Results from the Marine Trials even better than expected

RESULTS FROM THE MARINE TRIALS EVEN BETTER THAN EXPECTED. This is to inform you that inshore testing of the first full-scale Atlantis Artificial Buoyant Seabed (ABS) was successfully carried out in Gandsfjorden in Stavanger in week 15. The operations included use of 2 ea. Anchor Handling Vessels, 2 separate ROV systems and a utility vessel. The main conclusions from the test are: 1. Towing test Towing was carried out under different conditions, such as variation on speed (up to 5 knots), draft and change of trim in order to monitor the ABS behaviour and determine the optimum towing conditions. The towing test confirmed that the towing characteristic was very good and in accordance with calculations carried out in advance. 2. Control System Compressed air was pumped into the ABS compartments and vented out when the ABS was on surface and in submerged condition. This was to verify valve control, change of ABS trim and level control of the ABS compartments. A provisional umbilical was used for this test. 3. Sub sea test. The ABS was submerged to 200 meters water depth using the chain weight method. Various deployment speed rates were tested, horizontal movement of the ABS, current affect on the ABS and various ROV activities on the ABS ballast water system was carried out. The test confirmed that the ABS can be submerged from surface to 200-meter water depth within one hour. 4. Bringing the ABS up to surface condition. The ABS was brought back to surface condition by means of pulling up the chain weights. The ABS came up to surface in a controlled manner. A few pictures, from the test are included.

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