The Miko CCLS can be used either as an alternative to surface cranes or as an alternative to standard lifting bags. It uses volumes of air to generate the lifting force. This volume needs to be actively controlled to avoid an undesired compression or expansion due to external pressure variations.

A standard lifting bag used to lift an object subsea can be an unstable system, as minute changes in external pressure causes the air to either expand or contract. Once such a lifting bag starts to move, it can accelerate out of control.

Control over the air volume is thus vital and is achieved with a continuous supply of pressurised air from the surface via an umbilical and a computer controlled air release mechanism. This mechanism senses the external water pressure and adjusts one or more air release valves, continuously providing control over the load's vertical position, velocity and acceleration.

Control in the horizontal plane can be achieved with two or more control lines from the surface. For instance, one line could run over the stern roller and the other through the moonpool of a light crane vessel. With such a et up and two winches, the Miko CCLS coupled to the host vessel's DP system can accurately position any load on the seabed. Transportation to site is envisaged as a wet tow.

The completely scalable system will enable a small vessel to install most subsea modules. The system is suited for rough weather operations, there are no depth limitations in the design, no risk of swinging loads, and no splash zone problems.