Active Heave Compensation for ROV Operations
Launch and recover ROVs in sea states that would otherwise stop operations.
Active heave compensation (AHC) is a control system that measures vessel heave in real time and adjusts winch payout to keep the Tether Management System (TMS) stable relative to the seabed during launch, recovery, and docking. mTrack, Scantrol's AHC controller with integrated motion reference unit (MRU), installs alongside the existing control system on any LARS or ROV winch, designed for both new LARS installations and retrofit to existing winches.
For ROV supervisors and vessel operations managers, this means stable TMS docking and safe umbilical handling in conditions that would otherwise force a standby. mTrack commissions at dockside using Dynatest, so the system is verified before the vessel leaves port, without requiring tuning experts on-site.
mTrack AHC Controller
Off-the-shelf AHC controller with integrated MRU - no separate sensor required
Pre-configured for LARS and ROV winches - no custom programming needed
Anti-Snatch and Auto Depth included - protect umbilicals and hold depth automatically
Auto Calibration and Dynatest included - commission at dockside, no sea trials
Includes all the tools you need for easy installation - no need for expensive experts
The off-the-shelf AHC controller that brings active heave compensation to all winches and cranes
Why AHC is Essential for ROV Operations
A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is deployed and recovered from a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) on the surface vessel, connected by an umbilical cable through the Tether Management System (TMS). In any conditions beyond calm seas, vessel heave transfers directly into the umbilical and TMS, causing unpredictable movement at the point of deployment.
This creates specific, compounding problems:
Docking risk. Without compensation, the TMS moves unpredictably with the vessel, making safe docking difficult and increasing the risk of a failed or damaged attempt.
Umbilical wear. Uncompensated movement puts snatch loads on the umbilical, accelerating wear and shortening its working life.
Component damage. Sensitive ROV parts can be damaged by sudden jerks or uncontrolled movement during launch and recovery.
A shrinking weather window. Once sea state increases past a certain point, operations are typically suspended, leading to lost time and cost.
mTrack solves this by measuring vessel motion in real time via its integrated MRU and actively adjusting winch payout to keep the TMS stationary relative to the seabed, stable docking and recovery regardless of sea state, without tuning experts, sea trials, or replacing existing winch hardware.
Key Benefits of Scantrol AHC for ROVs
Increased Weather Window:Operate in higher sea states with more uptime.
Safe and Precise Docking: Keep your TMS stable, even with inexperienced operators.
Reduced Umbilical Wear: Anti-snatch function protects the ROV’s lifeline.
Cost-Effective Solution: No need for expensive sea trials, test and tune at dockside.
Free OTA: 24/7 Remote Support, maintenance, and training included during the warranty period
Technical Features of mTrack AHC for ROVs
AHC
Maintains TMS stability during ROV launch and recovery.
Auto Depth
Automatically keeps your ROV or tow body at desired depth.
Anti-Snatch
Reduces peak loads on umbilicals, increasing lifetime.
Without TMS
AHC keeps your ROV stable even without a TMS.
Umbilical Manager
Protects umbilicals from excessive strain, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Pre-configured for LARS
Quick plug-and-play setup for most launch & recovery systems, including electric and hydraulic winches.
Real-World Applications of Scantrol AHC
Many ROV operators worldwide have successfully retrofitted Scantrol AHC to existing Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS), enhancing stability and reducing downtime. Scantrol AHC is installed on new and upgraded winches from a range of recognized LARS manufacturers: Dynacon, Hawboldt, SCM, Hydramec, Ennsub, Lawsons Engineers, ACE winches, Hydraspec, Lidan Marine, Evotec, Parkburn, Seaonics and C-Lars.
mTrack AHC Case Studies
What Happens When Vessel Motion Is No Longer the Limiting Factor
Explore case studies from operators using mTrack AHC in rough sea states, deep water and time-critical operations. Each one shows the specific application, the integration approach and the outcome reported by the operator.
“Good results and high performance were witnessed by the client . The system is now operational and all feedback from the client has been positive”
Danny Church, Managing Director at Hydramec.
“With Scantrol AHC the ROV pilot will be able to maintain the position of the TMS unit while focusing on docking and undocking operation the ROV in order to prevent any disastrous situation of damaging the delicate tether, which is the “life line” of any ROV system.”
- William Lee, Managing Director at Fugro Subsea Technologies in Singapore,
“With this equipment, we reduce weather-related downtime, ensuring the achieved value pays back the investment spent on the system.”
- Hans Martin Gravdal, former CEO of Swire Seabed
Can My Existing LARS or Winch Be Retrofitted?
Many existing winches are suitable for AHC retrofit. A winch with a maximum line speed of 50–80 m/min will typically compensate for 3–4 m of vessel motion, sufficient for most ROV operations. Reusing existing mechanical hardware represents a major cost reduction compared to buying new equipment and reduces carbon footprint.
Use the free AHC capacity check to evaluate your winch in minutes.
→ Get Free AHC Capacity Analysis
→ How to retrofit mTrack to existing winches
Frequently Asked Questions
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Active heave compensation (AHC) for ROV operations is a control system that continuously adjusts the speed and tension of a winch or LARS to counteract the up-and-down motion of a vessel caused by waves. The result is that the ROV, TMS or payload behaves as if the sea is flat, enabling safe launch, recovery and docking in sea states that would otherwise halt operations.
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Yes. mTrack is designed for both new builds and retrofit installations on any winch or LARS brand, hydraulic or electric. The plug-and-play architecture with pre-built Profinet and Modbus PLC modules means integration does not require custom programming or hardware replacement. Most retrofit installations are commissioned at dockside using the built-in Dynatest and autotuning tools.
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Yes. ROV LARS retrofits with mTrack are tested and tuned at dockside using Dynatest and autotuning, verifying TMS and winch response before the system goes to sea. This removes the scheduling delay of offshore sea trials specifically for ROV launch and recovery commissioning.
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mTrack is suitable for a wide range of sea states, including conditions where uncompensated systems would need to abort. The integrated MRU continuously monitors vessel motion and adjusts compensation in real time. The exact operational envelope depends on winch capacity and vessel motion characteristics Scantrol offers a free AHC Capacity Analysis to evaluate your specific setup before purchase.
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Scantrol provides free 24/7 remote OTA (over-the-air) support for all mTrack users during the warranty period, including commissioning assistance, software updates and operational troubleshooting. Training for your integration engineers, commissioning team and vessel operators is also included at no additional cost. Scantrol has supported over 400 AHC installations globally and maintains an active support relationship throughout the system lifecycle.
Have questions or would you like to discuss your project?
If you have any questions about AHC, your application, or next steps, you are welcome to reach out directly.
Suzy Zhu
International Sales Manager
Email: suzy@scantrol.com
Phone: +47 465 20 370
Jan Kjærstad
CEO
Email: jan.kjarstad@scantrol.com
Phone: +47 911 59 434
Henry Boddington,
International Sales Manager
Email: henry@scantrol.com
Phone: +47 901 57 044
We are happy to review your setup, answer technical questions, or schedule a meeting