Overview
Marine growth is a substantial contributor to weight and drag-induced fatigue loads on marine structures such as jackets, risers, moorings, monopiles and power cables.
These assets are designed with marine growth thickness allowances, which, if exceeded, require marine growth cleaning or engineering studies to reassess loadings.

Solution
The first step to preventing marine growth-related integrity issues is measuring thickness to compare design assumptions. Conventional methods include visual estimates or graduated rulers, which have very high error tolerances.
The most practicable solution to marine growth measurement is 3D modelling using ROV3D from Whitecap Scientific. ROV3D is a real-time 3D imaging technology that can measure marine growth thickness to an accuracy of +/-5mm using conventional subsea cameras without requiring offshore specialist personnel. The models can support detailed engineering analysis, providing average thickness and surface roughness to calculate drag-induced loads.

3D model measurement analysis showing mean and min/max marine growth thickness
Benefits and value
Ashtead Technology provides the most reliable and cost-effective technology for marine growth measurement and removal, with a 15+ year track record of projects performed all over the world.
Our 3D imaging technology and analysis experts deliver measurement results in timelines to suit your operational needs, and our team of subsea engineers can design bespoke cleaning systems if custom solutions are required.
Ashtead Technology’s services
If marine growth must be removed, Ashtead Technology has a variety of cleaning tools to suit any infrastructure:
Multipurpose cleaning tools, including high-pressure water jetters, cavitation cleaning systems, and our proprietary Subsea Cleaning Tool with interchangeable heads for soft or hard marine growth
Riser/Rope Cleaning and Inspection System for cleaning long lengths of tubulars such as risers, umbilicals, moorings, and power cables.