Navigation
Related

Navigation

Related

Diving bell launch and recovery system (LARS), SWL 17 t (Technical supply specification)


1. General Data (Operating Conditions)

The diving bell LARS ensures reliable operation under the following marine environmental conditions:

  • Ambient air temperature: -30 °C to +40 °C
  • Relative humidity: max. 60% at +30 °C; max. 85% at -30 °C
  • Seawater temperature: max. +32 °C, min. -2 °C
  • Continuous heel: up to 5° to any side
  • Continuous trim: up to 2° by bow or stern
  • Wind pressure: max. 400 Pa
  • Shipboard vibration
  • Periodic seawater splashing of components

Operating conditions in stowed position:

  • Ambient air temperature: -35 °C to +45 °C
  • Heel: up to 15° to any side
  • Trim: up to 5° by bow or stern
  • Wind pressure: max. 2000 Pa
  • Shipboard vibration

2. Purpose

Launch and recovery of a bell-type manned submersible.

Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t – Side View General Arrangement Drawing
Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t – Side View General Arrangement Drawing

About

Rescue Vessel Offshore Operations

Consider a rescue vessel operating in cold seas. The vessel maintains its station in a seaway, the deck vibrates from machinery operation, and the crew prepares to launch a bell-type manned submersible. There is no room for error in such operations: the equipment must operate with total reliability, as the safety of lives underwater depends entirely upon it. This is precisely the application for a diving bell LARS—a specialized launch and recovery system engineered for operation under demanding marine conditions.

Challenges of Submersible Operations

Operating manned submersibles imposes strict requirements on shipboard equipment. Launch and recovery of heavy structures must be executed under vessel motion, wind loads, and continuous exposure to seawater. Furthermore, the system must maintain precise control and smooth operation even under low ambient temperatures and hull vibration. Conventional lifting systems are not always capable of providing the necessary reliability and stability for these operations.

Requirements for Specialized Equipment

The primary objective is to engineer a system capable of safely launching and recovering high-tonnage submersibles while maintaining operational stability under vessel heel, wind loads, and ship motion. Furthermore, such equipment must seamlessly integrate with the vessel infrastructure and ensure ergonomic control during complex deck operations.

LARS Structural Design

The selected solution is a twin-boom telescopic overhead system engineered specifically for handling bell-type submersibles. The design integrates high-strength structural booms and a robust frame with hydraulically driven hoisting winches, ensuring controlled deployment and recovery of the submersible. System control can be managed via a wireless control unit, allowing the operator to maintain an optimal line of sight during operations.

Marine Environmental Resistance

Engineering such systems requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including shipboard vibration, salt spray exposure, and periodic seawater splashing of components. The equipment must remain fully operational across a wide ambient temperature range and withstand design wind loads during above-water load handling. Compliance with marine classification society rules verifies the system’s suitability for deployment on various vessel types.

Manufacturing Approach

Manufacturing these systems demands specialized engineering expertise. Izhora Hydrosystems designs and produces launch and recovery systems for underwater equipment tailored to marine operational conditions. The designs account for specific vessel layout features and undergo joint optimization with vessel designers, ensuring seamless integration into shipboard systems without requiring redundant modifications.

Practical Relevance

Consequently, the diving bell LARS serves as a critical asset within the shipboard subsea operations complex—providing a safe interface between the vessel and the submersible even under conditions where conventional lifting equipment falls short on reliability.


3. Scope of Supply

3.1 Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t

3.1.1 Bill of Materials

ComponentQuantity
Structural booms and frame forming the LARS1 pc
Driven hoisting winches2 pcs
Limit switches1 set
Hoisting wire ropes2 sets
Portable remote control unit with 5 m control cable1 pc
Hydraulic power unit (HPU)1 set
Local control panel / cabinet (includes main power switch)1 set
Rigging blocks1 set
Disconnecting device (stainless steel)1 set
Swivels1 set
Umbilical winch1 pc
Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t – Rear View General Arrangement Drawing
Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t – Rear View General Arrangement Drawing

3.1.2 Main Parameters

ParameterValue
Rated LARS capacity, t15–17
Boom outreach, m5.26
Manned submersible hoisting speed, m/min10
Launch/recovery depth, min., m10
Power supply parameters / ingress protection380 V, 50 Hz, IP56
Sea state, max.4
Wind load (above-water load handling), up to, Pa400
Crane compliance with marine classification society rulesyes
Hoisting winch, wire rope capacity min.650 m (2 pcs.)
Manned submersible dimensions, LxWxH, m7×3.5×5

3.1.3 Spare Parts, Tools and Accessories (SPTA) Kit

Manufacturer standard kit for 1-year operation — 1 set.

3.1.4 Documentation

DocumentQuantity
Technical Passport1
Installation, Commissioning and Adjustment Instructions1
Operating Manual1
Shipboard Test Program and Procedure1
Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Report1
SPTA List1

3.1.5 Certificates

RMRS Certificate (RS Certificate) Form 6.5.30, Navy State Technical Supervision (Gostekhnadzor VMF) acceptance — 1.

Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t – Fully Extended Position General Arrangement Drawing
Diving Bell LARS, SWL 17 t – Fully Extended Position General Arrangement Drawing

4. Additional Requirements

All equipment within the scope of supply features counter-connections for system piping termination. All equipment ports are equipped with standard factory plugs.

Instruction plates, warning signs, labels, mimic diagrams, etc., are in Russian.

The scope of supply includes spare parts, consumables, and tools required for initial commissioning and one year of operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards and RS Rules, as well as specialized tools for overhaul, adjustment, assembly, disassembly, and installation of the equipment.

The following data shall be provided within the equipment documentation:

  • RMRS (RS) Certificate Form 6.5.30;
  • Restrictions / lack of restrictions on equipment supply due to sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation by the US, EU, and other countries;
  • Non-disclosure agreement regarding the received information.

The equipment documentation shall include:

  • Test procedures for equipment installation phase;
  • Training procedures for personnel during equipment installation phase.
  • Coating system: RAL color code to be specified by the Customer.
  • The equipment is provided with documents confirming compliance with Russian Federation Government Decree No. 719 “On Confirmation of Industrial Product Manufacturing within the Territory of the Russian Federation,” including all amendments in force.

5. Manufacturer

Izhora Hydrosystems LLC


6. Warranty Period

12 months from the date of shipment, unless otherwise specified in the contract.


Contacts

Phone: +7 (812) 339-61-68

Email: contact@i-hydro.tech