RRC Robotics buys 2 ROVs from Schilling Robotics

The Brazilian ROV pilot training company RRC Robotica Submarina, has recently acquired two work class ROVs from majorn U.S. ROV manufacturer Schilling Robotics. RRC Robotics also offers specialized services such as; Consulting and Auditing ROV systems; 3D modeling of subsea operations; Subsea engineering; ROV operations and rental, sales and maintenance of ROVs and tools from its base in the City of Macaé, located northeast of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Macaé is also the main hub for all offshore O&G companies and service providers in Brazil. Schilling Robotics was founded in 1985. Schilling is headquartered in California U.S.A. and has regional offices in Texas U.S.A., Aberdeen, Scotland, and Singapore. Schilling Robotics also operates a service and support station in Brazil. The newly built 278 square meter (3000 square feet) facility is located on the FMC Technologies campus in Macaé.FMC Technologies, Inc. has held a 45% interest in Schilling since 2008. In January of 2012, the company announced it would purchase the remaining 55% interest by March 30, 2012. The Work Class ROVs acquired by RRC are of the HD model, which offer 150hp power systems and are rated to 3000m (9990ft) depth. The ROV systems are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2012. These ROVs will be installed on two separate PSVs for work offshore in Brazil. José Ramos, General Manager for RRC-Robotica Submarina stated, “RRC is very pleased to acquire two HD ROV systems from Schilling. The Brazilian market and its clients will now experience the use of the very high quality and reliable equipment. Together with our management innovation and full local support from Schilling, we are 100% sure that the results will impress our clients.” This is really good news for RRC due to the huge demand on Work Class ROV systems in Brazil. Presently, there are no work class ROVs being manufactured in Brazil by local companies. So any local company wanting to enter the growing ROV rental market in Brazil needs to acquire their ROVs from foreign manufacturers. This should also give a great boost to RRCs ROV pilot training program, which is one of a kind in Brazil, as it will potentially permit the RRC trainees to get hands on experience with live ROV operations. Claudio Paschoa