Damping systems help launch support vessels

Specialised engineering company, SE Hydraulics, and specialist in motion and control technologies, Parker Hannifin, have partnered to develop a passive damping system to protect crew members working on BP's latest Regional Support Vessels (RSVs). Used in conjunction with the davit mechanisms on each of four RSVs, the damping systems enable Autonomous Rescue Recovery Craft (ARRCs) to be deployed quickly and safely, often in the harshest operating conditions.

The passive damping systems effectively prevent harmonic oscillations from occurring by using two mechanical arms or fingers per ARRC. These arms form an integral part of the launch system and face outwards on to the inflatable sponson of the ARRCs, providing resistance to the rolling motion and rising and falling as each ARRC is deployed or recovered.