London, UK, March 12, 2024: Forum Energy Technologies’ (FET) today announced that its Subsea Technologies product line executed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with an underwater inspections provider, SAFEEN Survey & Subsea Services (SAFEEN), to collaborate on the development of cutting-edge electric thrusters for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

A signing ceremony took place at the Oceanology International trade event in London, UK as FET launched its updated 300Vdc and 600Vdc range of direct current thrusters.

Under the Sub-Atlantic brand, FET has been a pioneer in the thruster market for over 20 years. The recently launched 600Vdc ROV thruster option for all observation and light work class thrusters is equivalent to the well proven SA-300 hydraulic thruster.

As part of the SAFEEN MOU agreement, the thrusters will be subject to extensive cycle testing to fully validate functionality, durability and integration capabilities with existing ROV systems. Testing will also ensure smooth deployment and operation.

The collaboration will enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the United Arab Emirates headquartered company’s underwater services capabilities. The thrusters will be tailored specifically to the requirements of SAFEEN’s submersibles, delivering an optimal solution to the challenging marine operations in which it operates.

The development of the thrusters will be overseen by experts from both FET and SAFEEN, driving collaboration through effective communication and coordination of project activities.

Kevin Taylor, FET Vice President – KMS and Subsea Robotics, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Safeen on this groundbreaking industry initiative. Our shared commitment to excellence is complementary to our ongoing innovation goals and will drive the advancement of electric thrusters, redefining industry standards to ensure safety and efficiency during offshore operations.

“At FET we are at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development for our subsea technology. With our latest thrusters being launched alongside the signing of this MOU, we look forward to furthering our offering to the offshore and energy industries.”

Tareq Al Marzooqi, SAFEEN CEO, said: “This MOU represents a significant step forward in advancing underwater technology. By combining our expertise in marine exploration with FET’s cutting-edge engineering capabilities, we aim to revolutionise ROV propulsion systems.”

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Issued on behalf of Forum Energy Technologies by BIG Partnership. For more information, please contact Ben Palmer on [email protected] or +44 (0)7715 107556.

 

Notes to Editors:

 

FET (Forum Energy Technologies) is a global company, serving the oil, natural gas, industrial, and renewable energy industries. FET provides value-added solutions that increase the safety and efficiency of energy exploration and production. We are an environmentally and socially responsible company headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing, distribution, and service facilities strategically located throughout the world.

For more information, please visit www.f-e-t.com

About SAFEEN Survey & Subsea Services: SAFEEN Survey & Subsea Services is a leading provider of underwater surveying, inspection, and exploration services. With a strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, Safeen delivers innovative solutions to clients worldwide. SAFEEN Survey & Subsea Services is a dynamic joint venture between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and NMDC Group.

For more information, please visit https://www.safeen.ae/, https://www.adports.ae/, and https://www.nmdc-group.com/en/

System will enable JAMSTEC to explore ‘mysteries of the deep sea’

Forum Energy Technologies (FET), a global leader in subsea robotics, has signed a contract to supply a state-of-the-art Comanche remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).

The contract, undertaken with support from FET’s Japanese representatives, Kyokuto Boeki Kaisha (KBK), signifies a milestone in the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to support deep-sea exploration and research.

The Comanche ROV is renowned for its advanced capabilities in underwater exploration, research, and inspection, making it an ideal choice for JAMSTEC’s demanding scientific missions. The ROV is expected to be used in extremely cold sea temperatures in the high Arctic on research operations.

Kevin Taylor, FET Vice President – Subsea Vehicles, said: “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, industry applications include oil and gas, renewables, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia. This contract demonstrates the value our vehicles can also offer to scientific research projects.

“We are very proud that JAMSTEC recognises our capabilities and reliability. I am looking forward to seeing our system provide the required operational resilience and performance standards expected in such an important sector. The Comanche ROV’s capabilities will play a pivotal role in enabling JAMSTEC’s scientific endeavours, contributing to a deeper understanding of our oceans and their significance to the global environment.”

