KYSTDESIGN

AUTOMATING THE SUBSEA SECTOR

When it comes to work and survey ROVs, KYSTDESIGN is a name worldrenowned. Having completed 2023 with an impressive turnover of NOK260 million, KYSTDESIGN is marking 2024 as a year for development. CCO Åge Holsbrekken, Technical Manager Frode Rabben and Engineering Manager Electro & Control Systems Knut Ståle Storesund explained more in an exclusive interview. Report by Imogen Ward.

With a lineup of new products and redevelopment, 2024 is set to be an action-packed year for subsea technology specialist KYSTDESIGN.

“We are all-hands-on-deck, preparing for the integration of several new systems,” Engineering Manager Electro & Control Systems Knut Ståle Storesund explained.

“We are known for our ability to provide quality, yet simple solutions that our clients love. These latest solutions are no different.”

KYSTDESIGN was established with key personnel that had more than four decades of experience within the subsea sector. The company quickly developed a reputation for quality, becoming a front

runner in the development and manufacture of ROVs, which are critical to many offshore development projects.

ROVs in action

KYSTDESIGN ROVs are also regularly relied upon within subsea research. Often these projects are undertaken at deeper sea levels and require equipment that can operate to these requirements.

The company’s Supporter 6000 ROV is the perfect solution, capable of reaching depths of 6,000m without compromising on other functionality.

“Ocean research often occurs at a much greater depth than the oil and gas

industry requires from our ROVs,” CCO Åge Holsbrekken explained. “Our ROVs for ultra deep water can cover more than 99 per cent of the world’s oceans. Reaching a depth of 6,000 metres is a great accomplishment. We are one of few suppliers that can offer these big work units with Tether Management Systems that can reach these kinds of depths.”

The development of these systems took careful planning and testing before they

were ready for market release. Currently, the company has supplied three of these ROVs and expects the demand to continue growing – largely due to increasing deep-sea mineral exploration.

“These deepwater systems were developed from our existing ROVs,” said Technical Manager Frode Rabben. “These were the base point for us, and we utilised them as a stepping stone, locating the weak points in the design

Kystdesign

Kystdesign CCO, Åge Holsbrekken

Kystdesign Engineering Manager, Knut Ståle Storesund

and redeveloping it to meet the needs of our deepwater clients.”

“These systems also benefit deep sea miners, as older minerals are often found at levels deeper than 4,000 metres,” Mr Holsbrekken added.

Facilitating the future KYSTDESIGN is in the process of releasing a new system, which has been named as the future of the industry. ZEEROV (Zero Emission Electric ROV) is the company’s first fully electric ROV, even down to its KD300 electric propulsion system. With new levels of performance and versatility, ZEEROV is pushing the boundaries of subsea ROV development.

“Of course, all our ROVs are designed to be electric,” said Mr Storesund: “However, ZEEROV really stands out because its thrusters are entirely electric as well. With this design, we successfully reduce the risk of oil leakage, provide better control and offer double the strength of a standard ROV. We expect to continue developing

this system as time progresses, including the introduction of electrical tooling.”

Z EEROV provides customers with a zero-emission, environmentally friendly alternative to the more traditional ROV options.

“ZEEROV also assists our customers on their journey towards net zero,” Mr Rabben added. “Not only is the product more efficient and environmentally friendly, but its autonomous nature enables clients to use smaller vessels, which produce less emissions. This system also requires fewer service intervals, meaning the ROV can run for longer periods of time without the need for physical intervention.”

These systems are developed with electrical Tether Management Systems (TMS) as well.

“The two first ZEEROV’s will be delivered to the Reach Remote project for mobilisation onboard its new USV vessels (Unmanned Surface Vessels). These vessels are only 24m long and require a very small TMS due to the small size of the

Kystdesign CEO/CFO, Tore Nedland

Kystdesign Electronics Engineer, Tore Kallevik

n Technical Manager, Frode Rabben

vessel,” Mr Holsbrekken explained. “Creating a small enough system has certainly been a challenge; however, our hard work has resulted in robust solutions which has encouraged us to expand our range of electrical TMS systems for the future.”

Reimagined designs

KYSTDESIGN’s ever popular Constructor ROV was designed to operate large tools, with a payload of 450kg and a

through-frame lift capacity of 3,000kg. The Constructor continues to draw in new customers, with its high performance, and great flexibility in electrical and hydraulic capacity for operating various tools and survey sensors.

After receiving its largest order to date – courtesy of Omega Subsea Robotics (a joint venture between Solstad Offshore and Omega Subsea) – which included six Constructor ROVs, KYSTDESIGN was tasked with developing a compact version of this fast-selling system.

“The Compact Constructor ROV will be considerably smaller than the standard version, but with the same power and specifications,” said Mr Storesund. “It is a great bit of kit, and I think there will be a lot of interest from our other customers once it is complete.”

The company is currently developing 10 Constructor systems that will all be delivered within this year: two of these systems are still available for purchase.

A collaborative effort

With a plethora of exciting developments and investments pencilled in for the next few years, KYSTDESIGN is thankful for the support it has received from its high-performing supply chain. Each company is a key component in KYSTDESIGN’s ability to develop such daring and dynamic designs.

“We work with some great local suppliers,” said Mr Holsbrekken. “This has some great advantages, especially from a sustainability standpoint. Our suppliers are extremely hardworking, and they are always quick to communicate with us when there are changes.”

“A great example is our partner Subsea Composite Solutions (SCS),”Mr Rabben added. “The company recently had to update all of its paints to remove isocyanides, following a movement in the chemical industry. SCS came to us straight

away to explain the changes it was going to make and how they would affect our products. This kind of communication is so important.”

As KYSTDESIGN continues through 2024, it remains focused on its innovation journey.

“We intend to continue on our course for product development and growth,” Mr Holsbrekken explained. “We are always looking to improve upon our technology and will do this with the support of our suppliers, customers and a dedication to quality. Each project is unique.

“Some projects last for several years, and seeing it take form is really exciting. In the end, satisfied customers give our job meaning.”

“It really is a special feeling to be able to work with a company that is truly innovative – rather than one that just claims to be,” Mr Rabben said, in conclusion. “ I have worked at companies that fall on both sides, and there is no better feeling than knowing you’re creating something truly great.”

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