OceanTech’s roots trace back to the early 1990s when our engineers pioneered cutting-edge rigging and lifting techniques, and rope access work in the splash zone (OceanTech was founded in 2017 through a management buyout from Altrad Linjebygg). As a company, we are committed to ongoing improvement and evolving our patented technology through internal investment, support from clients, and government research grants. This unwavering dedication to innovation has firmly established our presence in the global market.
We have also fine-tuned our expertise in designing, manufacturing, assembling, and testing advanced subsea tooling. Recent milestones include integrating cybernetic technology in our control systems and developing an autonomous inspection robot for non-destructive weld testing.
As numerous offshore platforms near the end of their operational lifespans, demand is increasing for expertise in analytics and structural strength calculations. These capabilities are pivotal for extending the operational life of these platforms and ensuring their reliability, safety and efficiency.
"However, the diverse range of projects at OceanTech presents a challenge in sustaining continuous involvement within this specialised domain,” CEO Bernt Schjetne explained.
“This is why we are partnering with Inventas. We seek to foster a strong professional environment in simulations and strength calculations that grows through demanding development projects globally,” he said.
Combining mechanical engineering, product design, and simulation skills
Strength calculations are critical to ensuring structural integrity and safety at offshore platforms. We employ a range of analyses to assess the attachment points' capacity to withstand various loads and environmental conditions. These include static structural analyses, which evaluate their performance under steady loads, and dynamic analyses to account for powerful forces like waves and wind. Other key analyses include load analyses, Finite Element Analyses (FEA), and fatigue analyses.
OceanTech has successfully implemented strength calculations in various projects, with a notable example being a Riser Protection Net Replacement (RPN) project at the Heidrun field in the Norwegian Sea. The project included calculating suspension points for temporary lifting equipment, designing brackets for access tools, and conducting a thorough analysis of installed equipment. The successful execution empowered operator Equinor to seamlessly continue operations, avoiding costly disruptions.
“By conducting these analyses, we can ensure that equipment attachment points can withstand the rigours of offshore operations, minimise risks, and uphold safety and environmental standards,” Schjetne added.
Performing strength calculations for complex offshore structures requires a combination of mechanical engineering expertise, product design proficiency, and simulation skills. Mechanical engineering knowledge is crucial for analysing mechanical components and equipment attachment points. Understanding the properties of materials, including their strength, elasticity, and fatigue characteristics, is also vital. Lastly, simulations play a critical role in various phases of product development.
Erlend Langsrud, senior product developer at Inventas, stated: "In the early stages, it is often appropriate to set up simple calculations to understand the physics of the product. For example, which loads are significant and which ones are negligible. Early calculations are done to check if the concept is feasible before proceeding. Later in the project, it is about dimensioning, and finally, verification."
"Physical tests are preferable, but in many cases, not practically feasible. This is both because it takes time to build the product, and because it is practically impossible to replicate the loads and boundary conditions the product is exposed to,” Langsrud added.
Optimising design and method planning
OceanTech has a proven track record in planning, designing, and executing splash zone projects. Our range of services underscores our commitment to delivering excellence while catering to a broad spectrum of offshore requirements. However, maintaining operational expertise in-house may not always yield optimal outcomes. Embracing collaborations with subcontractors and specialised consultancies is effective in efficiently addressing the diverse range of skills required for different projects. Inventas offers simulation services spanning across different sectors in the offshore industry. With extensive experience handling unique designs, complex loads, and uncommon challenges, their expertise aligns well with OceanTech's needs.
“Calculations for intricate offshore structures demand a high level of multidisciplinary competence. Collaborating with Inventas brings this advanced proficiency to the table and supports our ambition of strengthening our analytics capabilities,” Schjetne stated.
Inventas has already established a dedicated splash zone team that collaborates with 3D modelling experts and method planners from OceanTech. The goal is to enhance the refinement and optimisation of design and methods. The Inventas team will undergo collaborative training and actively participate in our projects.
“By combining their specialised competence and leveraging joint training and hands-on project involvement, they will assist us in elevating the precision of our approach to projects,” Schjetne concluded.
About Inventas
Headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, Inventas is a technical consultancy that specialises in product development. Inventas was founded in 1997, with origins rooted in the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the research organisation SINTEF. The company has evolved from a modest team of five to a robust workforce of more than 165 designers and engineers.
Inventas provides a diverse array of services encompassing product and electronics development, material simulation, digital design, and service design. Its distinctive strength lies in uniting technical experts and creative visionaries within its unique development framework.
Inventas maintains a strong affiliation with NTNU and collaborates closely with the university’s research departments. The OceanTech team consists of six professionals from various disciplines, including composite materials, simulations in subsea and splash zone operations, and mechanical design engineering.