Test site in Trondheimsfjorden for Underwater Intervention Drone (UID™) – subsea docking station. NTNU and Equinor are collaborating regarding developing and installation of a UID docking station test-site. During the spring 2018 NTNU and Equinor have installed the world’s first pilot of UID docking station in Trondheimsfjorden at 365 meters depth, northwest of Munkholmen. The docking station is powered and controlled from Trondhjem Biological Station (NTNU) about 2,2 km from site. The users of the docking station will be Academia (NTNU), UID suppliers, Operators and others. The aim for the pilot is to have possibility of testing and verification of new technology within UID technology and will be offered to the marked with a nonprofit rental cost to customers. From NTNU and Equinor view it is important to have this type of low threshold test site available to increase the speed of the UID technology research and development. The test site has an inductive power and communication system from Blue Logic, Wisub and Siemens.

The paper will present a technical description of the test site in Trondheimsfjorden and an experience transfer of the first users of the docking station. The first user will start operation during spring 2018 (Eelume). Presented by Asgeir Sørensen (NTNU), Martin Ludvigsen (NTNU) Jan Christian Torvestad (Equinor) and Pål Atle Solheimsnes (Equinor).