The CASTOR-02, a key asset in the FOSELEV MARINE fleet, is a workhorse for technical subsea missions, ranging from cable laying to deep-sea sensor deployment at 2,500 meters. To bridge a 50-year engineering gap, D-ICE Engineering implemented a comprehensive Dynamic Positioning (DP) retrofit, replacing a legacy "black box" system with an open, high-performance control architecture.
We sat down with Captain Bertrand Corbasson to discuss how this technological upgrade has redefined the vessel's operational limits.
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D-ICE: Captain, before this DP retrofit, how did the 30-minute stabilization period impact your offshore operations?
Capt. Corbasson: It was a major operational constraint. On missions like deploying neutrino sensors at extreme depths, at about 2,500 m., we need to be ready precisely when the window opens. Before, the process was laborious. Now, the gain is flagrant: we achieve stabilization 4x faster. We simply input the coordinates, and the control system handles the rest, even with several tons of equipment on the deck.
D-ICE: In terms of station-keeping, how has the accuracy of the new control system changed your work?
Capt. Corbasson: The difference is night and day. With the legacy system, the boat would drift between 5 and 6 meters before correcting. Now, we consistently stay within a 1 to 2-meter radius. When placing artificial reefs that require absolute precision, the reliability of this new DP system is a game-changer. The vessel stays exactly on point.
D-ICE: This system uses a different logic for power allocation. How does the vessel handle the load now?
Capt. Corbasson: It’s much smoother. Even though our thermal engines stay at a constant low speed during DP operations, the way the system allocates thrust is far better adapted to the boat's actual movements. This is critical for reducing mechanical wear and tear on our propulsion gear. We kept the old system as a backup, but we haven't needed to touch it once.
D-ICE: Was the transition to the new interface (HMI) difficult for your officers?
Capt. Corbasson: Not at all. The onboarding was very quick. The interface is intuitive and simplifies complex tasks. For example, during cable-laying, we can set a specific speed limit, and the system maintains it perfectly without us having to constantly monitor it. Once the initial settings are dialed in, we rarely have to touch them, even in high winds.
D-ICE: How would you describe the collaboration with the D-ICE teams during the audit and commissioning?
Capt. Corbasson: They were incredibly reactive. During the startup phase, they were available to make specific dashboard modifications based on our direct feedback. It was a true partnership.
D-ICE: Today, can the CASTOR-02 compete with more modern offshore units?
Capt. Corbasson: In terms of operational performance, we closed the gap with much newer vessels. Honestly, I wouldn't even propose the old system to our clients anymore. We simply cannot go back to the way it was before.
