Geoscience

Exploring the Deep

Every underwater endeavor—whether in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, harbors, or the vast ocean—demands a thorough understanding of the forces and conditions that impact the design of the structure. Factors such as wind, ocean currents, wave dynamics, physio-chemical properties, seismic activity, water depth mapping and detection of surface and subsurface hazards, sub bottom stratification, physical, mechanical & strength properties of soil and rock mechanics, are all critical. These parameters are pivotal for the feasibility assessments, optimized design and engineering, enabling robust and resilient structures.

Exploring the Deep: Mapping Mysteries Below the Waves

At COMACOE, we unveil it all and bring data, values, maps, images, and actionable engineering to the table. Our Geoscience Division, a cornerstone of specialized knowledge, driving innovation in the intricate and challenging world of marine geophysical surveys, meteorological and oceanography studies and geotechnical engineering solutions. With over 30 years of experience, we are dedicated to excellence, diving deep into the sub-seabed to reveal critical insights that shape the infrastructure, across domains, of tomorrow.

Pioneering Marine Geophysical Surveys and Geotechnical Solutions

Excelling in a vast range of services, from comprehensive geophysical surveys to advanced geotechnical investigations designed specifically for complex marine engineering projects. We deploy a team of highly experienced hydrographic surveyors, geophysicists, geologists, systems and geotechnical engineers who leverage cutting-edge equipment and purpose-built and equipped geophysical & geotechnical vessels, including dedicated jack-ups, to gather, analyse, process and coalesce high-quality data. This allows seamless execution of projects across various marine environments—from shallow waters to deep water depths of over 3000 meters —ensuring precision and reliability while meeting tight project timelines.

A Legacy of Innovation and Proven Success

COMACOE’s Geoscience Division has amassed an impressive track record, completing multiple geophysical & geotechnical projects diverse geographies, environmental and geological settings. Our global experience, extending from the Gulf of Mexico in the west to Brunei in the east, demonstrates our capabilities in handling large-scale and highly complex projects. This legacy showcases our ability to provide critical data that informs the design and execution of coastal and offshore engineering solutions.

State-of-the-Art Systems and Dedicated Marine Spreads

A range of cutting-edge equipment and specialized marine vessels, ensuring precise data acquisition and analysis for complex marine projects powers our Geoscience Division.

Geophysical Survey & Oceanography

Geophysical Survey Vessel and Resources

Fully equipped for integrated marine surveys, the vessel includes:

  • Integrated dGPS, Gyro, and USBL Navigation Systems: Surface & subsea navigation with high-precision data logging.
  • Single & Multibeam Echo Sounders (SBES, MBES): Accurate bathymetric mapping
  • Pipeline Profiler: Dedicated system for pipeline mapping and inspection.
  • Boomer & Sparker Sub-Bottom Profiling (SBP): High-resolution subsurface imaging.
  • Hi-Resolution 24 Channel streamer with Air Gun source: For in-depth seismic data collection.
  • Side Scan Sonar (SSS): Detailed imaging of seabed features and structures.
  • Wind, Tide, Current & Wave Recorders: Real-time metocean data acquisition.
  • Water & Benthic Sampling Capabilities: Collecting samples for environmental assessments.
  • Data Processing & Analysis Suite: Comprehensive data analysis and reporting.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

  • AUVs: Autonomous vehicles fitted with advanced sensors for precise and autonomous subsea data collection.
  • ROVs: Remotely controlled vehicles equipped with full sensor suites for detailed subsea inspections and interventions.

Comprehensive Survey, Inspection & Monitoring Services

Our full suite of services ensures precision and reliability across the entire spectrum of survey, inspection, and monitoring needs. We specialize in:

  • Bathymetry & Sonar Surveys: Accurate mapping of underwater topography
  • Feasibility Studies: In-depth analysis to support project viability
  • Metocean Studies & Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Assessing marine environmental conditions and impacts
  • Pre-Construction & Post-Construction Surveys: Comprehensive evaluations before and after project execution
  • High Pressure Dilatometer Test (HPD): Testing of soil deformability under high pressures.
  • Subsea Spool Piece Metrology: High-accuracy measurement and fitting of subsea connections
  • Pipeline and Subsea Structure Inspections: Ensuring integrity and functionality of underwater pipelines and structures

Geotechnical Engineering

Dynamically Positioned (DP2) Geotechnical Vessel

Equipped with advanced geotechnical tools for offshore investigations:

  • Heave Compensated Geotechnical Drilling & Sampling Rigs: Ensures high-quality data in dynamic marine conditions.
  • Drilling, Sampling, and In-Situ Testing: Comprehensive soil and rock investigation capabilities.
  • Wison Wireline Downhole Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT) & Seabed CPT: Reliable data on soil properties.
  • Piston & Jumbo Piston Gravity Coring: Core samples to understand sub-seabed composition.
  • In-situ Vane Shear (VST) & Seismic Cone Penetrometer Test (SCPT): Measures soil strength and seismic resistance.
  • High Pressure Dilatometer Test (HPD): Testing of soil deformability under high pressures.
  • On-Board Soil Laboratory: Immediate soil analysis and classification.

