FET to Supply Two Light Work-class ROVs to Major Asian Navy

Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has secured a contract from Unique Group to supply two light work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to support its contract with a major Asian Navy.

Both systems will be installed onboard the navy’s new dive support vessels. The Comanche model is one of the most powerful observation-class ROVs of its size, and its lightweight construction allows for rapid set up and deployment.

The Navy selected the vehicle for its high thrust-to-drag ratio, enabling it to operate in strong currents, as well as its high payload which can achieve a minimum of 300kg.

The Sub-Atlantic Comanche ROVs are being manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, and will be delivered in the second half of this year.

This type of ROV has a 2,000m depth rating and with TMS Garage systems, is ideally suited to inspection, survey repair and subsea maintenance tasks. Ancillary tools and sensors can also be added to the vehicle for survey and light intervention work. They come equipped to a high specification with a seven-function manipulator arm for complex underwater procedures.

The ROVs being supplied to Unique Group also have precision positioning and navigation systems, cameras, and lighting and sonars for low visibility operations.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President - Subsea Vehicles, said: “We are very proud that Unique Group recognises our capabilities and reliability to support an Asian Navy with two of our Sub-Atlantic Comanche light work-class ROVs.

“FET has a strong reputation as a single source for manufacturing and delivering high-quality, robust vehicles and associated auxiliary products which are suited to underwater industry applications. As well as defence, this includes oil and gas, renewables, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia. The Comanche light work-class ROV continues to be one of our most versatile and sought-after models in the market and our in-house team are expert across the key disciplines required to ensure each vehicle is adapted to suit a campaign’s specific requirements.

“We look forward to completing these newbuilds and seeing our systems delivering the required operational resilience and performance standards expected in such a safety-critical sector.”

Dr.Sharad Kumar, Unique Group’s Business Development Director, added: “We are pleased to work with FET for our prestigious contract with an Asian Navy. Following the completion of the project, we will also provide the necessary after sales support for the client. Unique Group has a long-standing business relationship with FET and look forward to working together on future projects.”