NEWS
FET to Supply ROV to UK Ministry of Defence’s Salvage Experts
HOUSTON, TX — October 30, 2024 — Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) today announced that its subsea division secured a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence’s highly specialised Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) unit, to supply a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
ROVs are large adaptable underwater robots with mechanical arms – of similar dexterity to human arms – designed to carry out a variety of tasks, both through the water column and on the seabed. They can also be fitted with a large range of sensors and tools for specific tasks.
The ROV earmarked for SALMO will complement and increase the UK’s existing marine defence salvage and emergency response capabilities. It will be used for a variety of in-water tasks including wreck surveys and salvage response, and can be deployed from various vessels.
The FET ROV system, acquired following a voluntary transparency notice issued this July, is being manufactured at the company’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. It will be delivered in 2025 with sea trials carried out in the UK.
The contract also includes a two-year support solution, spares package, vessel integration and sea trials support, a training package and the potential for upgrades and additions.
A previously supplied FET ROV was deployed by SALMO in January 2024 to successfully recover the bell of USS Jacob Jones from the depths near the Isles of Scilly after 107 years. The first US Navy destroyer to be sunk during wartime, the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1917 whilst returning to home port after successfully escorting a convoy to Brest. Sixty-six crew members were lost in the attack.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President Operations – Subsea, said: “We are extremely pleased that FET has been selected again by SALMO for an additional ROV system. This is one of the most versatile systems on the market and has the capabilities required for the tasks that it will undertake for the SALMO team. We look forward to delivering the solution on time next year.”
Andy Liddell, Head of SALMO, said: “A momentous amount of work has gone into preparing what has been a complex contract in a very short time. The project team have pulled together and demonstrated a holistic and agile route to procurement. It was a great feeling to sign the contract and move us into the next stage.”
FET has previously supplied ROVs and submarine rescue vehicles to major navies around the world and has also built emergency life support store (ELSS) pods for the Hellenic Navy. Its products are suited across underwater industry applications, including defence, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.
FET Secures ROV Supply Contract for Ocean Research Facility
(Credit: FET)
The Mohican ROV system will be put to service to document sea floor communities and species of interest at various depths up to a rating of 2,000 meters.
Anticipated areas of focus will include proposed and established marine protection areas as well as other biologically significant locations of interest in the marine environment on the continental shelf.
The ROV will be used to support ongoing research related to marine conservation targets in high currents and areas of steep bottom topography. The vehicle is designed to carry a payload skid for navigation and sensors, as well as being capable of manipulation and intervention.
“This contract further highlights the Mohican ROV’s capabilities for scientific research projects. We have always had 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,” said Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – KMS and Subsea Robotics.
The ROV will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire.
The agreement comes shortly after FET provided an ROV to the Memorial University of Newfoundland for similar purposes.
18 April 2023
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.
READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT CLICK HERE
Forum Subsea Vehicles encompasses two of the best known brands in the design and build of remote intervention vehicles, namely Perry and Sub-Atlantic. The vehicles business offers the subsea industry an extensive range of remotely operated vehicles from inspection, survey through to deep water construction.
Perry has a wealth of experience in the design, manufacture, testing / commissioning and operation of submersible vehicles. Since 1974, the company has produced over 450 manned and unmanned systems including rescue submersibles and ROVs with special purpose tooling. The latest Nato submarine, which completed extensive sea trials in 2008, is on constant standby for rescue operation in any part of the world and is specifically packaged for rapid deployment by air transport with all other surface elements of NSRS. The rescue system has a normal operating depth which exceeds the survival depth of many full size submarines
Sub-Atlantic has a long history of supplying ROV systems to the military market, ranging from small observation to light work class vehicles.
These may be deployed on a range of tasks including diver support, seabed survey, mine-countermeasures, port security, intruder detection, under hull search, munitions recovery, submarine rescue and a variety of other survey/search /recovery tasks. Our advanced control system, SubCAN allows for precise auto positioning, preprogrammed manoeuvres and ‘hands free’ station keeping in situations of strong and changing currents whilst also providing real time monitoring / feedback of sensors and components.
With a proven track record in the defense market, Perry Systems and Sub-Atlantic are proud to be the manufacturers of choice by many of the world’s military and naval forces, and they will continue to develop cutting edge technology which will keep them in the forefront of the subsea industry.
Whatever the mission, Forum subsea vehicles have a solution.
22 June 2022
FET completes sea trials of submarine rescue vehicle for Vietnam
FET’s submarine rescue vehicle (SRV)
Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has completed sea trials of an advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) ahead of its deployment with the Vietnamese Navy.
Trials tested the SRV’s ability to perform various operations, including deep dives, navigation, and mating with a target. Nine FET personnel assisted in-country commissioning, and testing took two months to complete.
The sea trials followed a commissioning period, and factory acceptance tests took place at FET’s test tank in the UK.
The SRV is divided into two sections: a pilot command module and a rescue chamber. The SRV can rescue 17 people at a time and operate at depths up to 600m. It can attach to submarines at angles over 40 degrees.
Shephard’s Defence Insight lists the Vietnamese Navy as operating six Russian-supplied improved Kilo class submarines.
8 June 2022
Forum Energy Technologies delivers work-class ROVs to Oceanica
HOUSTON – Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has delivered two work-class ROVs to Brazilian marine engineering company Oceanica Engenharia e Consultoria Limitada (Oceanica) to support its deepwater intervention operations.
FET says it supplied two Perry XLX-C work-class ROV systems to Oceanica. The systems were manufactured at FET’s U.K. facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, and delivered in the first half of 2022.
