Marin unveils supersize subsea grab

Equipment & Technology - June 27, 2012

Subsea intervention specialist Marin Group has unveiled a versatile high-volume grab tool designed for use across a range of applications, including large-scale brownfield clearance.

The tool — available from operating company Marin Subsea — forms part of the EVO Marin Debris Recovery System (MDRS) and is designed for operations in harsh environments.

With a capacity of 40 tonnes, the hydraulically-driven, multi-tined Evo MDRS grab can be deployed by single wire or by a remote actuation pack and operated via clients' ROV intervention systems.

The grab is the latest in a series of complementary proprietary tools in which Marin Group has invested £3 million to deliver a one-stop debris recovery and removal service.

Design and development costs for the grab alone totalled £1 million, with a further £350,000 invested in the dedicated winch and £500,000 in the hydraulic power pack.

Group CEO George Stroud said: "This grab is unlike anything currently available and is of particular interest to clients in the decommissioning, renewables and route preparation sectors.

"It is extremely versatile, can be used at any depth, and can be configured to address a wide variety of subsea requirements, either as a standalone tool or in conjunction with our Evo JetProp high-volume excavation systems and Evo Shearpower cutting tool."

The MDRS grab — for which a patent is pending — has interchangeable teeth and wedges can be fitted to secure uneven loads. It can be configured for diverse applications including the recovery and removal of:

• rock dump
• mixed debris
• concrete mattresses, including bitumen
• protection covers
• pipelines
• cables.

Mr Stroud added: "Although we envisage the MDRS being primarily used within the energy industry, it can also be configured for other maritime jobs such as light aircraft and helicopter recovery."

Marin Group is based in Ellon, near Aberdeen, with further bases in Asia Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, Central and South America.