Forum Energy Technologies has completed manufacturing a highly advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) on Jan. 26 including cutting edge technologies, which may be utilized to extract submariners from distress situations.
Forum’s latest SRV joins a small group of rescue systems in use around the globe. The LR-class SRV, however, surpasses systems manufactured by other suppliers over the last decade, including the NSRS (NATO Submarine Rescue System) and the ‘LR7’, which was delivered to China.
The LR-class SRV is built to meet the most up-to-date industry standards and classed by Lloyds Register. It is capable of rescuing up to 17 people at a time and operate at depths of up to 600 m. The new model has increased power and an advanced auxiliary thruster control system that allows for speeds of up to four knots, enabling it to operate in high currents. The vehicle is able to attach to submarines at highly precarious angles, above 40 degrees.
The state-of-the-art submersible vehicle also has some of the most advanced sensors and sonars to locate a distressed submarine as quickly as possible. This includes a doppler velocity log, fiber optic gyroscope, sonar and depth sensing. All sensors and sonar systems are fully embedded into Forum’s software to deliver advanced functionality, including auto depth, auto heading and autopilot. The latter function utilizes an electric propulsor pivot mechanism and is unique to the company’s LR-class SRV.
The LR-Class SRV is divided into two sections, a command module for pilots and a rescue chamber for the submarine crew. The rescue chamber can be pressurized as necessary to ensure rescued crew are decompressed to prevent decompression sickness (the bends). Once at surface, the vessel latches to a decompression chamber where crew are safely transferred.
“We have pioneered the development of manned submersibles since 1975 and have supported military organizations and naval forces all around the globe,” Kevin Taylor, Forum’s vice president of subsea vehicles, said. “The completion of the SRV is a huge achievement for the business and testament to our highly experienced engineering, QHSE, purchasing, planning and production teams. I would like to commend these groups for their hard work to realize our vision for the future of specialized submarine rescue vehicles.”
The first of the latest LR-class SRV is being packaged and shipped to its final destination later this month before undergoing final sea trials with the client during first-quarter 2021.
Recommended Reading
US Decision on Venezuelan License to Dictate Production Flow
2024-04-05 - The outlook for Venezuela’s oil industry appears uncertain, Rystad Energy said April 4 in a research report, as a license issued by the U.S. Office of Assets Control (OFAC) is set to expire on April 18.
Renewed US Sanctions to Complicate Venezuelan Oil Sales, Not Stop Them
2024-04-19 - Venezuela’s oil exports to world markets will not stop, despite reimposed sanctions by Washington, and will likely continue to flow with the help of Iran—as well as China and Russia.
Guyana’s Stabroek Boosts Production as Chevron Watches, Waits
2024-04-25 - Chevron Corp.’s planned $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. could potentially close in 2025, but in the meantime, the California-based energy giant is in a “read only” mode as an Exxon Mobil-led consortium boosts Guyana production.
CERAWeek: Energy Secretary Defends LNG Pause Amid Industry Outcry
2024-03-18 - U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said she expects the review of LNG exports to be in the “rearview mirror” by next year.
Hirs: LNG Plan is a Global Fail
2024-03-13 - Only by expanding U.S. LNG output can we provide the certainty that customers require to build new gas power plants, says Ed Hirs.