Bluestream Orders Compact Cougars For North Sea Operations

Bluestream has ordered two Saab Seaeye ROVs to bolster its entrance into the North Sea market.

The low-profile, gravity-based Saab Seaeye Cougar XT Compact Zone II ROV systems fulfill regulatory compliance in the U.K. North Sea and bring Bluestream’s Cougar fleet to 22. The ROVs enhance the company’s full-scope inspection package by being suited for fixed or floating platform inspections.

Bluestream said in a statement that the platform-based inspection package will provide customers with significant cost savings. The slimmer design makes it easier to maneuver the Cougars inside complex structures, but powerful thrusters allow the vehicles to manage strong currents and turbulence.

The Cougars’ smaller frame size, buoyance and weight, and a thinner 17 mm tether cable reduce the effects of drag. The six thrusters, however, allow it handle a wider range of equipment than what would be expected for its size.

The two new vehicles will be equipped with Seaprince sonar, Kongsberg cameras and an underslung hydraulic skid for third-party equipment which includes FlexiClean tooling, subsea water jetting, shear-cutter, subsea excavation pumps, subsea sensors and CP systems.

CMR Lands CCTV Contract For Kongsberg Vessels

Kongsberg Maritime AS has ordered two closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems from CMR Group for its new semisubmersible heavy lift, construction and accommodation vessels under construction in China.

CMR’s system is part of Kongsberg’s effort to integrate its vessels’ electrical, telecommunications and integrated control systems. The systems, each of which incorporates more than 140 cameras, will monitor hazardous areas and other critical components and machinery, and be designed to withstand offshore operating conditions. They will be among the largest CCTV systems of their type.

The two vessels, OOS Serooskerke and OOS Walcheren, are under construction at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd. near Shanghai. One is planned for a launch in South Korea in 2018 with the second set for early 2019.

Petrobras Settles Taxes Owed For Vessel Leasing Contracts

Petrobras said on Jan. 29 it adhered to a federal tax refinancing program to settle taxes owed on vessel leasing contracts.

The company said in a securities filing that it would pay $538.5 million in 12 monthly installments beginning in January 2018.

The payments would have a negative effect of $348.4 million on fourth-quarter earnings, the company said.

—Staff Reports