Subsea specialist Sulmara has achieved a significant milestone in the Bayou Bend carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, delivering what Bayou Bend CCS LLC describes as the “best data we’ve seen” from an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) during a high-resolution geophysical survey.
Commissioned by Bayou Bend CCS LLC, Sulmara conducted an archaeological and geohazard assessment of the proposed Bayou Bend pipeline route, aimed at reducing emissions from regional industrial facilities by safely storing carbon dioxide underground.
Sulmara utilised an electric WAM-V 16 USV for offshore data acquisition, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint by minimising the use of diesel-burning vessels offshore and shortening the survey duration.
Sulmara Project Manager Darius Rivera praised the quality of the data gathered, and said: “The quality of the data gathered is some of the best we’ve seen from a USV. That quality of information, as well as the operability of the equipment and relationship that has been developed, have been key to the project’s success.”
Despite facing challenges such as higher winds and seas, Sulmara successfully launched the USV, providing Bayou Bend CCS with valuable data.
The project also utilised the SpaceX-backed Starlink satellite system for strong communications between the shore and the USV, enabling Sulmara to achieve higher-speed communications and push the technology further than ever before.
Andy Nicol — Regional Director for the Western Hemisphere at Sulmara — expressed pride in partnering with Bayou Bend CCS on the project, highlighting Sulmara’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Nicol said: “Our development of towed sensor capability from an uncrewed platform is a clear demonstration of our commitment to both sustainability and innovation. We look forward to working with Bayou Bend CCS again in the future to help them push towards net zero.”
Sulmara, formed in 2019 and employing over 200 people worldwide, has rapidly grown to become an international services provider with offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
