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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Aberdeen, UK – June 2022 – Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has delivered two work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) sales to Brazilian marine engineering company Oc to support its deepwater intervention operations and strengthen its offering to the energy sector.

The systems were manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire and delivered in the first half of 2022.

FET supplied two Perry XLX-C work-class ROV systems, both designed to deliver high performance in challenging subsea environments adding fresh capability to the Oceanica fleet.

The 3,000m rated compact 200HP XLX-C delivers high performance in a small form factor. The systems were supplied with active heave compensated Dynacon launch and recovery systems, as well as associated surface power and control installations.

FET has increased the power available on the ROV to suit the current specifications required by Oceanica and its prospective clients. It boasts an impressive high pressure auxiliary hydraulic circuit, paired with a high payload capacity to carry additional tools and sensors.

The ROV systems will be utilised by Oceanica to support inspection, repair, and maintenance services in Petrobras’ oilfields.

These new orders follow the successful integration of a Perry XLX delivered to Oceanica in 2020. This marked the first time Rio De Janeiro based company added a work-class ROV to its fleet in its 40-year history.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s vice president – subsea vehicles, said: “We are very pleased that Oceanica has returned to purchase an additional two work-class ROVs from FET to increase their fleet following the successful sea trails of the initial XLX asset for a Petrobras project.

“These work-class ROVs are ideally suited to the deep and ultra-deep waters found along offshore Brazil and can provide the required operational resilience, reliability, and performance standards expected in such a safety-critical sector.

“I’m also very proud that our team’s flexibility has ensured the sea trials could progress despite obstacles presented by global coronavirus restrictions. We have continued to strengthen our footprint in Brazil and this second contract with Oceanica is a testament to our high-quality equipment and skilled personnel.”

Andre Juca de Melo, Oceanica’s Director said: “For the past 40 years, Oceanica has been a leading provider of subsea construction, inspection, and maintenance services in Brazil. Transitioning into deeper waters is a natural development to us. Our first experience with Perry ROVs has proven successful so we continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment in our pursuit to become the main subsea contractor in Brazil”.

FET is known globally for manufacturing high quality, robust ROVs and associated auxiliary products for a number of industries ranging from oil and gas to renewables, defence, mining, and telecommunications.

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Aberdeen, UK – August 30^th, 2021 – Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FET) today announced that it has delivered two of its emergency life support store (ELSS) pods to the Hellenic Navy. The contract, which marks FET’s first supply to Greece’s naval force, will see the business manufacture the two pods at its facility in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, UK.

ELSS pods are pressure-tight storage vessels used by naval units as part of a submarine rescue system. In the event of a submarine crew becoming stranded below sea, FET’s ELSS pods are able to deliver life-preserving materials such as medical equipment and supplies to the crew until a full rescue can be deployed.

FET has a successful track record of supplying equipment and vehicles to the global defence market, most recently delivering its highly advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV). The vehicle was built to meet the most up-to-date industry standards and is classed by Lloyds Register.

The company’s ELSS pods are designed to be nominally 10kg negatively buoyant in seawater, which enables them to be delivered to the distressed submarine by a swimmer, an atmospheric diving suit (ADS), a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or the rescue submersible itself.

Comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel with a removable end cap, the pods are manufactured from aluminium and coated with yellow Xylan. This delivers a resilient solution for deck handling and deployment, even in harsh environments.

The removable end cap, which is constructed from aluminium alloy and fitted with a stainless-steel lifting handle, also features a pressure equalizing valve to ensure the cylinder is not under or over-pressurized before being opened.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – Subsea Vehicles said: “Submarine rescue operations are complex, safety-critical missions with the safety and wellbeing of those onboard the distressed vessel always of the highest importance. The innovative design of the pods allows them to be utilised across a wide range of missions.

“FET has supported military organisations and naval forces for more than 45 years and we have a strong understanding of the industry’s needs. Our ELSS pods are manufactured to meet the strict efficiency and reliability specifications required for crucial rescue operations. We are proud to be delivering this leading technology directly to the Hellenic Navy.”

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Issued on behalf of Forum Energy Technologies by Gillian George. For more information, please contact [email protected] or +44 (0)1224 211045.

Notes to Editors:

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. is a global oilfield products company, serving the subsea, drilling, completion and, production 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. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe.

Houston, USA – August 2021 – Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) today announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide a life extension (Lext) upgrade on one of its Perry ST200 Trenchers. The Lext upgrade will be completed for a Western Hemisphere telecommunications equipment company The enhanced asset will support the installation and maintenance of subsea cables that are a vital component of an international communications network.

