at Kystdesign; Geir Ove Steinsvåg, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Kystdesign; Caroline Stephansen, Project Manager at Omega Subsea; Olafur Gislason, Business Development and Sales Manager at Kystdesign; Ivar Storesund, Commercial Manager at Solstad Offshore; Frank Juven Widme, ROV Manager at Omega Subsea; Bjarte Sortland, Vessel Manager at Solstad Offshore.

The collaboration resulted in the ‘Constructor Compact’ ROV, a versatile, scaled-down version of Kystdesign’s Constructor model. The Constructor Compact retains most of the functionality of the original model while being optimized for operations in confined environments. 

Conducted now in November at Kystdesign’s production facility in Aksdal, Norway, the FAT represented a critical step in verifying that the vehicles met all necessary specifications for subsea deployment. Representatives from both Omega Subsea and Kystdesign attended the testing phase, providing a final quality check before the ROVs are deployed. 

“This FAT marked an important milestone, as these two ROVs are entirely new systems developed to address specific operational needs. We initiated the project to bridge the gap between our larger and smaller ROVs, aiming for a model compact enough for confined spaces while retaining a high level of capability,” says Frank Widme, ROV Manager at Omega Subsea. 

The FAT process involved a comprehensive review of the ROVs’ mechanical, electrical, electronic, and communication systems, ensuring they are prepared for reliable performance in challenging subsea conditions. Widme highlighted the value of working closely with Kystdesign on these new ROV models. 

“Once again, we collaborated with Kystdesign to develop an ROV that suits our operational needs. We strongly believe that the new Constructor Compact ROV from Kystdesign will serve us well overall, and we’re very pleased that Kystdesign consistently meets our requirements. The Constructor Compact offers the same hydraulic and electric power as the original Constructor but, true to its name, comes in a more compact form. It’s been exciting to watch the Constructor Compact version take shape,” says Widme. 

“The first Constructor Compact will be mobilized onboard a Solstad vessel in early 2025. We can hardly wait to see the Constructor Compact in action,” he says. 

Omega Subsea will be responsible for the operation and staffing of these ROVs, managing deployment and integration in partnership with Solstad Offshore.