ROV Downunder and Seaview Systems Complete Desal Tunnel Inspections!

Published: 25th May 2009

ROV Downunder, in conjunction with Seaview Systems from the US, recently carried-out tunnel inspections on the new Gold Coast Desalination Plant at Tugun, Queensland, Australia.

A modified Seaeye Falcon DR, supported by a Seabotix LBV200L, penetrated the plants intake and outfall tunnels Access to the tunnels is by 60m depth vertical access shafts and the vehicle reached penetration distances of approx. 2km. Video and profile data of the tunnels were recorded and this will be used as a baseline for future inspections.

ROV access to the offshore structures was gained by using local Tweed Heads dive company, Gilbert Diving, to open access hatches and the ROV flying through the access and 'flying' down through the structures riser.Video and profile data was collected and a detailed report is being prepared, including linked anomalies video clips and inspection highlights.

This is believed to be the longest ROV tunnel penetrations undertaken in Australia.