North-east Scottish firm ROVOP has expanded its fleet of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) by taking delivery of four new hydraulic work class systems with a further four new ROVs expected later in the year.
The Westhill company has invested $20million (over £12million) alone in the four hydraulic Schilling HD work class ROVs delivered last month.
Strengthening the company’s offshore offering is also generating new jobs. The current objective is to grow its offshore team by 50 or so to 110.
This may grow further to around 140 when all the new ROVs are ready.
ROVOP has also invested in its own ROV simulator for its in-house training facility in order to further develop the competence of its offshore staff.
The £250,000 simulator enables ROV pilots to hone their skills onshore, in “physics-accurate” conditions.
In addition to this, ROVOP has achieved ISO 9001 accreditation of its integrated management system from DNV.
The firm’s managing director, Steven Gray, told Energy: “ROVOP enjoyed strong business growth in 2013 and this is set to continue in 2014. In order to deliver the best in class service, we are continuing to invest in the latest and most advanced equipment on the market, staffed by the best people, to ensure we are at the forefront of technology, reliability and competence.”
The company’s new ROVs are of FMC Schilling Robotics manufacture. They are equipped with the latest “Hammerhead control” system which, for the first time apparently, gives pilots the ability to use an increased suite of auto functions, including automated manipulator control.
ROVOP is shortlisted for best global exports and new enterprise at this year’s Subsea UK Business Awards.
The firm secured the Great Small Company accolade at the 2013 SPE Offshore Achievement awards.
Its success was also recognised with the Business Growth award at the 2012 Scottish Green Energy Awards.
Recommended for you
