S3 buys two ROVs from FMC Technologies

Specialist Subsea Services (S3) has announced the purchase of two new ROVs from FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics.

The acquisitions, worth in excess of £4,000,000, ($6.64 M) form part of the company’s ambitious global growth plans and bring the total number of work class ROVs within S3’s fleet to six.

The two Schilling-HD 150hp systems are both rated to 3,000msw and will provide industry leading performance for high quality pipeline surveys, IRM, drill support and heavy duty construction operations.

Equipped with the latest Hammerhead tasked based control system, the Schilling-HD model has a 60 minute repair philosophy that has been developed through its modular design, helping to vastly reduce typical ROV downtime. With the ability to maintain a 10cm watch circle in up to 3 knot current, the compact and flexible system is configured for ease of project configuration and rapid mobilisation.

Graeme Kidd, managing director of S3 said: “Specialist Subsea Services currently undertakes a wide range of intervention and subsea survey activities throughout the world and these latest acquisitions will play an integral role in allowing the company to cater for future demand.

“FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics is renowned for being a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy industry and we’re delighted to extend our partnership with the company. The agreement very much reflects our commitment to investing in leading edge technology and these two new systems will enhance our service and offering even further.

“This significant investment in resource comes after the company recently signed a charter with EDT Offshore for the EDT Hercules vessel. The three year agreement, which comes with two additional one year extension options, will allow S3 to provide its full scope of ROV, survey and life of field services from the vessel, as it looks to build on its extensive track record in subsea operations, both in the North Sea and emerging global regions.”

Graeme Kidd added: “The subsea market is one of increasing opportunities and by adding to our resource, we’re putting the necessary steps in place to be able to react to these. The two ROVs, coupled with our recent vessel charter, are very much a signal of intent for the months and year ahead.”

Peter MacInnes, VP Sales of FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics, said: “We are delighted that S3 has selected the HD ROV to enhance their expanding global ROV operations. The HD is designed to increase customer productivity, through a highly integrated and versatile design that enables ease of tooling integration, operation and maintenance. Our regional Aberdeen office will also provide access to comprehensive product training and pilot simulator training, in addition to core technical and parts support.”