Nautronix has secured an order from a major blowout preventer (BOP) supplier to supply its emergency BOP acoustic control system, NASeBOP, to be installed on Rowan’s two new ultra-deepwater drillships.

The NASeBOP control system provides a method of backup control of critical BOP functions in the event of failure of primary communication and control. At the heart of the system is Nautronix’ acoustic, digital spread spectrum signaling technology, stated Nautronix.

The NASeBOP subsea system consists of two subsea control units (SCU) connected to remote transducers. Each SCU is capable of controlling and monitoring up to eight functions. This includes control of an emergency disconnect sequence. A 10 m (32 ft) cable allows remote transducers to be positioned away from the SCUs, thus reducing the risk of shading or multi-path effects caused by adjacent structures or subsea objects. Two SCUs provide system redundancy as each can be used independently for control and monitoring, added the company.

The two NASeBOP systems will be delivered in 2013.