What's New At Saab Seaeye (2006)
 

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11 December 2006

SEAEYE DEVELOPS NEW MARKETS WHILE ENERGY SECTOR CONTINUES TO BOOM

Not content with a bulging order book of ROV systems for customers operating in the energy sector, Seaeye Marine, working with their key distributors, has been enjoying considerable success developing new markets for their products and technology. Particular interest has been shown from military and para military salvage and rescue organisations for both observation and electric work-class systems.

One such key distributor is Tetis Pro. Tetis Pro who are the Company's partner for providing lighter weight, air transportable electric work class ROV packages for intervention in distressed submarine situations for the Russian Navy, have now placed their second order for a Panther Plus system to be delivered in August 2007. This will be system number 925 and follows on from the Navy's complete satisfaction with air mobilisation exercises using the Panther Plus 921 delivered in August 2006.

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Panther Plus, TMS and LARS stowed & ready for Transportation		Full system with control cabin & generator container gets underway

EMERCOM, Russia's agency for civil defence, natural disasters and emergencies have also been buying from Seaeye with the order of portable Seaeye Falcon observation ROVs to assist with such events as the investigation of underwater crashed aircraft sites and the location and recovery of 'black box' recorders.

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Panther Plus 921 ROV, LARS & TMS, with Control and Workshop/Generator Containers loading into an Antonov 124-100 aircraft		Panther Plus 921 ROV, LARS & TMS, with Control and Workshop/Generator Containers loading into an Antonov 124-100 aircraft

'Since the introduction of Seaeye Falcon in 2002, we have enjoyed increasing sales of all of our ROVs for non-oil and gas applications,' said Chris Tarmey, CEO of Seaeye Marine. 'This, added to a very healthy energy market, is great for our continued growth and the further broadening of our large customer base,' he added.

For more information please contact:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

6 November 2006

BOOST FOR ROV SUPPORT IN FAR EAST

Singapore-based Oceanvision, has made a major investment in support of its ROV customers in the Far East.

The company, who also manufacture and supply a range of imaging and intervention products for the sub-ocean and off-shore industries, is creating a spares and engineering support hub for their customers centred around the world-leading Seaeye range of electric ROVs.

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Pan Wei of Ocean vision servicing a Seaeye SM5 Thruster

The spares operation now stocks a comprehensive range of Seaeye parts and spares and to allow Oceanvision to offer a fast and complete support service from Singapore.

Their engineers have qualified at the Seaeye training centre in the UK, and are fully trained in ROV repair and maintenance.   They are now one of the selected centres to have also completed specialist training in the service and repair of Seaeye’s brushless DC thrusters.

During 2006 Oceanvision has become one of the most successful distributors of the renowned Seaeye Falcon ROV, with the company soon to take delivery of their 4th system this year.

More information:

Ian Johnson
Oceanvision Pte Ltd
Box 5024 (Drilltech House – Block 105 Sops Avenue)
Loyang Offshore Supply Base, Loyang Crescent
Singapore 508988
Tel 65.6542 1800
sales@oceanvision.com.sg
www.oceanvision.com.sg

Managing Director
Seaeye Marine

17 October 2006

AWARD WINNING SEAEYE EXPANDS CREATING NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING AND SALES

Sales success has led leading ROV maker Seaeye to expand its operations by opening a second factory in Fareham. This includes growing export sales that now exceed 70% of turnover, winning the company a ‘Best Business Award’.

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Final assembly of Seaeye systems moves to new facility

Extra engineering, technical and sales staff will be needed as the new 6000 sq ft of additional space takes on final assembly of their electric ROV production. This leaves their existing factory to produce the building blocks that make up the underwater vehicles, such as frames, thrusters and control units.

Training will also move to the new factory where, at a special facility, customers from across the world will receive technical training in the operation and maintenance of Seaeye’s range of systems. This range meets the needs of all applications from observation and inspection, to seabed and pipeline survey, to a full work class capability for intervention in submarine rescue and the support of offshore drilling and IRM operations.