The Comanche ROV is equipped with advanced sensors, high-definition cameras, and versatile tooling options, enabling it to perform a wide range of tasks in extreme underwater environments. Its modular design ensures adaptability for various scientific research and marine exploration applications, including the study of deep-sea ecosystems, geology, and the collection of valuable geological samples from the ocean floor. A Garage Tether Management System, and a full Launch & Recovery System are also included as part of the package.

Key Features of the Comanche ROV include:

• Advanced Manoeuvrability: Comanche boasts exceptional manoeuvrability, allowing for precise navigation and data collection even in complex and challenging underwater terrains.
• High-Resolution Imaging: Equipped with advanced imaging systems, the ROV will enable JAMSTEC scientists to capture high-resolution images and videos of deep-sea ecosystems and geological formations.
• Enhanced Data Collection: Comanche’s robust suite of sensors and sampling tools will enable JAMSTEC researchers to gather critical data on ocean chemistry, biology, and geology.
• Deep Exploration Capability: With its depth rating of up to 3,000 meters, Comanche can access and explore some of the most remote and extreme underwater environments on the planet.

The ROV will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, and delivered to Japan in 2025.

JAMSTEC, a world-renowned organization dedicated to the advancement of marine science and technology, has a long history of conducting ground-breaking research in the field of oceanography and marine geology. The acquisition of the Comanche ROV will further enhance JAMSTEC’s ability to explore the mysteries of the deep sea, contributing to the global understanding of our oceans and their crucial role in Earth’s ecosystems.

FET’s commitment to innovation and excellence in subsea technology aligns with JAMSTEC’s mission to advance marine science and technology. The collaboration between two leaders in their respective fields promises to drive forward knowledge of the oceans and their vital role in the planet’s health.

Kevin Taylor added: “This contract underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions to support marine research and exploration worldwide. It also reaffirms our position as a trusted partner for organizations dedicated to the advancement of ocean science.

“We are grateful to KBK for their support in securing this exciting contract.”

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Additional notes :

About Forum Energy Technologies

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. 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. 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

 

About JAMSTEC:

The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) is a leading research organization dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the marine and earth environments. With a commitment to scientific excellence, JAMSTEC conducts pioneering research to advance our understanding of the world’s oceans and their impact on our planet.

For more information, please visit https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/

HOUSTON, TX — November 9, 2023 — The subsea product line of Forum Energy Technologies (NYSE:FET) has secured a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) team to supply a work class remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

The system has been acquired by SALMO following an Urgent Capability Requirement (UCR) from its customer, which was announced in May. The ROV will complement and increase the existing UK Defence salvage capabilities managed by SALMO and will be used to support salvage and wreck surveys.

The XLX-C Work class ROV was manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, and will be delivered this year.

The contract includes a two-year support solution, warranty and spares package, vessel integration and sea trials support, a training package and the potential for upgrades and additions.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President Operations – Subsea, said: “We are extremely pleased that our XLX-C ROV has been chosen to support the SALMO team’s customer. The ROV is one of the most versatile models 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 system on time later this year.”

Kristin Pearson, SALMO Project Manager, 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 Asian navies and built emergency life support store (ELSS) pods for the Hellenic Navy. Its products are suited across the underwater industry applications, including in defence, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.

ENDS

FET (Forum Energy Technologies) is a global company, serving the oil, natural gas, industrial and renewable energy industries. FET provides value added solutions that increase the safety and efficiency of energy exploration and production. We are an environmentally and socially responsible company headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing, distribution and service facilities strategically located throughout the world.

For more information, please visit www.f-e-t.com

First phase of new expansion to include proprietary torque tools and associated accessories to meet changing needs of the industry

Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has introduced a new tooling rental offering for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in response to the changing demands of the subsea sector.

With increasing ROV asset investment across hydrocarbon and offshore renewable energy, as well as defence sectors, FET’s new rental offering is designed to address the need for readily available tooling equipment in the development, operation, and maintenance of upcoming offshore projects.

