Newly developed ROV duo destined for Solstad vessels passes factory acceptance testing

Norway’s Omega Subsea and Kystdesign have completed the factory acceptance test (FAT) for two newly developed remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs).

The collaboration developed the Constructor Compact ROV, said to be a versatile, scaled-down version of Kystdesign’s Constructor model, retaining most of the functionality of the original model while being optimized for operations in confined environments.

“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,” said Frank Widme, ROV Manager at Omega Subsea. 

The FAT was carried out this month at Kystdesign’s production facility in Aksdal, Norway, and included a comprehensive review of the ROVs’ mechanical, electrical, electronic, and communication systems.

The first Constructor Compact is expected to be mobilized onboard a Solstad vessel in early 2025. Omega Subsea will be responsible for the operation and staffing of the ROVs, managing deployment and integration in partnership with Solstad Offshore.

“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,” Widme said. 

At the beginning of 2024, Solstad placed an order with Omega Subsea for the delivery of six ROV systems. With six ROV systems already in place, the order doubled the companies’ total ROV system count from six to twelve.

Kystdesign was then contracted for the delivery of the six complete ROV systems, marking its largest contract so far.

Omega Subsea recently reported it had inked an agreement with EIVA, a Danish supplier of software, equipment, and integrated systems used in maritime operations, with the aim of strengthening offshore survey services to meet rising demand.