Innovative technology for handling of fibre-optic cables, found its way to the O & G sector
In the late 1990s, the Norwegian technology company ODIM, developed an innovative traction winch system (CTCU - Cable Traction Control Unit), aiming to handle & lay fibre optic cables in a gentle and fast way. Their experience and strength were particularly on areas of handling all types of submarine cables and ropes in a way which prevented premature failure and uncontrolled wear and tear. Encouraged by the great prospects within the cable laying business, ODIM regarded this technology as the future state-of-the-art solution, and made commitments to invest in technology development and prototype testing. The company invested more than 10 million USD into this development including building and demonstration of a full size prototype.
the new version for automatic handling systems including the latest developed AC frequency controlled drive systems, and received contracts for complete deck handling gears for the last 8 cable ships to be built for this industry from 2000 – 2003. Six vessels for Tycom and Two for Dockwise, was the preliminary end of this story. Twenty-wheelpair linear machines, 40Te drum engines, traction winches and large A-Frames for plough towing were the major part of the packages, turning ODIM into the #1 supplier of deck handling gear for this industry.
Linear Cable Engine for fast laying of fibre optic cable, following the slopes of the seabed of up to 4 – 8 knots speed. Speed control interface with the vessels cable lay software from e.g. Makai
The first ODIM CTCU™ installed onboard Western Geco` vessels, to be used for ocean bottom cable laying operations.
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by Per Ingeberg and Sverre Torben
However, ODIM realized somewhat later, that their entrance into this conservative market, would require more standard and field proven solutions. They acted accordingly, took lessons from common practice in the cable laying industry and studied standard solutions. Based upon this, they designed