Jack-Up Barges for Near-Shore Geotechnical Operations

Purpose-built for stable drilling and sampling in shallow water zones.

Advanced Onshore Soil Laboratory (NABL Accredited)

  • Anisotropic consolidation (Compression and Extension)
  • Constant strain rate testing
  • Cyclic simple shear testing
  • Interface testing feasibility in simple shear device
  • Resonant column testing
  • Multi Sensor Core Logging (MSCL)

Our onshore facilities support further soil and material testing, with a comprehensive suite of advanced testing methods to validate data obtained from marine operations.

Each of these tools and vessels is critical to ensuring precise, comprehensive data acquisition, supporting COMACOE’s dedication to engineering excellence across complex marine environments.

Geotechnical Investigation & Foundation Engineering Analysis

Expertise extends to complex geotechnical evaluations essential for marine projects, including:

  • Structural Analysis: Assessment of subsea structures, PLEMS, mud mats, and conductor casing.
  • Liquefaction Studies: Evaluating soil stability under seismic loads.
  • Pipeline Integrity: Analysis of stability, settlement, burial, and Pipe Soil Interaction (PSI).
  • Leg Penetration Analysis (LPA): Critical assessments for Jack-Up Rigs’ anchorage.
  • Bored Cast Insitu Piles (BCIS): Analysis of end-bearing and friction properties.
  • Gravity Foundations and Structural Assessment: Robust foundation design and evaluation.
  • Advanced Structural Analysis: Py, Qz, and Tz Curves, as well as Pile Drivability Analysis for steel piles supporting platforms and wind farms.
  • Geohazard & Slope Stability Analysis: Identifying and mitigating geotechnical risks for safe project execution.

This robust service suite meets the multifaceted demands of underwater exploration, supporting the safe and effective development of subsea infrastructure.

NUMBERS THAT SPEAK

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Seabed Drilling
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Seabed Survey
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Rig Sites
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Platform Sites
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SPM Sites
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Projects

Highlighting Signature Projects

1. EWOGGS, Nigeria

For the very prestigious East West Offshore Gas Gathering System (EWOGSS) in Nigeria, the owners Dangote Industries, awarded COMACOE’s Geoscience Division a $ 33.5 Million for carrying out comprehensive surveys. Our team aboard our dedicated geophysical & geotechnical vessel conducted the entire pre-engineering surveys and geotechnical investigations along the proposed 550-kilometer offshore pipeline route and at 10 platform sites involving circa 15,000 line kilometres of survey and 2500m of drilling, sampling, CPT, insitu and advanced laboratory analysis. Despite the challenging conditions and complex logistics along the Nigerian coast, our expertise enabled precise data collection and analysis, essential for the project’s success.

2. Kalpasar Ocean Dam, Gujarat, India (10.2 Mil$)

In India, COMACOE contributed to the feasibility and foundation design of the world’s largest planned freshwater reservoir for the ambitious Kalpasar Development Project. The alignment of the 30km dam is located in the Gulf of Khambhat (Kutch), a region known for its dynamic tides and high-energy marine environment. The project demanded boreholes and specialized in-situ testing up to depths of 200 meters beneath the seabed. Our extensive experience with jack-up barges, geotechnical vessels and marine management allowed us to complete the project successfully, overcoming high tidal ranges of 12m (40 ft) and currents up to 5m/sec (10 knots) in one of the world’s most challenging marine environments.

The project’s success hinged on the results of this geotechnical investigation, which formed the basis for vital engineering analyses and provided recommendations for a complex dam and bridge design parameters. Amidst pandemic challenges, COMACOE’s unwavering commitment to safety protocols, IRS Class certified customized vessels and jack up barges together with strategic logistics planning stood out. Specialized techniques, including heave-compensated geotechnical drilling rigs, downhole PCPT, downhole SPT, seismic logging and advanced testing such as cyclic triaxial and resonant column testing, underscored COMACOE’s proficiency.

By meeting and exceeding the expectations of the project's stakeholders, including GSPC, Kalpasar Department, Engineers India Limited (EIL) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), COMACOE solidified its reputation as an industry leader in marine geotechnical investigations. The successful execution of the Gulf of Khambhat Development Project demonstrates not only the company's capability to overcome challenges but also its significant contribution to pioneering water resources and infrastructure development in the region.

With a relentless focus on safety, quality, and reliability, COMACOE’s Geoscience Division combines time-tested expertise with pioneering innovation to provide a full suite of marine and coastal geoscience solutions across inland, coastal, and offshore domains. Whether charting the uncharted, assessing geological stability, or ensuring structural resilience, our Geoscience Division remains steadfast in its mission to support the visionaries and engineers who build the future.