Gulf of Mexico Project Demonstrates Survey Advances to Reduce Time to First Oil

BOULDER, Colo., March 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Subsea 7 LLC., a leading global contractor in seabed-to-surface engineering, construction and services, and 3D at Depth, a global technology provider of advanced subsea LiDAR systems and solutions, have announced the completion of several metrology projects using subsea LiDAR technology in new configurations to help increase overall efficiencies in offshore oil and gas applications. To meet the complex requirements for the metrologies and to reduce time, Fred Goodloe III, Project Surveyor Subsea 7 worked closely with 3D at Depth's Mark Hardy and Derek Perce to determine the optimum solution to complete the scope. Subsea 7's Gulf of Mexico project is considered to be the world's first in tandem metrology, deploying LiDAR sensor technology on dual remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for simultaneous scans. The project shortened overall survey project schedules and reduced timeline to first oil.

Subsea 7's project stationed two 3D at Depth SL1 systems independently to collect simultaneous metrologies utilizing separate ROVs. The survey conducted in the Mississippi Basin completed a total of six spool metrologies. The on-bottom data collection time for both metrologies was 2.5 hours. Data was then processed on board and issued 5 hours post-metrology completion, a measurable reduction in accessing actionable data. The ranges achieved by 3D at Depth's sensor technology allowed for a single set up and scan over a 220°-degree arc, collecting repeatable measurement data with a transmit and receiving beam steerable to the areas of interest. This flexibility allowed a high collection density without the need for multiple set up and scan locations, the placement of additional frames or tripods for registration spheres, and other acoustic ranging devices. Throughout the process, the project timeline included a best practice method by collecting dual independent scans on each spool metrology, which offered 100% data redundancy. Conventional long baseline positioning (LBL) methods would have required longer timeframes in terms of configuration and data set delivery schedules. The in tandem configuration, along with onsite topside access to data, resulted in significant cost savings in terms of vessel time and schedule, and facilitated a reduced time to first oil.

"Successful implementations, substantiate the flexibility of LiDAR scanning technology for broader use in the offshore industry," said 3D at Depth Subsea LiDAR Specialist, Derek Perce. "3D at Depth will continue to provide our customers with innovations to LiDAR technology that demonstrate performance and increase the efficiencies of data collection, mapping and visualization."
3D at Depth recently made the news with their announcement on completing the 107^th metrology: 3D at Depth Metrology News.

About Subsea 7: 

Subsea 7 is one of the world's leading global contractors in seabed-to-surface engineering, construction and services to the offshore industry. With more than 14,000 employees and 2,000 engineers, Subsea 7 is one of the premier subsea engineering firms. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.subsea7.com.
 
About 3D at Depth:

3D at Depth provides industry leading subsea LiDAR laser systems (SL), offering repeatable millimetric measured point clouds and solutions designed to help clients build, maintain, map and monitor underwater assets and resources. The 3D at Depth SL platforms combine integrated hardware and software technology to address the challenges of subsea 3D measurement and visualization for offshore oil and gas, commercial and government industries. Based in the technology hub of Boulder Colorado, the company is focused on innovations and best practices to enhanced 3D underwater data collection processes.

Visit us www.3datdepth.com or follow @3DatDepth on Twitter

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=39464

CONTACT: Subsea 7 LLC.								
         Michelle Wainwright							
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         3D at Depth, Inc.
         Colleen Hahn
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