The Project Achievement Award
MARL Technologies proudly received the prestigious Project Achievement Award from APEGA. This award honours projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering or geoscience expertise and significantly contribute to technical progress and societal betterment. The recognition also highlights the pivotal roles of firms and individuals in bringing such projects to fruition.
Project Overview
In 2008, a visionary client approached MARL Technologies with a challenge: to design and build a state-of-the-art sea-bottom drill capable of performing geotechnical and mineral investigations as well as core sampling. A key project requirement was to leverage proven subsea components, specifically robotics and telemetry systems from Schilling Robotics. MARL’s innovative approach combined cutting-edge subsea technologies with its proven terrestrial drilling expertise.
Innovative Engineering
Delivered in 2011, the MARL SubSea Drill revolutionized offshore drilling. Designed for geologic and geotechnical investigations, mineral exploration, and scientific research, the drill operates efficiently at depths of up to 3,000 meters in ultra-deep water. This groundbreaking capability adapts MARL’s Alberta-developed terrestrial drilling technologies for harsh marine environments.
The project required MARL’s team to:
- Refine the client’s vision and operational specifications.
- Engineer innovative solutions for marine conditions.
- Oversee construction and rigorous testing.
- Provide comprehensive post-delivery engineering support.
Technical Milestones
Remote Operation Under Extreme Conditions
Designed to withstand water pressures exceeding 4,000 psi, the drill is remotely operated from a surface vessel. This ensures safety and precision during subsea operations.
Integration of Robotics
Existing robotic arm technology was adapted for pipe and tooling handling. MARL engineered a unique platform to provide an additional axis of motion, marking the first use of a high-functioning robotic arm on a sea-bottom coring drill.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
The automation and robotics incorporated into the drill significantly reduce hazards to offshore crews and minimize labor requirements, addressing critical safety concerns in offshore drilling.
Impact and Applications
The MARL SubSea Drill makes core sampling from challenging underwater environments more accessible and efficient. It enables:
- Exploration in sites previously deemed inaccessible.
- Advancement in traditional energy exploration.
- Support for geotechnical hazard mitigation.
- Contributions to scientific research in marine geology.
By merging advanced offshore technology with terrestrial drilling techniques, the MARL SubSea Drill represents a significant leap forward in subsea drilling capabilities, offering safer and more effective solutions for diverse industries.
Recognition and Legacy
Winning the APEGA Project Achievement Award underscores the groundbreaking nature of the MARL SubSea Drill. It celebrates the innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence that MARL Technologies brings to the forefront of geotechnical and environmental solutions.