Fugro Buys Two More GRL Simulators

Seaeye Tiger ROV

General Robotics Limited (GRL) won an order for two additional ROVolution simulators from Fugro, which together with Fugro’s existing ROVolution simulator will be used to train ROV pilots on both the new Fugro-built advanced work class ROV, the FCV 3000, and a typical Fugro-owned intermediate class ROV, the Seaeye Tiger. The simulators will be delivered in the summer of 2007 and be sited in Aberdeen, Singapore and Macae (Brazil) to service these operating areas, where they will further extend the Fugro ROV pilot training program.

The new simulators have been configured to model both the FCV 3000 ROV (equipped with a RigMaster grabber arm and Titan 4 manipulator) and the Seaeye Tiger ROV. Fugro’s existing ROVolution simulator is being upgraded to the same specification. All the simulators have been equipped with a new hydrodynamic module to simulate the different operating characteristics of the electrically powered Seaeye Tiger, and the hydraulically operated FCV 3000.

Beyond basic ROV pilot training, the range of both simple and complex ROV tasks which can be downloaded and practised on these simulators means that we can ensure that our operators are skilled in each before carrying them out offshore.

The ROVolution simulator is a 5 PC system running Windows XP with dual core processors. The system is equipped with a built-in firewall so GRL can give customers fast remote support over the internet and tunnel into their system over a secure encrypted VPN (Virtual Private Network) to take control of the simulator remotely. The system also allows remote upgrades to be delivered automatically.