Successful Life Extension Upgrade for Work-Class ROV

By Caroline Rees / 26 Aug 2021

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 5 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) has been awarded a contract to provide a life extension (Lext) upgrade on one of its Perry ST200 Trencher Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for a Western Hemisphere telecommunications equipment company.

The enhanced asset will support the installation and maintenance of subsea cables that are a vital component of an international communications network.

FET Perry ST200 Trencher


This project marks FET’s second life extension upgrade for an ST200 trencher and follows on from the successful sea trial of the first upgrade last year.

FET’s Lext service will provide ROV operators with a cost-effective solution to ageing subsea vehicles and technology obsolescence by increasing the asset’s life by more than a decade in some cases.

As part of the work scope, FET will replace all obsolete components and associated parts within the control system with the latest evolution in control system hardware and software. The upgrade will provide increased reliability and improved support while minimizing downtime. 

The latest Lext upgrade is based on the newest developments in work-class ROV and trencher technology. These vehicles feature significantly enhanced performance across the full range of demanding intervention, survey and trenching tasks without compromising the reliability of the original Triton vehicles.

“We recognised the opportunity to provide a more cost-efficient solution to ageing vehicles while still delivering the high quality, robust assets that FET is renowned for,” said Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President – Subsea Vehicles. 

“This award underlines our ongoing commitment to delivering new and innovative technological solutions to the subsea industry across the blue economy.

“This is the second life extension upgrade for this client in the last 12 months and it’s fantastic to see customers continue to recognise the reliable performance our trenchers deliver and the operational sustainability the Lext service provides.”

The upgrade will be carried out at FET’s facility in Bryan, Texas, using components manufactured at FET’s U.K. facility in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire. It is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2021.

Find manufacturers & suppliers of work-class ROV >>

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Jetpack 6.2 Launched on the ARK Jetson PAB

ARK Electronics has launched Jetpack 6.2 on the ARK Jetson PAB Carrier Board, supporting the new Super MAXN Power Mode and enabling advanced autonomy for drones and robotics operating at the edge

Feb 18, 2025
Loitering Munitions to be Integrated with Trillium Drone Camera Gimbals

Trillium Engineering has secured a Phase One contract with Raytheon to supply its HD25-LV drone camera gimbal for loitering munitions, supporting operations with tactical EO/IR solutions

Feb 18, 2025
Enhancing USV Navigation with 3D Forward Looking Sonar Technology

FarSounder’s Argos series 3D Forward Looking Sonars enhance USV navigation by providing real-time underwater awareness, overcoming charting limitations, and improving safety across diverse maritime applications

Feb 18, 2025
Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Powered VTOL UAV Introduced

BlueBird Aero Systems introduces the WanderB-VTOL Mini-UAS, built for rapid deployment in any environment and powered by new PEW Fuel-Cell Technology

Feb 18, 2025
Product Spotlight: XPedite7770 High-Performance Single Board Computer

The XPedite7770 from Extreme Engineering Solutions delivers secure, high-performance computing for unmanned systems, featuring Intel® Xeon® D-1700 processors, advanced networking, and SOSA-aligned architecture

Feb 18, 2025
European Drone Battery Maker Opens U.S. Operations

Tulip Tech, a European drone battery manufacturer, is expanding into the U.S. to meet rising demand, offering advanced, high-performance power solutions for drones

Feb 18, 2025

Featured Content

Gremsy & Nokia to Showcase UAV Integration at XPONENTIAL Europe

At XPONENTIAL Europe 2025, Gremsy’s gimbal and payload technology will be paired with Nokia’s connectivity solutions, creating smarter, more efficient UAV systems

Feb 13, 2025
Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025