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FACILITY OVERVIEW
At the core of the HCUF is a Ø1.5m × 6m deep hyperbaric chamber
capable of simulating ocean depths up to 3.4 km (≈340 bar) at ambient
temperatures.
The chamber lid hosts five modular flanges that can be customised for
any combination of hydraulic, electrical and fibre-optic connections.
Existing flange inventory provides 10 hydraulic, 18 electrical, and 4 fibre-
optic penetrations, enabling multi-disciplinary test configurations.
Supporting infrastructure includes:
●Main frame engineered to support under-lid equipment assembly.
●Equipment-Under-Test (EUT) frame accommodating a wide range of
subsea systems, including but not limited to:
•
Subsea Control Modules (SCMs)
•
Pressure Control and Diverter Modules (PCDMs)
•
Electronic Data Capture systems (EDCs)
•
Electric Flying Leads (EFLs)
•
NDT crawlers, UUVs, ROVs, ultrasonic flow meters
•
Riser accessories and ancillary hardware
●Flange assembly frame for efficient integration of connectors, cables
and hoses onto modular flanges.
●Clean room for the preparation and servicing of sensitive components
pre- and post-test.
●Pressure medium water with glycol.
In addition to system-scale campaigns, the HCUF has supported
customer R&D product validation activities—for example, OEM
programmes to pressure-qualify a subsea NDT crawler to 6.6 bar and a
deepwater ultrasonic transducers to 300 bar.
COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRY IMPACT
The HCUF was established through a multi-stakeholder partnership
spanning industry and government to address broad community needs
and strengthen regional capability. Key benefits include:
• Up to tenfold reduction in lead times compared with overseas
testing
• Lower overall project costs via reduced logistics and downtime
• Lower transport risk, minimising damage during long-haul shipping
• Reduced carbon emissions by avoiding international transport
• Faster innovation cycles through shorter feedback loops and easier
iteration.
• Open access for industry, supporting OEMs, EPCs, and technology
developers worldwide
• Greater scheduling flexibility and time for comprehensive
validation before deployment.
• Support for energy transition technologies, including offshore
wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and emerging marine
renewables.
• Expansion of local expertise and workforce across testing services
and verification disciplines.