Saturation Chamber Procurement and Engineering Support for the DEEP Vanguard Project

About the Client

DEEP is an advanced subsea engineering and ocean habitation company developing next-generation underwater infrastructure. The Vanguard programme represents a significant step toward enabling human occupancy on the seabed for extended durations.

The Challenge

As part of developing the Vanguard subsea human habitat, DEEP required class-certified saturation tankage to support a system designed to enable personnel to live and work underwater for up to seven days.

The project demanded careful sourcing of suitable twin-lock chambers and associated hyperbaric assets, followed by inspection, certification, refurbishment, and preparation for integration within strict programme timelines. All components needed to meet DEEP’s exacting technical standards and class compliance requirements while maintaining full traceability throughout the process.

The Solution

ORCA was proud to support DEEP by sourcing and delivering critical saturation assets for the Vanguard programme.

Scope of support included:

• Procurement of twin-lock saturation chambers
• Sourcing of Hyperbaric Rescue Chamber (HRC), saturation control van, and associated equipment
• Class-certified tankage supply
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and structural inspection
• Pressure testing and certification validation
• Engineering review and technical assurance
• Surface preparation, paint, and preservation
• Final preparation for transport and delivery

ORCA followed the components through every stage, from initial procurement and inspection through testing, refurbishment, and final preparation, ensuring compliance, quality control, and alignment with DEEP’s schedule.

The Result

DEEP received fully validated, class-compliant saturation tankage and associated systems ready for integration into the Vanguard habitat programme. Delivered in line with project timelines, the assets met DEEP’s performance expectations and technical standards.

Why ORCA

ORCA’s experience in saturation system procurement, inspection, refurbishment, and certification ensures that complex pressure systems are delivered safely, compliantly, and ready for integration. Our ability to manage sourcing across international markets, combined with hands-on engineering oversight, provided DEEP with confidence throughout the programme lifecycle.

Key Takeaways

• Client Need: Class-certified saturation tankage and associated hyperbaric systems for next-generation subsea habitat.
• Expert Selection: ORCA chosen for procurement expertise and engineering assurance capability.
• Structured Approach: End-to-end oversight from sourcing and NDT through to pressure testing and delivery preparation.
• Deliverables: Validated twin-lock chambers, HRC, and associated systems ready for integration.
• Outcome: Compliant, tested, and programme-ready assets supporting subsea human habitation innovation.