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Editor's note: This "Tech Trends" section appears in the new E&P newsletter. This weekly section highlights the latest upstream technologies and services for the oil and gas industry. The copy herein is compiled from press releases and product announcements from service companies and does not reflect the opinions of Hart Energy. Submit your company’s updates related to new technology products and services to Ariana Hurtado at ahurtado@hartenergy.com. Subscribe to the E&P newsletter here.


iXblue subsea positioning technology used on challenging ultradeepwater construction project

UTEC, iXblue, positioning technology
UTEC was the first company to operate iXblue subsea positioning technology on a commercial project in the energy industry. (Source: UTEC)

Survey provider UTEC deployed iXblue subsea positioning technology on an ultradeepwater field development project in Africa, with depths below 2,000 m. iXblue sparse LBL technology brings together Canopus intelligent transponders, Ramses transcievers, inertial navigation systems and Delph subsea positioning software to provide more informative positioning and spool piece meteorology at multiple drill centers throughout the project execution. The technology offers significant installation vessel time savings compared to conventional subsea positioning methods. Combined with an ROV Simultaneous Localization and Mapping box-in method, it reduced the time spent on calibration and maintenance during the operations. Following the success of this project conducted with UTEC and leveraging its reliability, the subsea positioning technology has already been selected for many other sparse LBL operations in Africa and other regions.

UK, Qatar and Angola training centers equipped with crane simulators to improve safety critical decision-making

EnerMech, trainees, crane models
The KraneSIM models support clients across the drilling, engineering, subsea, production and construction sectors. (Source: EnerMech)

EnerMech has invested half a million pounds in advanced crane simulator training systems at its Luanda, Angola; Doha, Qatar; and Great Yarmouth, U.K., facilities. Using the technology, the KraneSIM models support clients across the drilling, engineering, subsea, production and construction sectors and use the graphics to create realistic training conditions. Delivered via suites of powerful PCs and high-resolution screens, the technology exposes trainees to a range of operating conditions, including dangerous circumstances that cannot be replicated safely in real life. This allows crane operators to build the necessary decision-making skills to safely negotiate situations that include equipment malfunctions, adverse weather conditions and human factors. The system delivers a wide range of training environments, including fixed installations, floating platforms and vessels, with various crane models, load-types and subsea configurations.