Expansion comes as sales have doubled over the past 12 months, with growth set to continue through this year and next year. This success sees the company extend its lead in the electric ROV market world-wide. Sales growth has come not only from the booming oil and gas industry, but from Seaeye’s success in expanding sales in the areas of defence, marine science and civil engineering.

Recognition of this achievement, particularly in the export field, won them the business award, the second of its kind in the last two years.

Seaeye are now seeking to recruit additional mechanical and electronic design engineers as well as sales staff including a senior Sales Manager who would, ideally, have ROV experience.

For further information on career opportunities at Seaeye, contact with a CV.

17 August 2006

FISH AND SHIPS - THE BEST OF BRITISH MAKES ITS US DEBUT

New York City, Rhode Island and the US Virgin Islands were the first locations to see the new Seaeye Falcon Deep Rated ROV undertake a range of tasks from harbour surveys under aircraft carriers to measuring deepwater fish resources.

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On location in New York with an INS Survey Skid		and in Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Inspection and survey company, SeaView Systems, were quick to see the opportunities for this 1000 metre rated version of the successful Falcon ROV design.

Teaming up with underwater investigation company, SeaVision Marine, they took advantage of the ease by which custom modules can be attached to the Falcon DR by fitting a profiling sonar, an inertial navigation system and a Doppler velocity log in an under-slung skid. This enabled them to undertake hydrographic studies for The Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Office. The task was to survey the harbour floor under and around two decommissioned aircraft carriers at Rhode Island. The Falcon DR survey package meant they were able to build a three-dimensional image of the hull, the seabed, and the gap in between. This created a fly-through view under the vessel and show whether dredging was required prior to moving the ships.

Whilst the navigational and sonar package was fitted, the team were also able to carry out survey work at Battery Park in New York City.

In the Caribbean, both companies worked together using the Falcon DR for deepwater research for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who were undertaking a multi-beam bathymetric survey of the sea floor. The objective for NOAA was to characterise the bottom habitat and establish an inventory of deepwater fish resources. Operating from a NOAA research vessel the two companies took the Falcon DR to depths ranging from 20 metres to 850 metres for a study stretching over 22 kilometres. The ground-truthing, time-stamped video and geographic positioning information of the bottom produced by the Falcon DR, has helped generate models of the sea floor and given NOAA scientists the opportunity to develop deepwater benthic habitat maps.

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Working with NOAA - 'ground truthing'
in 800 metres water depth

The Falcon DR's built in fibre optics, gives high volume data transmission over a long umbilical, and the ability to use broadcast quality video cameras. Tilting variable intensity lights are linked to a new camera tilt mechanism for superior illumination when filming above or below the vehicle.

Its operational flexibility comes from the ease by which standard accessories such as cameras, sonars and manipulators to be readily bolted-on, with additional custom tooling kits added by fitting an under-slung module. A distributed intelligence control system makes this possible by allowing up to 128 devices to be connected together on a single RS 485 serial network, where each controllable device such as manipulator and camera tilt mechanism has its own microprocessor. Five independent magnetically coupled Seaeye brushless DC thrusters give precise and rapid control for high manoeuvrability in strong cross currents.

President of prime contractor, SeaVision Marine Services, Jeff Snyder, said he found the new Falcon DR, 'a very powerful, versatile and stable platform,' adding, 'It performed admirably and we will continue to use it in a variety of applications onshore and offshore.'

The Falcon DR is part of a range of ROVs from Seaeye who are the largest manufacturer of electric underwater vehicles used in a range of industries including oil and gas, defence, marine science, tourism and the emergency services.

For more information about the Falcon and other Seaeye ROVs:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

For information about the projects mentioned and underwater services:

Matthew Cook
SeaView Systems Inc
9890 Huron Creek Drive
Dexter, MI 48130
Tel 734 426 8978

www.seaviewsystems.com

Jeff Snyder, president
SeaVision Marine Services LLC
302 Maple Hill Road
Naugatuck, CT 06770, USA
Tel 203 605 8959

www.seavisionmarine.com

28 July 2006

NOORDHOEK ORDERS SECOND PANTHER PLUS THIS YEAR AS DEMAND GROWS FOR ELECTRIC WORK-CLASS ROVs

The growing world demand for electric work-class ROVs is marked by subsea contractor Noordhoek expanding their fleet with a second order this year for a Panther Plus ROV from Seaeye Marine.

