France-headquartered STAPEM Group has selected Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) technology as the permanent positioning solution for its flagship offshore support vessel, the STAPEM Boreale.
Operating in Angola, one of the group’s key regions, the vessel is now equipped with a Ranger 2 GyroUSBL 7000 system. This all-in-one system provides precise positioning performance and replaces equipment previously used on a hire basis. The system is optimized for ultra-deepwater operations and features a single, pre-calibrated transceiver head. By incorporating an integrated Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS), the technology eliminates mechanical alignment errors, simplifies deployment, and increases tracking precision.
Onboard the STAPEM Boreale, delivered in 2024, the system will support Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations conducted by Film-Ocean, a STAPEM Group company. Scope of work includes inspection, survey, and intervention tasks. These operations often necessitate long layback tracking, touchdown monitoring, and precision navigation in close proximity to subsea assets, scenarios where the accuracy of the USBL system is critical.
This investment is part of STAPEM Group’s broader strategy to upgrade its subsea technology portfolio. The 59.5-meter vessel is already equipped with an SMD Atom work-class ROV, which is fitted with a Sonardyne combined solid-state AHRS, a Syrinx Doppler Velocity Log (DVL), and a Wideband Sub Mini 6+ (WSM 6+) transponder.
Jean-Marc Gerber, CEO of STAPEM Group, said, “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.”
Mike Mackie, Operations Director at Film-Ocean, said, “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.”
Alan MacDonald, Head of Sales, UK, Europe and Africa at Sonardyne, added, “STAPEM Group’s investment reinforces the STAPEM Boreale as a versatile platform, ensuring 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.”
