What are the technical benefits of ANTARES versus competing PHC units?

Reduced leakage risk, easier and faster filling of gas and oil, lower stiffness, lower weight, no pilot accumulator filling required, no risk of oil/gas mixing, electronically adjustable damping.

When should I choose RIGEL Basic PHC instead of ANTARES?

If you primarily focus on the splash zone crossing then RIGEL PHC could be a more economical choice. If you have multiple challenges or need high performance, then ANTARES is likely better.

Adaptive Passive Heave Compensator

ANTARES is an adaptive passive heave compensator for subsea lifts where splash-zone crossing, subsea landing/retrieval, changing buoyancy or multiple lift stages need to be managed in one unit. It combines passive reliability with electronically adjustable damping and stiffness.

Mature Flexibility

ANTARES uses fewer components than older adaptive PHC designs, improving reliability and reducing cost. The design also adds practical offshore functions for handling, setup and operation.

30 - 4000 t

Maximum force

2.5 - 8.0 m

Stroke length

3000 m

Depth rating

∞

Adjustable damping

Sustainability

ANTARES is designed with environmental responsibility in mind. The unit is compatible with biodegradable hydraulic fluids for operations in environmentally sensitive areas. Its efficient passive design requires no external power supply during operation, minimizing energy consumption and emissions on deck.

Committed To Safety

We follow and exceed the testing requirements in DNV RP-N202.

ANTARES adaptive passive heave compensators have double seals to protect against water ingress and are externally pressure tested at the factory to verify that there is no water ingress.

ANTARES is pull tested in a frame to ensure structural integrity as part of FAT.

All lifting points are pull tested at the factory.

Engineered for Precision

Our products are designed upon decades of experience with subsea and compensation equipment. Common problems and time consuming actions are removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What applications can ANTARES adaptive PHC be used for?

ANTARES Adaptive PHC is very well suited for lifting through the splash zone, resonance avoidance, subsea landings and subsea retrievals. It can also be used for shock absorption and quick lifting.

How does ANTARES adaptive PHC work?

ANTARES Adaptive PHC combines a hydraulic cylinder with a set of gas accumulators. The gas accumulators provide the spring effect while the oil flow is precisely controlled between the cylinder and accumulators to provide damping.

The ANTARES has the following operational modes:

Locked, reduces required lifting height during lift off from vessel deck.
Splash zone, optimal stiffness and damping settings for splash zone crossings.
Subsea, reduced stiffness and damping for high performance subsea.

ANTARES adaptive PHC is usually fitted to the crane hook via slings and connected to the payload via slings.

What are the technical benefits of ANTARES adaptive PHC versus competing PHC units?

Reduced leakage risk
Easier and much faster filling of gas
Easier and much faster filling of oil
Easier air bleeding
Lower stiffness
Lower weight
No pilot accumulator filling/draining required, hence no need for an external HPU
No risk of oil/gas mixing due to internal leakage in valves
Electronically adjustable extension damping
Electronically adjustable return damping
Rugged, leak free, normally closed gas valves
Improved upending/shipping frame
Better filling kit
Easier to use calculation sheet

When should I choose a RIGEL Basic PHC instead of an ANTARES adaptive PHC?

If the main challenge is a predictable splash-zone crossing, RIGEL may be the more economical choice. If the lift has multiple phases, changing buoyancy or a need for high performance, ANTARES is usually the better first choice.

Request Further Information

ANTARES configurations from approximately USD 100,000. Lead time and project pricing depends on capacity, stroke and classification — fill in the form below and we’ll send drawings, datasheet and a project-specific quotation.