Welaptega supports engineers at Texas A&M and Dalhousie universities

Leading underwater inspection services provider, Welaptega, has joined forces with two internationally-respected universities to equip final year students with real-world engineering experience and skills.

The firm, part of international underwater equipment specialist Ashtead Technology’s family of subsea specialists, has been selected to assist with the Capstone Engineering and Design projects available at Texas A&M University in Houston, USA and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.

The Capstone initiatives give senior year undergraduates the opportunity to work alongside Welaptega staff, allowing them to apply their studies to real-world engineering challenges.

Welaptega General Manager Tyler de Gier began his career following a successful Capstone project during the final year of his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Dalhousie University.

Tyler de Gier, Welaptega General Manager, said: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with these academic institutions to mentor and encourage future generations of engineering talent. Both projects will afford them vital experience as they start planning their careers.

“The Capstone initiative is a ‘win-win’ scenario for both students and Welaptega. Those enrolled take an active part in developing industry solutions, helping them to stand out in the job market. Our business also gets to engage with the next generation, who may have a different engineering perspective, and allows us to scout future talent.”

Ocean Engineering undergraduates at Texas A&M will work on a subsea mooring system design analysis for a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The course will see them design and assess mooring line tension between upper and ground chain segments using OrcaFlex dynamic analysis software and MetOcean survey results.

Mechanical Engineering students at Dalhousie University will design, build and test supplementary equipment for Welaptega’s Subsea Cleaning Tool to reduce rotation-induced vibration.

Welaptega, an Ashtead Technology company, is the world’s foremost innovator in offshore asset inspection, engineering and integrity management. The firm mitigates asset failure and manages the ongoing integrity of offshore operations through a risk-based approach to asset maintenance.

Allan Pirie, Ashtead Technology CEO, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the professional development of the next generation of young engineers and technicians. Together with Welaptega, our technical capabilities and advanced inspection technologies deliver a robust integrity management service to meet the requirements of our customers.”

Welaptega is one of five international businesses acquired by advanced subsea equipment and services specialist Ashtead Technology in the last four years.