ROV 30k is the largest insrument of our fleet. A 600m long umbilical enables the vehicle to be a platform for research in different science fields that include, but are not limited to archaelogy, ecology, chemistry, engineering, geology, oceanography etc. 

The instrument system comprises three parts. The control room, a winch and the ROV itself.

The control room is a standard 20ft long container that weighs approximately 5 tons and has room for both pilots and a small scientific team. The winch and the ROV are transported in a 20ft long, 6 tons open container. These items are positioned differently depending on the main vessel from where the ROV is deployed.

We have experience using both, NTNU's research vessel Gunnerus and University of Tromsø's RV Helmer Hanssen. Deployment of the ROV requires a 2 ton crane to take the ROV in and out of the water.

Underwater positioning also depends on the vessel we are operating from. On RV Gunnerus the Kongsberg HiPaP 500 system is used regularly with one or two corresponding transponders mounted on the vehicle. Other positioning systems that have been used include Applied Acoustics Easytrak and Kongsberg's HPR300 and LBL.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum operational depth: 600m (limited by umbilical. The ROV is rated to 1000m)

Weight of the vehicle: ~2 tons

Vehicle dimensions: 2.6x1.5x1m

SENSORS AND EQUIPMENT

• Video: One HD-camera and one SD-camera mounted on a pan-tilt unit on the front of the ROV. Up to 4 additional SD-cameras can be positioned around the ROV based on operational needs.
• Arm: The Kraft Raptor mechanical manipulator has a gripper capable of holding objects as soft as corals, but also research equipment of different sources.
• Stereo Cameras: Two AVT GC1380C cameras, useful for bottom surveying, building photomosaics and 3D photogrammetry models.
• Scanning sonar: Kongsberg Mesotech MS1000.
• DVL: Looking downwards for current measurements and/or bottom detection and depth keeping or pointing forward for obstacle avoidance and distance to object tracking.
• Lights on board: 2 HMI lamps mounted on a beam in the bow, 4x halogen lamps are positioned depending on needs

Various other sampling equipment and sensors can be equipped if necessary.

Extra equipment weight limit: 50kg (including sample weight)

PROJECTS WERE THIS VEHICLE IS OR HAS BEEN INVOLVED

Biodiversity and technology courses at NTNU on RV Gunnerus

Herkules bomber discovery at Trondheim Fjord on RV Gunnerus

UiT, SSF CAGE 2016 cruise on RV Helmer Hanssen