Predator ROV

Global Marine Systems Limited (GMSL), based in Portland, Dorset, has developed a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) called the Predator.

The Predator is a small but powerful ROV specifically targeted to operate in the harsh working environment seen in offshore wind generation.  It is specifically designed to be ruggedized and modular in order to support all aspects of the wind farm installation.  Global Marine use the system in support of the cable installation phases equipping each ROV with cameras, hi-powered LED lighting and multi-beam sonar.

The Predator is easily deployed from a host vessel and is powerful enough to operate in high seabed currents, whilst also having the ability to use a wheel system to run along the seabed.
The ease of operation and modular aspect ensures that operational availability is maximised, ensuring that any change of component required is kept to the minimum with an intuitive diagnostic system.
Overall the system is specifically designed by operators for operators, where almost any problem with the device can be repaired in less than 20 minutes.  In the coming months and years this product will prove to be a real innovation in offshore ROV technology.

“The Predator was designed and built by marine engineers with practical, hands-on in field experience,” said John Davies, Managing Director, Global Marine Subsea Services.

“It is this deep, real-world experience that translates into a product that delivers more, weighs less and is easier to deploy, operate and maintain than comparable ROVs.”

The system was developed alongside a small design house who benefitted from the capital and engineering ability that GMSL brought to the venture. Since the initial development work was completed GMSL gained ISO accreditation for the manufacturing process and now have systems in the field on their own projects, whilst securing a number of sales through a growing distribution network.

“A multi-thousand pound vessel can be sat there waiting on this small ROV before it can carry on with work, so we set ourselves a target of about 20 minutes to change any component,”John Davies, managing director of Global Marine Subsea Services.
In order to make the Predator easier to maintain, GMS increased the number of components to make them easier to replace. For example, certain cables are held in place with two connectors rather than one so they can be removed without having to take the device apart further.  The firm also built in indicators to help users identify problems.
The Predator is specifically designed to work in the difficult conditions associated with offshore wind farms. It has a high power-to-weight ratio to allow it to navigate strong currents and a number of integrated sensors to deal with low visibility.
“We’ve gone for robustness, and we’ve chosen the most stable power supplies that have the longest mean time between failures. The selling point is around its durability.”