Offshore Support Vessel Upgrades with High-Precision USBL Positioning System

France-headquartered STAPEM Group has made Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) technology a permanent feature on one of its key offshore support vessels, the STAPEM Boreale.

The vessel, which operates in Angola, one of STAPEM Group’s main regions, is now equipped with a Ranger 2 GyroUSBL 7000 system. This high-performance USBL system, previously used by the group on a rental basis, is designed for precise positioning. The Ranger 2 GyroUSBL 7000 is optimized for ultra-deepwater operations and includes a single, pre-calibrated transceiver head. Its integrated Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) / Inertial Navigation System (INS) eliminates mechanical alignment errors, which simplifies deployment and increases tracking precision.

This investment is part of STAPEM Group’s wider strategy to continuously upgrade its subsea technology portfolio. The 59.5-meter-long vessel is already equipped with an SMD Atom work class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). This ROV includes a Sonardyne combined solid state AHRS and Syrinx Doppler Velocity Log (DVL), along with a Wideband Sub Mini 6+ (WSM 6+) transponder.

The Ranger 2 system is installed onboard the 2024-delivered STAPEM Boreale and will support ROV operations carried out by Film-Ocean, a STAPEM Group company. These operations include inspection, survey, and intervention work. The system’s accuracy and reliability are particularly valuable for scenarios that require long layback tracking, precision navigation close to subsea assets, and touchdown monitoring.

Jean-Marc Gerber, CEO of STAPEM Group, stated, “The STAPEM Boreale embodies our vision to continuously invest in the future of subsea operations. By combining advanced positioning solutions like the Ranger 2 GyroUSBL system, with our new Atom work-class ROV, we strengthen our capacity to deliver safe, efficient and cost-effective subsea services for our clients in West Africa.”

Alan MacDonald, Head of Sales, UK, Europe and Africa, at Sonardyne, commented “STAPEM Group’s investment ensures permanent access to high-precision subsea positioning, improved reliability and strengthened operational autonomy. We’re delighted to be supporting them as they continuously invest in their subsea technology capability and efficiency.”

Mike Mackie, Operations Director at Film-Ocean, added, “The Ranger 2 delivers the accuracy and reliability required for our subsea operations. Its integration on the STAPEM Boreale enhances our ability to provide precise positioning during inspection, intervention and survey campaigns, even in the most challenging offshore conditions.”