The company understands the need for high-performance, reliable solutions, especially when engineering buoyancy for crewed subsea vehicle applications. And for added peace of mind, Base Materials’ complete range of Subtec® materials has DNV Approval of Manufacture (AoM).
LOW DENSITY, HIGH PERFORMANCE
The range of DNV-accredited Subtec® subsea buoyancy materials is engineered for use in applications including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), human-operated vehicles (HOVs), trenching vehicles, oceanographic exploration, and ancillary equipment. With densities ranging from 400–650 kg/m3, the high-performance Subtec® buoyancy materials are designed and qualified for use in seawater depths of down to 11,500 meters.
Comprising high-grade hollow glass microspheres and a novel thermoset polymer matrix, Base Materials low-density Subtec® buoyancy materials are formulated to produce ultrahigh strength-to-weight characteristics with excellent water ingress resistance. This makes them the ideal solution for subsea applications, including crewed and uncrewed vehicles.
SHALLOW WATER BUOYANCY
Base Materials has, specifically for shallow water vehicle applications, an alternative solution for depths of 100 to 1,000 meters of seawater. Manufactured from copolymer foam, the company’s shallow water buoyancy materials are easy to machine and shape to meet your application requirements.
FINISHED MODULES & ASSEMBLIES
Working as an extension of your team, finished buoyancy modules are manufactured to exact specifications and drawings at Base Materials’ purpose-built facility in the UK, with the option to add a protective coating for impact and abrasion resistance, aesthetic paint finishes, and custom markings.
The materials are cast into standard block sizes and are ready for use and shaping by your in-house team. Blocks can be bonded together and machined to create buoyancy modules to meet your application requirements.
REPAIR & REFURBISHMENT
Designed to revive old, damaged, or worn buoyancy modules, Base Materials provides users with an alternative solution to extend service life, ensuring maximum usage and reducing waste in landfills.
This unique service includes the repair of any scuffs, cracks, splits, or chips; replacement of missing sections, damaged edges, or damaged inserts; and repainting and recoating to your exact specifications. All works are completed using approved materials and processes and finished to industry-recognized standards.
This spotlight appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 July Special Edition, Uncrewed Vehicles Buyers’ Guide, to read more access the magazine here.
