Allseas has ordered hybrid electric Heavy Duty (eHD) ROVs from Schilling Robotics, owned by TechnipFMC.

These will gradually replace the existing ROVs on Allseas’ vessels, allowing them to work on a broader range of demanding subsea construction, pipelay and heavy-lift inspection and intervention and tasks.

The eHD vehicles, with a combined electric propulsion/hydraulic capability, can operate in water depths of up to 6,000 m, which would also support future deep-sea mining operations.

Allseas expects their increased tooling capacity, manoeuvrability, navigation and automated support functions to improve execution and reduce time spent offshore, providing greater flexibility to its project teams in operations planning and delivery.

The company cited the remote operating capability as a key benefit, as it allows pilots to support offshore operations either from another vessel equipped with an eHD system, or from an onshore operations center.

This should provide greater flexibility in deployments of specialist techniques while maintaining continuity during complex campaigns.

Enhanced system monitoring and condition-based maintenance tools, Allseas added, should lead to more effective maintenance planning, helping to maximise system availability.

Other features of the Schilling vehicles, such as energy-efficient operation and reduced reliance on hydraulic components, should support `cleaner’ subsea operations and lessen maintenance requirements, the company said.