According to engineerlive.com, Unique Group has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by CCC Underwater Engineering to provide two Launch and Recovery Systems for Work Class ROVs. The systems will be deployed on CCCUWE’s new flagship DPIII DSCV ‘Wadad Alethia,’ currently operating in the Arabian Gulf region, with delivery expected by Q1 2026. The solution features Active Heave Compensation technology with fully electric winch control systems classed to DNV standards. Unique Group’s Subsea Innovation division in the UK will handle design and engineering, while manufacturing will occur at their UAE facility. This partnership represents a significant advancement in subsea operational capabilities for the region.
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The Engineering Behind Active Heave Compensation
The Active Heave Compensated LARS represents a sophisticated engineering solution to one of offshore operations’ most persistent challenges: vessel motion in rough seas. Unlike passive systems that rely on mechanical springs or hydraulic accumulators, AHC technology uses real-time motion sensors and advanced control algorithms to maintain constant tension on the cable during ROV deployment and recovery. The system continuously monitors vessel heave motion through inertial measurement units and adjusts winch speed accordingly, effectively decoupling the ROV from vessel movement. This becomes particularly critical when operating in the Arabian Gulf’s challenging conditions, where sudden weather changes can create unpredictable sea states that would otherwise jeopardize multi-million dollar ROV assets.
Strategic Advantages of UAE Manufacturing
The decision to manufacture these systems at Unique Group’s UAE facility represents a strategic shift in the global subsea supply chain. Traditionally, complex offshore equipment of this caliber would be manufactured in established hubs like Norway, the UK, or Singapore. By leveraging regional manufacturing capabilities, Unique Group significantly reduces lead times and transportation costs while building local expertise. This approach also enables better responsiveness to operational requirements and creates opportunities for regional workforce development in advanced manufacturing. The proximity to operational areas in the Arabian Gulf means faster deployment, reduced shipping risks, and more efficient after-sales support for CCCUWE’s operations.
Enhanced Capabilities for Complex Offshore Work
The DPIII classification of the ‘Wadad Alethia’ vessel combined with these advanced LARS systems creates a platform capable of handling the most demanding subsea construction and inspection tasks. DPIII dynamic positioning provides redundancy and reliability for station-keeping in challenging conditions, while the electric winch systems offer superior control and environmental benefits compared to traditional hydraulic systems. The fully electric configuration reduces potential fluid leaks, lowers maintenance requirements, and provides more precise control during delicate operations. This becomes particularly important when working near sensitive infrastructure or in environmentally protected areas of the Arabian Gulf, where operational precision and reliability are non-negotiable.
Broader Industry Implications
This contract signals several important trends in the offshore energy sector. First, it demonstrates continued investment in subsea infrastructure despite market volatility, particularly in the Middle East where national oil companies are pushing deeper water exploration and development. Second, the emphasis on regional manufacturing capabilities suggests a strategic shift toward building resilient, localized supply chains rather than relying solely on traditional manufacturing centers. Third, the move toward fully electric systems reflects the industry’s broader push toward decarbonization and operational efficiency. As offshore operations become more technically demanding and environmentally sensitive, we can expect to see more contracts specifying advanced, electric-powered systems with sophisticated motion compensation capabilities.