This project marks FET’s second life extension upgrade for an ST200 trencher and follows on from the successful sea trial of the first upgrade last year.

FET’s Lext service provides remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operators with a cost-effective solution to ageing subsea vehicles and technology obsolescence by increasing the asset’s life in some case more than a decade.

As part of the work scope, FET will completely remove all obsolete components and associated parts within the control system and replace them with the latest evolution in control system hardware and software. The upgrade benefits from over 60 years of ROV development at FET, and will provide increased reliability and improved support, while also minimizing downtime.

FET has produced more than 800 Perry and Sub-Atlantic ROV systems over the past six decades. All vehicle manufacturing is certified and compliant to ISO 9001 and 18001 to provide safety and reliability assurance.

The latest Lext upgrade is based on the newest developments in work-class ROV and trencher technology. These vehicles feature significantly enhanced performance across the full range of demanding intervention, survey and trenching tasks without compromising the outstanding reliability which the original Triton vehicles are known for.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – Subsea Vehicles, said: “We recognised the opportunity to provide a more cost-efficient solution to ageing vehicles while still delivering the high quality, robust assets that FET is renowned for. This award underlines our ongoing commitment to delivering new and innovative technological solutions to the subsea industry across the blue economy.

“This is the second life extension upgrade for this client in the last 12 months and it’s fantastic to see customers continue to recognise the reliable performance our trenchers deliver and the operational sustainability the Lext service provides.”

The upgrade will be carried out at FET’s facility in Bryan, Texas, using components manufactured at FET’s UK facility in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire. It is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of this year.

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Issued on behalf of Forum Subsea Technologies by BIG Partnership. For more information, please contact Gillian George on +44 (0)1224 211045 or [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

About Forum Subsea Technologies

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.

Aberdeen, UK – July 2021 – Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) today announced that it has secured an order from DOF Subsea to supply two of its improved 200HP Perry XLX-C work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).

The advanced ROVs will add fresh capability to the DOF Subsea fleet and can pave the way for aged asset renewals with a new and improved class of ROV.

The systems will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire and will be delivered in the second half of 2021.

The compact 200HP XLX-C delivers high performance in a small form factor, which is increasingly requested in many projects globally. These vehicles are the first of their kind to be delivered to the market boasting this footprint and capability.

FET has increased the power available on the ROV to suit the current specifications required by DOF Subsea and its prospective clients. It boasts an impressive auxiliary hydraulic circuit that is capable of meeting the most demanding of contractual requirements, paired with a high payload capacity to carry additional tools.

Mark Ainsworth, Forum Subsea Technologies customer account manager said: “We are delighted to have contracted these ROVs with DOF Subsea, adding to the vast fleet of Perry ROVs under their ownership in a deal which further strengthens our long-standing partnership.

“It is a testament to the whole FET team that we continue to win new build ROV contracts in such a challenging marketplace, and that new design initiatives such as this one are able to be driven as we continue to provide 24 hour technical support and swift critical spares provisions to a growing global portfolio.

Ingve Osberg, DOF Subsea Group Asset Manager says: “DOF Subsea decided to increase the ROV fleet with another 2 XLX-C systems, based on the performance and capabilities of these WROV’s and the innovative solutions to meet our client’s demands that FET brings to the table.

“Having a fleet majority of FET Perry ROVs allows us to maximise standardization of ROV equipment and spares for flexible use in all regions. We can also readily find qualified personnel with experience of ICE control systems, and are able to be provided with 24 hour support in all of the DOF ROV operational regions.

“We have more than 20 years’ experience working with FET people and equipment and rely on the quality of the deliverables and support that this long-standing relationship brings us as a key customer.”

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Notes to Editors:

Forum Energy Technologies

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.

DOF Subsea

The DOF Subsea Group is a specialist subsea service business that provides subsea construction, subsea engineering, inspection, repair and maintenance and survey services, which involve complex and challenging engineering in an international environment.

DOF Subsea owns a large fleet of modern subsea construction, intervention and survey vessels that enable it to offer differentiated positions with its clients and work in long term relationships, which enhance service delivery and reduce the overall risk.

The company’s core business is project management, engineering, vessel operations, survey, remote intervention and diving operations, primarily for the Oil and Gas, Marine Telecommunications and Renewables markets.

