Ashtead Technology Announces Distributor Agreement with SeaBotix at OTC

Leading international subsea equipment specialist, Ashtead Technology, has announced a distributor agreement with SeaBotix Inc for the sale and exclusive global rental of its miniROV systems at OTC in Houston.

The agreement with SeaBotix, a world-leading manufacturer of miniROV systems, was announced at OTC on May 7, and includes sales representation in the UK, Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. The deal also allows Ashtead to deliver dedicated after-sales support and product training from its facilities in Aberdeen and Houston.

Ashtead Technology, which is headquartered in Aberdeen with bases in Singapore and Houston, is a fully integrated international equipment solutions specialist, offering rental equipment, equipment sales, calibration, repair and maintenance, offshore personnel and custom engineered solutions.

As part of the agreement Ashtead has been appointed as the exclusive global rental agent for SeaBotix systems and has invested in SeaBotix vLBV300 and LBV150-4 ROV systems for both rental and demonstration purposes.

The vLBV300 is the latest in highly capable vectored ROVs. Weighing only 40lbs, the vLBV300 features powerful, variable, vector thruster configuration, optimized mechanical design, a flexible and stable platform, a strong ultra-low drag tether and an intuitive control system. The entire system is easily transportable and can be quickly configured and deployed. These features make the ROV ideal for offshore inspection work, near-shore survey and environmental monitoring.

The streamlined LBV150-4 inshore miniROV which is 150m depth rated, comes complete with a 150m tether on a hand reel and an integrated control console providing a well-rounded system that is simple to setup and operate.

The deal is the latest in a number of contracts with niche product suppliers to further secure Ashtead's position as a leading provider of state-of-the-art subsea equipment on both a sale and rental basis.

Speaking from OTC Houston, Ashtead Technology's commercial director, Tim Sheehan, said: "With the new technology and increased reliability, the demand for miniROVs for inspection and monitoring is on the increase. We aim to supply clients with the most reliable and up to date equipment and this agreement with SeaBotix reinforces our position at the forefront of the market, offering our customers the very latest technology on a sale or rental basis."

Alasdair Murrie, vice president of sales at SeaBotix, which is exhibiting at OTC, added: "The entire SeaBotix team is really excited about this partnership and its potential. Both SeaBotix and Ashtead have experienced fantastic growth recently due to quality of product and a focus on service excellence. In partnership we will pursue our common goal of a global presence supported locally, thus providing SeaBotix customers with the best possible equipment, service and training support."

Ashtead Technology's global rental fleet comprises over 10,000 items, encompassing the latest technology, including positioning, geophysical, hydrographic and metocean equipment, ROV sensors and tooling, visual inspection, diving, NDT and environmental, health and safety equipment