Science & Technology

The Atom light Work ROV manufactured by SMD, UK is unique in the market place. Embodying SMD’s no nonsense robust approach to WROVs, Atom is similar in size to a large electric ROV, packing features normally found in much larger Work Class systems. It is capable of utilising full size manipulators including a Titan 4 and equipped with a suite of instruments giving it advanced ROV dynamic positioning system. It is ultra tough and constructed from materials to withstand an arduous operational life. Its powerful hydraulic propulsion system gives it class leading in current performance and the ability to work in high currents. The same power train can also be used for demanding power hungry tooling applications. Reliability and ease of maintenance is also high on the agenda. Atom’s Curvetech components are designed to last but should maintenance be required, all are easily accessible with many mounted on quick release brackets for fast change out. Atom’s capabilities are unmatched in this sector and for its size it packs a mighty punch.

Brazil based Sistac have taken delivery of a 100hp 2000m rated Atom system. The ROV system will be mobilised during the fourth quarter of this year and will be used initially for survey and inspection duties and provide Sistac with the capability to expand services in the future as a fully integrated tooling platform. The system is suitable for drill support, IRM, survey and construction duties, especially vessels and rigs with limited deck space. Sistac require the latest technology on their ROVs to provide the market with efficient and high performance operations. Their vehicle has been supplied with SMD’s Dynamic Positioning Control System DVECS-S, the most advanced DP system on the market. The DVECS-S is mated to a Multi-Beam Imaging Sonar and other acoustic sensors to allow a choice of object relative positioning.

“We are delighted to have delivered a new Atom to Sistac,” said Michael Atkinson, SMD’s Sales Manager. “Sistac are a new customer for SMD, and although we have had many systems operating in Brazil for a number of years, this is the first contract award from a Brazilian customer. We have also received very good feedback from operators using the Atom which has proven to be a reliable, robust and flexible work platform. ”

Sistac were established in 1995 primarily offering Diving Services and innovative Rope Access services to the industry adding ROVs to its portfolio in 2007. Sistac now have circa 500 employees with operational bases in Itaboria and Macae. The Atom will be installed on Sistac’s new vessel Sistac Vitória.

SMD is one of the world’s leading subsea engineering companies designing and manufacturing Work Class ROVs, trenching systems, and subsea mining machines. They have a worldwide customer base operating in oil and gas, telecoms, mining, salvage, renewables, defence and scientific markets, and offices in the UK, USA, Singapore and Brazil.