UK-based Forum Energy Technologies has secured a contract from Nigerian oil and gas company Marine Platforms for the delivery of two next-generation work-class remotely operated vehicles, marking the first commercial sale of the company’s XLX EVO III model. The contract, secured by FET’s Subsea product line, features updated pilot chairs and console, as well as next-generation control software ICE Unity.
The 4,000-meter ROVs will be equipped with larger thrusters for increased through-water performance and an improved buoyancy package, facilitating a 350-kilogram payload. The vehicles will also boast a new bolted frame, now CNC machined, and the through-frame-lift will increase to 4,000 kilograms, a rise of over 30% from the EVO II model.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President Operations for Subsea, expressed enthusiasm about deploying the next generation work class ROV into action off the west African coast. “Marine Platforms is a reliable and longstanding customer, and it’s a pleasure to continue to support the team’s operations. Africa is generally a difficult region to break into, but demonstrating FET’s latest technology in the field will bolster our presence,” Taylor said. The ROVs will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, with delivery expected in May 2026.
Source: offshore-energy.biz