Forum’s Sub-Atlantic Comanche ROV system was selected due to its high thrust-to-drag ratio enabling it to operate in strong currents. The ROV is equipped with two seven-function manipulator arms for complex underwater procedures. It also has precision positioning and navigation systems, cameras, lighting and sonars for low visibility operations.
The new asset, which will be manufactured at Forum’s facility at Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire and delivered in the first quarter of this year, will replace the organisation’s current Super Mohawk ROV, which was also supplied by Forum.
The vehicle will be installed on board the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen and will support the exploration of Arctic and Sub-arctic seafloor eco-systems. Equipped with 85 scientific systems, the CCGS Amundsen gives Canadian researchers and their international collaborators access to the Arctic Ocean. Since 2003, the vessel has spent over 2,100 research days at sea and accommodated over 1,700 scientists, technicians, students, and professionals from over 20 different countries.
Kevin Taylor, Forum’s VP for subsea vehicles, says: “Forum has a strong reputation around the world for manufacturing high-quality, robust ROVs and associated auxiliary products for the oil and gas, renewables, defence, aquaculture and mining industries. This contract demonstrates the value our vehicles can also offer to scientific research projects.
“This is the second ROV we have delivered to Université Laval and we are thrilled the organisation continues to see the value our ROVs deliver. I am looking forward to seeing our system provide the required operational resilience and performance standards expected in such a safety-critical sector.”