UK subsea contractor’s fleet grows with another SMD ROV

September 4, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Film-Ocean, a UK-based subsea contractor providing ROV inspection and intervention services, has taken delivery of another remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from SMD, completing a major fleet investment program.

This comes as Film-Ocean took delivery of two Quantum 250-hp heavy-duty work-class ROVs in October 2025 and January 2026, as part of the investment program announced in September 2025.

Now, the delivery of the third unit, the SMD Atom ultra-compact work-class ROV, brings the company’s total fleet of SMD vehicles to six.

The system will be mobilized later this year on the Boka Komodo for a long-term opportunity in Angola.

“Taking delivery of our second SMD Atom completes a significant chapter in our fleet development. Alongside our two SMD Quantum systems delivered in 2025 and early 2026, we have built on our range and capacity to support clients across a much broader spectrum of subsea operations, from heavy construction through to inspection and light intervention,” said Merv New, CEO of Film-Ocean.

“The West Africa region remains a key focus for us, alongside Asia and Norway, and we’re well-placed to meet the demand we’re seeing there.”

According to Film-Ocean, SMD Atom delivers 100hp, operates at a depth of up to 3,000 meters, and offers greater deployment flexibility across a range of vessels.