The Mohican ROV system will be used to document seafloor communities and species of interest at various depths up to a rating of 2,000 meters. Anticipated areas of focus will include proposed and established marine protection areas as well as other biologically significant locations of interest in the marine environment on the continental shelf.
The ROV will be used to support ongoing research related to marine conservation targets in high currents and areas of steep bottom topography. The ROV is designed to carry a payload skid for navigation and sensors, as well as being capable of manipulation and intervention.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – KMS and Subsea Robotics, said: “This contract further highlights the Mohican ROV’s capabilities for scientific research projects. We have always had a strong reputation as a single source for manufacturing and delivering high-quality, robust vehicles and associated auxiliary products that are suited to underwater industry applications.
“On top of research, this also includes defense, oil and gas, renewables, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.”
The ROV will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. The agreement comes shortly after FET provided an ROV to the Memorial University of Newfoundland for similar purposes.