MacArtney delivers fifth LARS for APAC research ships

Subsea technology firm MacArtney has completed its order of a launch and recovery (LARS) system for end-user Taiwan National University, marking the fifth ocean research vessel (ORV) in the Asia Pacific region to date.

MacArtney Asia Pacific has provided the full LARS solution for the new vessel R/V New Ocean Researcher 1 (ORV 1).

The delivery also included slip rings, cables and docking heads.

Behind ORV 1 is the CSBC Corporation, which built the ship for end-user Taiwan National University. CSBC, owning two shipyards, is also the largest shipbuilding company in Taiwan.

Now that ORV 1 has passed its sea acceptance test, researchers from the country’s national university can reap the benefits of technology that includes no less than three MacArtney MERMAC LARS systems.

Director of the outfitting factory, Liang Hong-yu, said:

“Of course, we encountered difficult situations and problems. Whenever this happened, I think of what a Danish engineer, Steen, said to me – “Not a problem, always a challenge”. In the process of commissioning, he used this sentence to encourage me – to make me face the challenge with a positive attitude, and I remember it clearly even now.”

The full scope of supply for the LARS aboard ORV 1 comprises: One MERMAC stern A-frame (15 metres); Two MERMAC side A-frames; Wireless remote control foldable boom crane with 10-tonne capacity and active heave compensation; Hydraulic power units for A-frame and crane; MERMAC storage and traction winch with 6,000 metres of ready spooled stainless steel wire, wireless remote control and constant tension; MERMAC CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) winch, including 6,000 metres of armoured coaxial cable and slip rings; Portable MERMAC winch with 4,500 metres of hybrid instrumentation cabling, slip ring and spare cable.

“We are pleased to have completed this project to the satisfaction of our customer, CSBC, and of being able to assist the National Taiwan University with advanced, high-quality winch and handling systems to support their research missions in the years to come.”

The new research vessel boosts MacArtney’s close working relationship with the CSBC, following on from the development of ORV 2 and ORV 3, launched in November 2019. Management of ORV 1 will also now be handed over to Taiwan National University.