Forum Subsea Technologies has introduced an electric remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to drive cost efficiencies for the subsea sector.
The recently launched XLe Spirit is the first observation-class ROV to utilize Forum’s Integrated Control Engine (ICE) to bring greater functionality.
The advanced control electronics pod fitted to all Forum XLe observation class vehicles enables superior connectivity and expansion capabilities, and the ethernet interfacing allows for seamless integration with other industry sensors using common IP architecture and ease of remote data transfer, the company explained.
Kevin Taylor 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. This means training can concentrate on operational tasks opposed to control systems, providing further efficiencies.”
The XLe Spirit has just completed a twelve-week test programme at Forum’s test tank in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire. It will be sent for sea trials in the first quarter of 2019.