Smart Cougar Leaps from Platform to Pipeline

An ROV able to work at both platform and pipeline - and handle many different projects –attracted CCC (Underwater Engineering) to the Saab Seaeye Cougar XTi, fitted with the iCON intelligent control system.

Won over by its versatility, CCC’s ROV Manager, Tavis Letherby, said it gives them one vehicle for both scopes of work  - and one that can cope with the different demands placed on vehicle and pilot when operating on either platforms or pipelines: “It is the particular blend of compact size, six powerful SMX thrusters and intelligent iCON control system that makes such versatility possible.

“Pipeline operations use a plethora of kit that makes intensive demands on the ROV,” Letherby explained, “whereas platform work makes greater demands on the pilot. During platform work the small size of the Cougar and its maneuverability, even in strong currents, makes it easy to fly inside and around structures. The pilot also needs more information during complex maneuvers, which is provided in simple form through the intuitive iCON system.”

Another appealing factor is that faults are easily identified through the diagnostic nature of iCON which makes it is possible to isolate failed components and avoids bringing the vehicle to the surface to keep the ROV working.

Tavis Letherby also believes that the diagnostic information avoids thruster down time by constantly providing data on each thruster directly to the ROV team.

In addition to incorporating the iCON control system into their Cougar, CCC has additional cameras including a Seaeye wide-angle low-light camera, Kongsberg color zoom camera and a rear-facing camera.

ATritech Super SeaKing sonar is also included along with a dual five-function manipulator, wheeled skid with camera booms and cameras, and a tether management system.

This sale follows the earlier addition to Abu Dhabi-based CCC’s fleet of a Saab Seaeye Panther XT Plus electric work ROV.