System

Reef Chief

Subsea Passive Heave Compensator with Active Heave Performance

Designed for seamless subsea operations. Delivers AHC-level precision near seabed and improved splash-zone performance. Combines the reliability, safety and simplicity of passive compensation with the performance of active systems.

How it works

Active-level performance, powered by passive reliability

Based on our proven Balanced Heave Compensation technology, this subsea compensator delivers smooth, controlled motion throughout the full lift cycle: from crossing the splash-zone to touchdown on the seabed and back.

Its balanced hydraulic design ensures constant tension and predictable behavior, isolating the payload from vessel motions while maintaining passive safety and reliability. When operating near the seabed, its mode is adjusted to deliver the same low relative velocities and precision control typically achieved by expensive active heave compensation systems. It performs consistently accross varying wave periods, payload masses and geometries.

By combining active-level performance with passive simplicity, it enables safe, efficient subsea operations - eleminating resonance frequencies, hard touch-downs and weather downtime. Without the complexity and cost of Active Heave Compensation systems.

Consistent performance across all sea states

As the graph illustrates, unlike typical Passive Heave Compensators (PHCs), the Reef Chief maintains stable performance regardless of wave period. Its balanced design eliminates resonance effects and removes the need for gas volume adjustments when sea conditions change. This means no loss of control or premature shutdowns as the wave period shifts, extending operational weather windows and improving overall velocity performance. With no tuning required, the Reef Chief delivers smooth, predictable motion in every sea state, keeping subsea lifts safe, efficient, and on schedule.

Compare models and find the best match for your use case

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MC130 Flyer Balancer
RF150
SWL10 mtSWL0-150 mt
Stroke4 mStroke4 m
Weight1 mtWeight12 mt
Performance~90% decouplingPerformance~90% decoupling
Absolute tool height12 mAbsolute tool height12 m
Depth rating50 mDepth rating1000 m
UmbilicalNo umbilicalUmbilicalno umbilical required
WorkabilityUp to Hs 2.5 Tp15Workabilityup to Hs 2.5 Tp 15
Reef chief — Seaqualize