Available immediately for rental are torque tools, linear actuator override tools (LAOTs), isolated hydraulic power units (IHPUs), and associated accessories.

The fleet of tooling will initially be manufactured and managed at FET’s UK facility in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. FET, which already has an existing rental fleet in Brazil, will also expand the availability of equipment to Europe, Asia and elsewhere in the Americas.

FET will continue to design and manufacture and sell its established line of standard tooling and reconfirms its commitment to also developing new and customisable tooling products specific to client needs.

James Foster-Rain, Subsea Tooling Manager, at FET said: “With this latest business investment and development, we are excited to offer a comprehensive range of high-quality subsea tooling specifically to meet the demands and needs of subsea operations.

“Our robust experience in the market lends itself to understanding and devising industry advancements and, with our team of experts, we are well placed to introduce significant benefits and savings. At FET, we provide the latest technologies to aid clients in their projects, and play our part in creating a more sustainable and secure energy future.”

As a global expert for manufacturing quality subsea equipment, FET’s product enhancement builds on its existing position as a provider of smart solutions. In April, FET supplied two light work-class ROVs to a major Asian Navy, while another four have been delivered to DOF Subsea this year.

FET’s KMS and Aberdeen offices will service the UK and European markets, its US offices for North American inquiries, and its Singapore office for pricing, deliveries or to schedule a more detailed discussion of the available offering in the Asia-Pacific region.

For clients in Brazil, local partner UnderOcean will provide rental service and support.

 

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FET (Forum Energy Technologies) is a global company, serving the oil, natural gas, industrial and renewable energy industries. FET provides value added solutions that increase the safety and efficiency of energy exploration and production. We are an environmentally and socially responsible company headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing, distribution and service facilities strategically located throughout the world.

For more information, please visit www.f-e-t.com

Aberdeen, UK – August 2023 – Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has appointed UnderOcean Servicos Maritimos (UnderOcean) to represent its Subsea operations in Brazil.

The partnership will see UnderOcean provide business development and engineering support on behalf of FET’s Subsea Technologies product line in Brazil. Headquartered in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, UnderOcean will deliver service, repair, calibration, upgrades, and modifications for FET’s remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), associated tooling and Dynacon Launch & Recovery Systems..

With more than 20 years’ experience in the offshore industry, UnderOcean provides skilled personnel to the global offshore & subsea construction industry, including the oil and gas, windfarm and academic sectors. It also supplies simulator training, scenario development and has a key focus on delivering highly competent, skilled technicians who operate with the highest levels of safety and respect for the environment.

Kevin Taylor, Vice President – Operations, Subsea Technologies said: “As part of the ambitious strategy to increase our presence in Brazil, it was important that we appoint an in-country agent to support the strong demand for our products.

“FET is well known in the marketplace for its quality of service, and it is vital that we work with partners that can consistently meet this high standard. In UnderOcean, we have a reputable organisation with a renowned team that can complement our existing framework across the academic, survey and energy markets.

“This agreement will ensure that our clients in Brazil receive the same streamlined and reliable support they are accustomed to from our teams around the globe.”

Andre Valente, UnderOcean Managing Director said: “We are extremely excited by this partnership and certain that our customers in Brazil will appreciate the respect and the quality of the service that will be delivered.”

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Issued on behalf of Forum Energy Technologies by BIG Partnership. For more information, please contact Ben Palmer on [email protected] or +44 (0)7715 107556.

 

Notes to Editors:

 

FET (Forum Energy Technologies) is a global company, serving the oil, natural gas, industrial, and renewable energy industries. FET provides value-added solutions that increase the safety and efficiency of energy exploration and production. We are an environmentally and socially responsible company headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing, distribution, and service facilities strategically located throughout the world.

For more information, please visit www.f-e-t.com

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.”