For more information, please visit http://www.dof.no/

Aberdeen, UK – March 2021 – Forum Energy Technologies today announced that its light work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Comanche 38, has successfully completed sea trials with Amundsen Science (Université Laval, Canada). The ROV was sold to the scientific research organisation earlier this year and will be supporting exploration of Artic and Sub-Arctic seafloor ecosystems. The vehicle was installed onboard the Canadian research icebreaker vessel, CCGS Amundsen.

The ROV’s deployment procedures and versatile capacity trials included undertaking video surveys, high-resolution still photography of benthic habitats, the collection of coral and other benthic fauna samples, as well as sediment sampling using precisely positioned sediment push cores.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – Subsea Vehicles, said: “It is vital to the success of this research project that an operationally resilient ROV was chosen to ensure a reliable performance in the harsh environment and depths found in the Arctic. Our Sub-Atlantic Comanche ROV system has passed its sea trials, with its high thrust-to-drag ratio enabling it to operate in strong currents and its high specification with a seven-function manipulator arm successfully achieving complex underwater procedures.”

“This is the second ROV we have delivered to Université Laval and we are thrilled it has passed its sea trials and the organisation is now in a position to begin studying the deep-water corals and cold deep eco-systems of the northern Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay.”

The new Comanche ROV was manufactured at FET’s facility at Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire and replaces FET’s previously utilised Super Mohawk ROV.

Since 2003, CCGS Amundsen has spent over 2,500 research days at sea and accommodated over 1,800 scientists, technicians, students, and professionals from over 20 different countries. The coronavirus pandemic has postponed some of its current work until next year.

Primarily funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation through Université Laval, the first multidisciplinary expedition of the new ROV in 2021 will allow a contingent of scientists from national research teams to study the marine and coastal environments of the Canadian and Greenlandic waters.

“The Comanche 38 will become a flagship equipment of the CCGS Amundsen for many years to come. We anticipate that it will be used in support of several cutting-edge research projects that aim to better understand the biodiversity and productivity of fragile Arctic marine ecosystems,” said Alexandre Forest, Executive Director of Amundsen Science.

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Issued on behalf of FET Subsea Technologies by BIG Partnership. For more information, please contact Pam Wilson on +44 (0)1224 211045 or [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

About FET Subsea 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. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe. For more information, please visit f-e-t.com

About the research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen and Amundsen Science

Mobilized for science in 2002 thanks to major grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and other partners, the Amundsen has been pivotal in revitalizing Canada’s research effort in the study of the changing Arctic Ocean. Since 2003, the research icebreaker has accommodated over 115 Canadian and international teams in the deployment of no less than 50 major programs. Hosted at Université Laval, Amundsen Science maintains the vessel’s pool of scientific equipment, coordinates the deployment of the icebreaker for science, and provides logistical and technical support for user programs. For more information on Amundsen Science and the CCGS Amundsen: www.amundsenscience.ulaval.ca

Aberdeen, UK – March 2021 – Forum Energy Technologies today announced that it has entered into a partnership with Deepsea Technologies Equipamentos Industriais Ltda (Deepsea Technologies) to represent its operations in Brazil as part of the business’ long-term growth strategy in South America.

Deepsea Technologies provides engineered products and services to the oil and gas industry globally. It has a key focus in delivering solutions for subsea and topside production systems and subsea intervention systems.

The partnership will see Deepsea Technologies provide business development and engineering support on behalf of FET in Brazil. It will also deliver full servicing, repair, calibration, upgrades and modifications for FET remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and associated tooling. Deepsea Technologies will also have responsibility for the repair and calibration of FET torque machines.

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – Subsea Vehicles said: “We continue to see strong demand for our products in Brazil and recognise the need to appoint a local partner to increase our in-country presence and support our ambitious strategy.

“It’s important that we work with partners who can deliver the high quality of service FET is known for. Deepsea Technologies is a well-respected business and the team provides us with a strong channel to complement our existing framework across the academic, survey and energy markets.

“This agreement ensures that our clients in Brazil receive the same streamlined and consistent support they are accustomed to around the globe. We look forward to increasing our activity in the region and delivering our world-class range of products and services to the Brazilian market.”

Felipe Lamego, Managing Partner – Deepsea Technologies Ltda, said: “We are extremely excited by this partnership and certain that our customers and stakeholders in Brazil will appreciate the strengths and complementary business deliverables such an alliance has to offer.”

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Issued on behalf of Forum Energy Technologies by Gillian George. For more information, please contact [email protected] or +44 (0)1224 211045.

Notes to Editors:

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. is a global oilfield products company, serving the subsea, drilling, completion and, production 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. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe.

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