The systems were supplied with active heave compensated Dynacon launch and recovery systems as well as associated surface power and control installations.
FET says the ROV systems will be utilized by Oceanica to support inspection, repair and maintenance services in Petrobras’ oil fields.
February 2021
Forum Builds Advanced Submarine Rescue Vehicle
Please see below LinkedIn post – with video/animation
See below links for news coverage:-
- Energy Northern Perspective – https://energynorthern.com/2021/01/26/forum-manufactures-technologically-advanced-submarine-rescue-vehicle/
- MarineLink – https://www.marinelink.com/news/forum-builds-advanced-submarine-rescue-484812
- Ocean News and Technology – https://www.oceannews.com/news/defense/forum-manufactures-technologically-advanced-submarine-rescue-vehicle
7/1/19
Forum Unveils New eROV
(Photo: Forum Subsea Technologies)
Forum Subsea Technologies’ recently launched XLe Spirit is the first observation-class electric remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to utilize Forum’s Integrated Control Engine (ICE) to bring greater functionality commonly only found in larger work-class vehicles.
According to the manufacturer, the advanced control electronics pod fitted to all Forum XLe observation class vehicles enables superior connectivity and expansion capabilities. Ethernet interfacing allows for seamless integration with other industry sensors using common IP architecture and ease of remote data transfer.
Kevin Taylor, Forum VP of Subsea, said, “As the subsea market continues to recover from a sustained downturn, cost efficiency is high on the agenda for the industry. Forum recognized the opportunity to apply our leading software to a more compact vehicle to enhance capabilities and meet the changing demands of the sector.
“By utilizing the same system across all vehicles, pilots only have one interface to learn as the skills are transferrable between the smallest observation vehicle and the largest trenchers,” he said. “This means training can concentrate on operational tasks opposed to control systems, providing further efficiencies.”
The XLe Spirit incorporates a number of features to maximize its stability for use as a sensor platform, including regulated propulsion power, optimized thruster orientation and location, accurate thruster speed control and a wide range of auto-functions for positioning and flying, Forum said.
The XLe Spirit has just completed a 12-week test program at Forum’s test tank in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire. It will be sent for sea trials in the first quarter of 2019.
15/6/16
Forum unveils third UK offshore test facility
ABERDEEN, UK – Forum Energy Technologies (UK) has opened a deepwater indoor test facility, dedicated to testing subsea tooling, survey sensors, and ROVs.This and the company’s calibration laboratory are designed to provide full control, certification and faster turnaround in preparing Forum’s rental inventory for hire.The fresh water tank, measuring 5 x 6 x 4.5 m (16.4 x 19.7 x 14.8 ft), is equipped with an overhead 10-ton crane, lighting, cameras, and a viewing platform.Valeport has accredited the laboratory as conforming to traceable procedures for recalibration of the company’s conductivity, temperature, density, and sound velocity sensors for installation on current meters, tide gauges, wave recorders, and loggers.In addition, Forum claims to operate one of Europe’s largest hyperbaric testing vessels at Moffat, northeast England, measuring 9.7 m (31.8 ft) long and 2.4 m (7.8 ft) in diameter. It is rated to 241 bar (3,495 psi) and 2,400 m (7,874 ft) depth.
To the south in Yorkshire, the company’s ROV manufacturing facility has a dedicated system integration test facility. This includes an 11 x 9 x 6-m (36 x 29.5 x 19.7-ft) tank which is capable of fully submerging and flying multiple ROV systems or complete trenchers.
Deepwater test tank facility in Aberdeen. (Photo courtesy Forum Energy Technologies)
21/01/2014
Forum Energy Technologies Announces Contract for Seven Remotely Operated Vehicles from DOF Subsea AS
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. FET +0.16% today announced that it has received an order from DOF Subsea AS, Bergen, Norway to supply seven Perry™ XLX 200HP work-class remote operated vehicle (ROV) systems, including five Dynacon Launch and Recovery systems (LARs). The ROV systems will be delivered during the first and second quarters of this year.
“Forum is very pleased to have been awarded this contract from DOF Subsea AS,” said Bill Boyle, Forum Subsea Technologies’ Senior Vice President. “This is a significant order and a testament to our long standing working relationship with DOF Subsea. We are delighted to supply these Perry™ XLX Heavy Duty work-class ROV systems to DOF Subsea, a leading survey; inspection, maintenance, and repair; and, subsea construction service provider.”
Forum Subsea’s remote intervention product offerings include an industry leading range of ROVs; tether management systems; LARS; a wide portfolio of ROV tools; simulation and mission management software; and, engineering and project management. Additionally, Forum’s remote intervention support is provided via workshops in Asia, Europe, USA and Brazil. “Our office in Rio de Janeiro and workshop facility in Macae are recent additions to Forum’s regional network and part of our strategy for growth in Brazil. This expansion will assist DOF and other established and new customers in this key deepwater region,” added Boyle.
Forum Energy Technologies is a global oilfield products company, serving the subsea, drilling, completion, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry.The Company’s products include highly engineered capital equipment as well as products that are consumed in the drilling, well construction, production and transportation of oil and natural gas. With over 3,500 employees, Forum is headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe.For more information, please visit www.f-e-t.com .
SOURCE: Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. Investor Contact Mark Traylor, 281.368.1108Vice President, Investor Relations & Planning mark.traylor@f-e-t.com or Media Contact Donna Smith, 281.949.2514Director, Marketing & Communications donna.smith@f-e-t.com