
Datem Neptune 5000 CPT
The Datem Neptune 5000 is a robust and compact coiled rod Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) system designed for subsea soil analysis. It delivers highly accurate, real-time data on key soil parameters, which reduces the need for time-consuming soil sample extraction. This streamlined process ultimately shortens project timelines and lowers operational costs.

CMS GeoScience continues to lead in marine site investigations by operating the latest-generation Datem Neptune 5000 CPT system.
We provide the most up-to-date Datem technology to our customers. Unlike older models, our system features the newest rods and cones. And, because our system is still able to operate the old rods and cones, we can provide the most versatile and wide-ranging CPT offering on the market. Owning the 1000V variant system means our CPT is more capable of pushing at greater forces and can be utilised over longer umbilical lengths. This is an upgrade from the older 650V Neptune 5000 systems.
The redesigned rod and cone connection interface minimises the risk of structural connector damage, significantly lowering the potential for costly operational downtime. It also boasts an extended deepwater depth rating of up to 3,000 metres, which is a notable upgrade over some existing 2,000 metre systems.
Following a future software update from Datem, our system will be compatible with lifting pin load cells and heading sensors. This will allow the CPT to provide additional data during deployment and recovery, confirming exact seabed touchdown and tracking any rotation during transit.
Utilising both 5 cm² and 10 cm² digital Piezocones, as well as Mag Cones, the unit supports a full suite of in-situ testing - including T-bar, ball cone, and dissipation tests - to achieve penetration depths up to 20 metres below the seabed. The subsea data transmission provides our survey team with real-time data capture for continuous quality and highly accurate evaluations of subsoil stratigraphy at 1mm intervals.
Our CMS team has also achieved official Datem certification through a dedicated three-day Datem-hosted training course, ensuring the Neptune 5000 is operated to the highest professional standards.
Important to CMS GeoScience is the fact we can deploy the Neptune 5000 from our own 24 m shallow-draft survey vessel, MV FlatHolm, which is perfectly set up cable route surveys, ports and harbour developments and general site investigations. Unique in its class for its manoeuvrability and exceptional lifting capacity, MV FlatHolm consistently outperforms larger survey vessels in terms of efficiency, speed and cost, all while maintaining high standards of operational safety.

Advantages of using the Datem 5000 CPT system:
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Detailed sediment profiling at an average of 100m per day
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Real-time data allowing on-site quality control and monitoring
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Suited to sampling of clays, soft soils, silts, sand & mining minerals
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Easily deployed from smaller survey vessels improving cost efficiency
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A-frame deployment and retrieval improves speed of sample recovery
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Easily transportable by freight shipment around the globe
Key features:
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5cm ² Detachable Cone, 10cm² Cone and T-Bar Cone
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35kN Push Capability
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Up to 20m Penetration from Coiled Rod
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Easily Deployed Compact Sub-Sea Frame
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Real Time Control and Display
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Single Coax Connection for Power and Data
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Automatic Safety Cut-Outs
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Low Maintenance, Low Consumable Use
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Easy to Operate Windows™ based PC Control

Technical specifications:
Dimensions: 2.325m (L) x 2.325m (W) x 2.74m (H)
Weights in Air: 4500kg approx.
Weights in Sea Water: 3700kg approx.
Thrust Capacity: 3500kg (approx. 35kN, 70MPa)
Max Penetration: 20m
Depth Rating: 3000m
Penetration Speed: 2cm/sec ±10%
Retract Speed: 5cm/sec approx.
Power Requirement: 240Vac 1ph 50/60kHz, 4kw
Umbilical Voltage: 650v
Telemetry Link: FSK
Frame Sensors: Altimeters and Tilt
Frame Sensor Data Rate: 1Hz
Tip Accuracy: Better than 100kPa
Sleeve Accuracy: Better than 5kPa
Inclination Accuracy: Better than 1°
Cone Data Rate: Selectable up to 20Hz
Cone Type: Detachable Digital Non-Subtraction
Cone Sensors: Tip, Sleeve friction & Inclination
Optional Sensors: Piezo - Ranges to suit
Cone Tip Area: 5cm2
Cone Sleeve Area: 75cm2
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and 7
CMS GeoScience makes a significant strategic investment into our geotechnical capabilities
Due to a recent significant investment, CMS GeoScience has purchased a new Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) system, the Datem Neptune 5000, which will allow us to expand our geotechnical work and take on more projects.
The integration of this new piece of kit into our operations means we can now provide:
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Expanded services: We can undertake a greater volume of complex geotechnical projects at once.
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Increased efficiency: Our enhanced capacity allows for more efficient project completion, ensuring we meet our clients' timelines.
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Superior data: Clients will benefit from high quality geotechnical data with fast turnaround times.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-sharedprosperity-fund-prospectus




