Patent ID: 6588985
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B63B,B63C,E21B

Abstract:
Apparatus (50) for deploying a load (43) on the seabed (4), the load (43) being coupled to hoisting means, such as a hoisting wire (42), in order to enable the object or the load (43) to be lowered to the seabed from a vessel (40), the apparatus (50) comprising a body (53) having means (57, 58) for releasably securing the load (43) to the body (53) and propulsion means (56) for moving the body when submerged, the propulsion means including a first set of thrusters, positioned offset from the means (57, 58) for releasably securing the load (43), wherein said apparatus is provided with a sensor (89) to provide data regarding the orientation of the apparatus and allow to drive said thrusters of said first set of thrusters to provide torque control in order to prevent turning of the load (43) without using guide wires,wherein said first set of thruster comprises a first thruster and a second thruster positioned at opposites sides of the means (57, 58) for releasably securing the object or the load (43), the apparatus being provided with means to adjust the distance between the first and second thrusters in order to improve torque control and to minimize stress cycles in the overall structure.