Peter Zickerman’s PXGEO has tapped Sweden’s Saab for more than 20 Sabertooth autonomous underwater vehicles that will form part of the company’s MantaRay solution for offshore seismic data acquisition.
The AUVs, which can work in depths of up to 3,000 m, will be used for deployment and recovery of equipment during ocean bottom surveys.
The MantaRay ocean bottom node (OBN) handling system is developed by PXGEO in collaboration with Saab using hovering AUVs “capable of deploying and recovering nodes significantly faster and with better precision than traditional methods”.
“Together with PXGEO, we are taking the step to make offshore seismic data acquisition fully autonomous. This is a great achievement, made possible by our combined expertise,” said Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
PXGEO said the system allows for complete survey design flexibility, providing optimal imaging to eliminate geological risk. “Autonomous, tether-less operation brings unparalleled efficiency and pre-programmed autonomous mission planning ensures fast and accurate node placement, minimizes seabed impact and reduces crew and operational exposure.”
The order is worth around $57m with deliveries taking place between 2023 and 2025 and an initial fleet of MantaRays in full operation by the end of the year.
Tony Bowman, CEO of PXGEO, stated: “We are very excited to present MantaRay with its unmatched effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability. It will revolutionise the OBN industry and aligns with PXGEO’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