ENDS

Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has secured a significant order from DOF Subsea to deliver four of its advanced work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The ROV order comprises of two 200HP XLX-C’s, which have recently been delivered and successfully mobilised in late 2022, as well as two 200HP XLX Evo II’s to be delivered in Q2, 2023. The XLX Evo II’s hydraulic systems have been redesigned in line with this contract and now share a vastly increased quantity of common component parts with the XLX-C’s, providing a customer benefit for spares commonality and subsequent availability.

All vehicles are being manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire.

Mark Ainsworth, FET’s DOF account manager said: “This latest order from DOF Subsea further strengthens our position as a leading provider of high quality, adaptable ROVs for the global subsea market.

“The four new ROVs, which now share so many common systems and components with one another, will bring a mix of smaller footprint benefits via the XLX-C as well as larger platform payload and stability advantages via the XLX Evo II, depending on the task at hand.

“We’re pleased to be able to continue to support DOF Subsea and their extensive range of Perry work class ROVs with these latest additions and look forward to further developing their capabilities in conjunction with the team at DOF over the coming months and years.”

Ingve Osberg, SVP Remote Systems at DOF Subsea added: “We have more than 20 years’ experience working with FET people and equipment and rely on the quality of the deliverables, reliability of the equipment and the high level of support focus that this long-standing relationship brings us as a key customer.”

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Next generation subsea survey software advances capability and user experience

Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has announced the release of its latest generation of video recording solutions for the survey and inspection of subsea assets.

Version 11 (V11) of VisualDVR, a digital video recorder produced by FET’s VisualSoft product line, marks a major step forward for the technology’s capability and user experience. VisualSoft was originally launched in the early 2000s and has continued to be at the cutting-edge of developments in the technology.

In common with its predecessors, VisualDVR (V11) is a multi-channel, rack mountable digital video system designed for use on remote operating vehicles (ROVs), supporting activities in the energy, defence and ocean science sectors.

The system can record up to four channels of HD video and is equipped with a host of tools and complementary applications to support real time documentation of the video images with data from subsea sensors and inspection personnel.

As part of the update, V11’s user interface which has been completely modernised. Configuration of recording quality, data paths, input and output profiles can be accessed easily, and channels can be developed in a simple step-by-step process. There are also new tools to flag potential setting conflicts while improvements have been made to allow video overlay set up to be simpler.

Andy McAra, FET’s product director, said: “We are very excited about demonstrating the capabilities of our new VisualDVR system to our existing and future customers. Our team has worked tirelessly to select the most robust and capable hardware and to ensure our new software solution meets the complex and changing demands of the subsea industry.

“Our technology takes into consideration the challenges we may face in supply chain, and we believe any necessary changes to our hardware architecture will be more easily implemented than with our legacy system.

“The flexibility offered in terms of input and output options and encoding formats provided will undoubtably make VisualDVR more compatible with our customers’ camera and client configurations. The system is also well equipped to be integrated into remote operational scenarios and we shall be working on additional tools in the coming months to provide further options to our clients.”

The new system is also supported by new hardware architecture. A proficient motherboard and high-end graphics card have been chosen alongside a leading-edge multi-channel video encoder card that has been selected for optimum performance and reliability.

FET’s technology now has the capability to record four channels of HD Video at 1080p / 60fps from HD-SDI sources. As with the legacy VisualDVR system, files are encoded using H.264 format. A new higher compression option, H.265, is now included.

Each channel can output HD-SDI video complete with video overlay. In addition to this, VisualDVR can now stream each channel of overlayed video over a network using UDP. A free network player will be available to allow these video streams to be easily viewed.

According to VisualSoft, it is expected that subsequent releases in the coming months will include a capability to stream video using an alternative protocol and also to output an HD-SDI signal using H.265. Testing of these options is currently ongoing while the ability to accept video from IP camera sources is in the test pipeline.

As a global expert for manufacturing quality subsea equipment, FET’s product enhancement builds on its existing position as a provider of smart solutions.

ENDS

Aberdeen, UK : Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has delivered three of its 200HP Perry XLX-C work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to Brazili-based OceanPact.

