Harkand Achieves Two Survey Firsts in Mexico

Harkand has successfully carried out the first ever free inertial metrology in Mexico’s waters and at a new depth for this approach in the region.

The global inspection, repair and maintenance company achieved the survey results for their client at a depth of 380fsw in the Bay of Campeche, setting a new record in the area.

The scope of work saw Harkand working in collaboration with their metrology technology partner Zupt to complete the survey project in support of the installation of an expansion spool piece for a new pipeline and platform campaign in Mexico.

AJ Jain, Harkand managing director North America and Africa said: “Our client wanted to know if the inertial metrology would better suit the project over the acoustic method.

Harkand diver working

“Our personnel are experienced in both techniques so after reviewing the work we were able to determine the free inertial metrology was the most time-saving and cost effective solution in this circumstance.

“Although a diver had not performed inertial metrology in this water depth before, we were confident in our saturation diving team’s experience and capabilities. Our client had the results in just 12 hours allowing the expansion spool piece design and fabrication to proceed very quickly. In comparison, the acoustic method would have taken three days to be reported back.”

The expansion spool piece was fabricated onboard the vessel in two days, with the Harkand saturation diving team successfully installing the spool piece without any issues.

Mr. Jain continued: “Our mission is to deliver the most efficient solution and the most accurate results for our clients. In subsea survey, project planning is essential. It’s key to consider all the factors including the environmental and project specific ones before proposing the best method of metrology.

“Being the first global company to complete this type of survey successfully in the region and by a diver at this depth is a really great start for our new office in Mexico. It not only showcases our in-house knowledge, skill and the expertise of our personnel, but our excellent assets combined with Zupt’s technology.”

Keith Vickery, Zupt President commented: “Inertial metrology is a mature product and has been used for over eight years worldwide with great success. Harkand has fully embraced the advantages and benefits of inertial technology and is bringing it to their clients with true value addition; their clients are seeing new and improved ways of doing old tasks, and with reduced project costs and improved project schedules.”