Ultra-deep LARS systems contracted for Ulmatec
Norwegian maritime technology company Ulmatec has agreed a deal to supply four Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) for two vessels in build at Vard by Island Offshore.
The LARS, says chief commercial officer Bjørnar Nesset, can be used in waters up to 7,000 metres deep, although the normal range would be between 4-6,000. They can also be used in wave heights of up to eight metres.
The offshore construction vessels in build are hybrid, with 1MWh batteries and gensets prepared for alternative fuels, he said.
While this contract is for LARS in vessels that will support the oil and gas industry, Ulmatec’s LARS have been used in research and survey operations, for seismic monitoring, and in installing offshore wind farms.
“The LARS systems are designed for ultra-deep waters and are designed for continues heavy Active Heave Compensation (AHC) operation, Nesset said. “The Ulmatec Winch is the only one in the market with a closed gearbox, with a internal flushing system for extended lifetime of pinions and gears and heavy operation on deep waters. There is an advanced monitoring system for crucial parts of a LARS system such as the umbilical for longer umbilical lifetime. Our systems are also built for easy and fast mobilisation and demobilisation, making the mobilisation phase short.
“Ulmatec has delivered a total of 120 LARS systems which is in operation worldwide.”
Ulmatec also makes walk-to-work gangway systems, one of which is in use on the first Jones Act purpose-built SOV in the US, the ECO Edison, Nesset says.
Island Offshore, which is partly owned by the Ulstein and Chouest families, says the two sister vessels should be delivered for 2027, with an option for a third. Each vessel has two LARS.
