Seatools in Numansdorp is a specialist in the field of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV). It is currently building two fallpipe ROVs (for rock dumping) with a dynamic positioning system. The new ROVs will enable highly accurate pre-programming of the routes along which rocks are to be dumped, which they will then follow meticulously. This method is highly efficient, thus saving costs.
The Jan De Nul Group has instructed Seatools to deliver two of this type of fallpipe ROVs. The latest order, which is placed in January 2012, concerns a rock dumper for the new side-dump vessel ‘Willem De Vlamingh’. The ROV can operate at a maximum water depth of 200 metres and has an installed power of 75 kW. Jan De Nul had already ordered a larger ROV, which can operate at a maximum water depth of 2 kilometres and has a total installed power of 600 kW, in July 2011. Seatools will be delivering the ROVs in the second and third quarters of 2012.
Seatools is a Dutch manufacturer of high-tech solutions for the offshore and dredging industry. The company has been building up an impressive reference list with innovative solutions for the subsea segment since 1999.
The Jan De Nul Group, which is of Belgian origin, is one of the largest dredging companies in the world. It was initially active in the field of civil works and maritime construction and entered the dredging sector in 1951.
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Dredging Today Staff, February 1, 2012; Image: seatools