Independent Tether Management Nodes for Subsea Vehicles in Complex Fields

This paper presents a Tether Multipoint Management System (TMMS) for a Resident Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in offshore operations. Operating close to structure or seabed. Boulders etc tether management is critical to ensure the safety and effectiveness of operations without tether entanglement. The proposed TMMS is composed of one or more Independent Tether Management Nodes (ITMN) enabling the ROV to move freely and autonomously around offshore structures while minimizing the risk of tether entanglement. The ITMN can use a combination of active thrusters (axial, lateral, and vertical) and passive (buoyancy and fin) control to achieve the necessary degrees of freedom and an onboard battery for power. The proposed system expands the operational capability of the ROV, allowing it to perform tasks not possible beforehand, saving time and increasing efficiency.