COUGAR BEST FOR ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY

Norway-based Østensjø Rederi has chosen a Saab Seaeye Cougar XT underwater robotic vehicle as a deployable resource aboard their multi-purpose support vessel ‘Edda Fonn’.

The company is contracted to deliver the ‘Edda Fonn’ to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence in 2019 with an integrated ROV and dive system amongst its upgrades. The ship will subsequently be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Østensjø Rederi say they chose the Cougar over robotic vehicles from other manufacturers after hearing ‘very good feedback’ from end users around the world. They also said the Cougar had the best overall specification and is backed by Saab Seaeye’s 30 year reputation for building reliable systems.

Cougar XT — Only 1.5 metre in length, yet it can handle more heavy tooling than any other system of its size.

ROV and diving consultant at Østensjø Rederi, Arvid Bertelsen, explains that the Cougar XT has the best power, thrust and payload in its class, with the widest and most comprehensive range of quick-change tool skids.

He says it was also the most technically compliant to specifications demanded by NORSOK, the Royal New Zealand Navy and Østensjø Rederi. The Cougar is compliant with NORSOK 102 3ed. 2016 Class II B for an observation vehicle with light intervention, survey and construction capabilities.

Exceptional Launch and Recovery System

To meet the Navy’s exacting operational requirements, Østensjø Rederi expanded and extended the technical specification for the complete system including the Cougar, the control room, and in particular, the Launch and Recovery System (LARS).

The ability to safely launch the Cougar in sea states specified by the Royal New Zealand Navy was of paramount importance. This set a special focus on the LARS and its position inside the vessel, with the Cougar launched from a mezzanine deck inside the vessel’s ROV hangar.

When evaluating the best system, Østensjø Rederi concluded that the Cougar with a modified dipping and extending LARS with snubber, heave compensation and electric winch motors, was the best solution.

Along with the LARS, the complete system includes a standard Cougar XT with minor modification to include three cameras and sonar system, together with its tether management system and three individual tool skids with manipulators, cutters and water jetting system.

Also specified is a control room integrated into the vessel created to a design centred on operator ergonomic principles.

Unrivalled manoeuvrability

The 2000m rated Cougar XT’s maneuverability comes from its six thrusters, each interfaced with a fast-acting control system and solid-state gyro for enhanced azimuth stability and control.

The Cougar’s compact 1.5 metre size footprint makes it easy to mobilise, yet despite its small size, it has the power to handle a wide range of heavy tooling.

Østensjø Rederi AS builds offshore supply and construction vessels along with providing tug operation and services.