World Preview of Latest Generation Underwater Robot at Subsea Expo

The world’s largest manufacturer of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) will launch its latest generation subsea robotic system at Subsea Expo in Aberdeen this week.


Forum Energy Technologies will unveil the XLX-C ROV – a highly capable work-class vehicle that is more compact than the highly successful XLX model but with similar capabilities. This new ROV has been two years in development and represents a multi-million pound investment by Forum.


Subsea 7 will be the first to use the XLX-C, having placed an order for six vehicles.


The XLX-C ROV is the latest evolution in Forum’s XL series of underwater vehicles renowned for their performance and reliability. With a compact frame, the XLX-C has a generous payload, rationalised hydraulic systems and features a simplified electrical sub-system.





Graham Adair, vice-president sales and marketing at Forum said: “The XLX-C is truly a best-in-class system. Operator safety and environmental impact were fundamental drivers during the design process.





The XLX-C is more compact so it takes up less deck space on-board a vessel. The hydraulic systems and electrical sub-systems have been rationalised while functionality and reliability have increased. We are very pleased that the XLX-C is having its world premiere at Subsea Expo where we hope to secure several more orders for this system.”


Manufactured at Forum’s Kirbymoorside facility, the first of the six XLX-C ROVs ordered by Subsea 7 will be delivered in March.


Forum has the world's most comprehensive range of remotely operated vehicles used for inspection, survey, intervention and deep water construction. From electric observation ROVs to large, hydraulic work-class vehicles, Forum manufactures the most well-known brands in the industry: Perry and Sub-Atlantic.


A global oilfield products company, Forum Energy Technologies serves the subsea, drilling, completion, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry with highly engineered capital equipment and products.


With its global head-quarters in Houston, the company employs 3,500 – 290 of whom are based in Aberdeen.

Location: United Kingdom