TDI-Brooks R/V Proteus Completes Shipyard Period and Returns to Service

TDI-Brooks' multi-use oceanographic research vessel R/V Proteus has completed its full-term ABS shipyard period in Las Palmas. During the period, the company expanded the vessel's hydrographic capabilities with a new Kongsberg EM302 deep-water multibeam system, offering a depth range of 7,000 metres. Outfitted with the company's complete geotechnical tool kit, the vessel will return to West Africa following sea trials, with an immediate focus on potential projects off Nigeria.

 

Details of the Shipyard Period

 

TDI-Brooks has completed a major shipyard period. It concerned the research vessel R/V Proteus. The vessel is a multi-use oceanographic research vessel. The work took place in Las Palmas. It was a full-term ABS shipyard period.

The period served to upgrade the vessel. It expanded the vessel's capabilities. Hydrographic capabilities were a particular focus. This prepared the vessel for future work. It readied the vessel to return to service.

 

The Multibeam Upgrade

 

The key upgrade was a new multibeam system. The company installed a Kongsberg EM302 system. This is a deep-water multibeam system. It is hull-mounted on the vessel. It operates at a frequency of 30 kHz.

The new system offers strong capabilities. It has a depth range of 7,000 metres. It suits a variety of applications. It performs across a range of water depths. This replaced a previous system on the vessel.

 

The Enhanced Survey Capability

 

The upgrade significantly expands survey capability. The new system offers 1 by 1 degree resolution. It replaces an earlier Kongsberg EM710 system. This greatly expands the vessel's survey capabilities. It enables more detailed data collection.

This enhancement broadens the vessel's applications. The deeper range suits varied projects. The higher-specification system improves data quality. This makes the vessel more versatile. It positions the vessel for demanding survey work.

 

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The Geotechnical Tool Kit

 

The vessel carries comprehensive geotechnical equipment. It is outfitted with a complete tool kit. This includes tools for soil sampling. Measurement tools are also included. Together these support geotechnical investigations.

The tool kit spans several instruments. These include box corers and piston corers. Jumbo piston corers offer deeper sampling. A cyclic T-bar instrument features too. Piezocone penetrometers complete the geotechnical suite.

 

The Return to Service

 

The vessel will soon resume operations. First it will complete sea trials. These will test the new multibeam system. This ensures the system performs correctly. It confirms readiness for operational work.

The vessel has a clear destination planned. It will head back to West Africa. Its immediate focus is projects off Nigeria. It will then have some availability for further work. This covers West Africa and surrounding regions.

 

Significance of the Upgrade

 

The upgrade strengthens the vessel's capabilities. The deeper multibeam range is a key gain. It expands the range of possible projects. It also improves survey data quality. This enhances the vessel's competitiveness.

The vessel combines survey and geotechnical capability. This makes it a versatile research platform. It can serve varied offshore projects. The West African focus reflects regional demand. This positions the vessel for a range of upcoming work.