Ennsub bags $3.15 million worth contract from Benthic

Ennsub bags $3.15 million worth contract from Benthic

WESTHILL, Aberdeen -- Ennsub has been awarded a contract worth $3.15 million (£2 million) by Benthic to build a newly enhanced and portable Launch and Recovery System (LARS4) to complement the latest addition to its seabed drilling and geotechnical drill fleet.

The LARS4 features active heave compensation and 3000 m deployment capability. It has been designed to provide Benthic and its clients with an enhanced deployment capability in deep and ultra-deepwater conditions and harsh environments. It has been configured to allow mobilisation of Benthic’s Portable Remotely Operated Drills (PRODs) on a wider range of vessels than was previously possible.

The contract includes the detailed design, manufacture and testing of a fully integrated launch and recovery solution, comprising of a high-speed electric winch with active heave compensation, bespoke deployment system and all associated power and control systems. The work will be undertaken at Ennsub’s new production facility in Teesside, UK.

The equipment, which is estimated to take around eight months to design and build, will undergo detailed commissioning during second-quarter 2015 and will commence operations in late 2015.

Scott Macknocher, MD of Ennsub, said, "This award reinforces our belief that an explicit understanding of end-user needs, coupled with creative thinking and technical competence can result in industry-leading deployment solutions for our customers."

"The Benthic LARS4 aims to deliver enhanced operating capabilities over comparable units and complements Benthic’s ambition as a leader in geotechnical seabed investigation," added Macknocher.

Steve Pywell, CEO of Benthic said, "The LARS4 design has been developed to provide an enhanced deployment capability over a wide range of weather conditions, yet fit within a relatively small on-deck footprint."