SMD Introduces New Work Class ROV

A new work class remotely operated underwater vehicle from SMD introduces electric drive technology to the subsea sector in a modular package

The new Quantum EV ROV prototype, showcased at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen this week, is equipped with a new 25kW high power electric thrust system, a new long-distance DC transmission solution and locally managed DC power system. The new platform also features advanced flight processing for super stability, battery compatibility for tetherless operations and is built to accept AI command technology.

SMD has been subjecting the newly developed technologies and the new vehicle to a thorough testing program that will continue over the coming months. First deliveries are expected to begin in 9-12 months.

Mark Collins, SMD’s Director for Remote and Autonomous Technologies has been involved throughout the development process “We have been listening to what our customers and the industry want and using our extensive real world, and sometimes painful experience, we’ve developed a new product range which has their needs at its very core. We have really focused on developing a tool that can be relied upon to take operational efficiency to a new level that’s easy to own and use. The technology will support our client’s ambitions and is suitable for traditional vessel, unmanned vessel and resident applications.  One of the novel things about the EV technology is its modular flexibility. We’ve created future-ready, component-based, modular architecture which can be extrapolated for different uses; easily transferred for use in AUVs and USVs.”

Stephen Wilson, SMD’s Innovation Manager commented on the launch of the new EV technology: “We have been developing electric motors and ROV thrusters for over 20 years. As specialists in high power motor drive technology, our parent company, CRRC Tec, have given us access to high power systems technology that would be otherwise inaccessible to the subsea sector. All of this, combined with financial support from our parent and Innovate UK has put us in a unique position to bring a world class electric ROV system to the market.”

Liu Kean, President of CRRC-TEC, has committed to support SMD by sharing TEC core technology from their advanced high speed train to develop SMD’s new generation of ROV and Trenching technology, to increase its efficiency, intelligence and autonomous features in the future.