French vessels getting tech to enhance efficiency in installation, maintenance and repair tasks

UK-based Exail has secured a contract with French maritime services provider Bourbon to deliver technology for multiple multi-purpose support vessels (MPSVs) that is expected to enhance the vessels’ efficiency in installation, maintenance and repair tasks for the oil & gas and offshore wind industries.

Exail will supply several units of Exail Octans Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) for integration into Bourbon Subsea Services’s fleet, which will be installed on multiple Bourbon Evolution 800 Series MPSVs dedicated to subsea operations at depths down to 3,000 meters.

According to the UK company, Octans, IMO-HSC certified, provide highly accurate measurements for roll, pitch, and heave, and will serve as a survey-grade surface gyrocompass and motion sensor, integrated into the vessels’ Class 3 dynamic positioning (DP3) system.

This integration is expected to ensure precise positioning and stabilization over underwater structures, ensuring the safe deployment of cranes, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and supporting efficient survey and saturation diving operations.

“With the deployment of ROVs and the execution of complex subsea operations, DP3-type dynamic positioning is essential on our vessels,” said Stephan Midenet, CEO of Bourbon Subsea Services.

“Additionally, to support survey services such as positioning, inspection, and metrology, a high level of specification demands the best-in-class motion sensors for safe operations. That’s why we’ve selected Exail’s Octans, renowned for its globally recognized levels of performance, precision, and reliability.”