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September 29, 2005

Construction Industry Spotlight: Underwater construction gets a tech boost

  • New remotely operated vehicles and sonar systems are making work faster and safer.
    • By TERRY STEPHENS
    Special to the Journal

    Photo
    Photo by Terry Stephens
    The Sophie recently replaced several miles of underwater cable between Steilacoom and McNeil Island. The 8-inch-thick cable was spooled out from the ship’s deck and its placement was checked using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sonar.

    SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY and determination are helping the underwater construction industry conquer the challenges of working in murky realms where visibility is poor, the water is numbingly cold, and workers often contend with strong currents and sometimes sharks.


     
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