Forum Energy Technologies unveiled the XLX-C ROV – a highly capable work-class vehicle that is more compact than the highly successful XLX model but with similar capabilities. This new ROV has been two years in development and represents a multi-million pound investment by Forum. Subsea 7 will be the first to use the XLX-C, having placed an order for six vehicles.

The XLX-C ROV is the latest evolution in Forum’s XL series of underwater vehicles renowned for their performance and reliability. With a compact frame, the XLX-C has a generous payload, rationalized hydraulic systems and features a simplified electrical sub-system.

Graham Adair, vice-president sales and marketing (photo) at Forum said: “The XLX-C is truly a best-in-class system. Operator safety and environmental impact were fundamental drivers during the design process.

“The XLX-C is more compact so it takes up less deck space on-board a vessel. The hydraulic systems and electrical sub-systems have been rationalized while functionality and reliability have increased. We are very pleased that the XLX-C is having its world premiere at Subsea Expo where we hope to secure several more orders for this system.”

Manufactured at Forum’s Kirbymoorside facility, the first of the six XLX-C ROVs ordered by Subsea 7 will be delivered in March.

Forum has the world’s most comprehensive range of remotely operated vehicles used for inspection, survey, intervention and deep water construction. From electric observation ROVs to large, hydraulic work-class vehicles, Forum manufactures the most well-known brands in the industry: Perry and Sub-Atlantic.

A global oilfield products company, Forum Energy Technologies serves the subsea, drilling, completion, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry with highly engineered capital equipment and products.