The systems, which were manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, will be deployed across two of OceanPact’s vessels to support inspection, repair and maintenance services for the state-owned oil company’s oilfields (Petrobras).

The 3,000m depth rated compact 200HP XLX-C delivers the high performance of a work-class vehicle in a smaller form. The vehicles benefit from an impressive high flow auxiliary hydraulic circuit combined with a high payload capacity to carry additional tools and sensors.

Each XLX-C was supplied with an underslung tooling skid for additional tooling and options fitment, complementing the vehicles high performance. A comprehensive supplementary tooling package including torque tools, verification units and fluid injection systems was also provided.

The ROVs were supplied with active heave compensated Dynacon launch and recovery systems (LARS), as well as associated surface power and control installations.

As part of the scope, FET has also supplied a VMAX ROV Simulator configured with a complete XLX-C Console. The simulator is provided with a host of training exercises or ‘scenarios’, each designed to train and evaluate pilot competence in a variety of skills such as tether management, manipulator control and operation of tooling.

VMAX can also offer bespoke scenario builds for training and engineering analysis purposes. Using VMAX as a pre-operation or pre-fabrication tool has proven to be a valuable way to verify equipment design, de-risk operations and ultimately save time and money.

Simone Pizzolato, FET’s commercial manager, said: “We continue to see a high demand for our latest generation of XLX-C vehicles as our customers realise the benefits of its enhanced performance within a more compact form. The business has an unrivalled history of producing the most technologically advanced vehicles to the market and we’re pleased to have been chosen by OceanPact to deliver their first work-class ROV fleet at such a pivotal time as it expands its subsea operations.”

ENDS

Aberdeen, UK – June 2022 – Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has successfully completed sea trials for its highly advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) ahead of its deployment for an Asia Pacific-based navy.

The sea trials tested the SRV’s capabilities to perform a variety of demanding operations, including deep dives, navigation, and mating with a target. In country commissioning and testing took two months to complete with nine FET personnel assisting throughout the trial.

Working closely with the navy and Lloyd’s Register (LR), the sea trials followed an extensive commissioning period and factory acceptance test, which took place at FET’s test tank in Kirbymoorside, Yorkshire, UK. LR offered third party verification and supervised every part of the sea trials.

The SRV is divided into two sections, a command module for pilots and a rescue chamber for the rescue chamber operator and people being rescued. Built to meet the most up-to-date industry standards, it is capable of rescuing up to 17 people at a time and operate at depths of up to 600m.

The new model has increased power and an advanced auxiliary thruster control system that allows for speeds approaching four knots, enabling it to operate in high currents. The vehicle is able to attach to submarines at highly precarious angles that are above 40 degrees.

This world-class SRV joins a small group of rescue systems in use around the globe and is designed to extract submariners from distress situations using the most cutting-edge technologies. It has been designed with safety in mind, boasting easily removable panels to assist with maintenance operations and ensure the safety of people.

The state-of-the-art also has some of the most advanced sensors and sonars to locate a distressed submarine as quickly as possible, including a doppler velocity log, fiber optic gyroscope, sonar, and depth sensing. All sensors and sonar systems are fully embedded into FET’s software to deliver advanced functionality, including automatic depth, heading and piloting capabilities.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – Subsea Vehicles, commented: “The SRV’s successful sea trials marks another accomplishment for the company as we continue to bring the latest technology to the industry. The vehicle is highly reliable and its capabilities make it ideally suited to a wide range of operations in the defence market and the Lloyd’s Register stamp of approval will assure clients that the SRV performs to the highest possible standards.

“This is a huge achievement for the business and a testament to our highly experienced engineering, QHSE, purchasing, planning and production teams. I would like to commend my colleagues for persevering in the face of challenges brought on by the Covid pandemic and the logistical complications of managing an international project at this difficult time.”

The scope of the contract also included FET’s experts providing training for navy pilots as part of a comprehensive programme, which encompassed theoretical training, maintenance, and practical aspects such as diving and recovery.

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