ROV will support Arctic research

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 unprecedented 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.

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 to a high specification 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 will replace the organisation’s current Super Mohawk ROV, which was also supplied by Forum.

The new Comanche ROV will be manufactured at Forum’s facility at Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, UK and delivered in the first quarter of this year.

By Jake Frith