This will bring to 22 the number of Panthers delivered worldwide and to eight the number of Panthers and Cougar work class ROVs ordered this year to date.

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Noordhoek will use their new 1000 metre rated ROV in support of a cable-laying project between Norway and the Netherlands where it will work in depths of up to 400 metres. The ROV will operate from the cable-laying vessel using a launch and recovery 'A' frame and winch built by Noordhoek, and a tether management system supplied by Seaeye.

This growing demand for electric work-class ROVs has come from service companies working with manufacturers to increase the capability and range of operations that can be conducted with these vehicles. Where a suitably equipped electric ROV can be used instead of an hydraulic system, the operator benefits from significantly lower costs of ownership in an ROV that is likely to weigh less than a quarter of its hydraulic equivalent, will take up less space on deck and require a smaller crew to man it. Add to this the ease of mobilisation, maintenance and repair of electric ROVs and it can be seen why their use in drill support, IRM and survey operations is increasing - along with support of cable laying and touch down monitoring!

In their search for expanded capabilities, operators look for a design of electric work-class ROVs best suited for their particular needs. For that reason Seaeye offer both the Panther Plus, in the classic ROV configuration ready fitted for a chosen range of dedicated tasks, and the compact Cougar where its operational role can be changed simply by switching tooling modules that are easily attached under the vehicle.

Noordhoek say they also choose the Seaeye range because of its proven superior performance in the off-shore industry and their solid reputation for reliability when working in the most demanding conditions.

The privately owned Noordhoek has supplied sub sea services to the industry across the world for 45 years, and has worked with Seaeye, the world's largest supplier of electric ROVs, for the last 10 years.

For more information please contact:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

5 July 2006

UNDERSEA TOURISM GETS OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY

Undersea tour operators seeking to bring the best live images of historical wrecks and sea life to their customers in high resolution colour have turned to Seaeye's Falcon ROV.

The first two operators in the world to exploit the most advanced technology available in this class of ROV, are Roving Eye Enterprises in the Orkney Isles north of Scotland, and Caribbean Undersea Adventures based in the British Virgin Islands.

Both companies have chosen the Falcon for its ability to hold steady whilst transmitting sharp images bathed in powerful lights. They also picked the vehicle for its precision manoeuvrability around the wrecks and its lightweight handling in launch and recovery.

Ten years ago Roving Eye Enterprises was the first to use an ROV in this way. Investing in a Hyball ROV they gave people their first chance to explore the seven remaining scuttled wrecks of the First World War German fleet in Scapa Flow in safety and comfort. Since when over 10,000 people have seen sights that only scuba divers from around the world have been able to explore. On the way to and from the dive sites passengers get to see common and grey seals and an abundance of seabirds.

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Visitors getting their Falcon briefing		Roving Eye's Survey Vessel - 'Guide'

The popularity and professionalism of the venture has won many accolades for Roving Eye. These include a three star rating as a Scottish Tourist Board Visitor Attraction; being the first boat in Scotland to get the Green Tourism Award; winning the British Archaeological Award; and also the award for Vision in Business for the Environment. They have also been featured in many TV programmes and magazine articles.

The ongoing success of this venture has encouraged Roving Eye's Keith and Kathy Bichan to upgrade their Hyball to the more technologically advanced Seaeye Falcon. They say their new ROV gives their customers a much better viewing experience because the Falcon holds 'steady as a rock' in the tides and sends back much better images with higher definition and truer colours.

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Launching Falcon to view wrecks of
German warships in Scapa Flow

Although Keith and Kathy Bichan have a soft spot for the Hyball which helped give birth of their venture, they recognised that technology has moved on and the Falcon has significant operational advantages, including reliability. And with so many customers returning for the experience, including corporate groups, the Falcon's imaging gives their customers a fresh perspective of the underwater world, says Keith Bichan. 'For our customers, every dive is a live dive with something different to see each time amongst the wrecks which have now turned in to man made reefs.'

Caribbean Undersea Adventures (CUA), whose newly launched tour business in the British Virgin Islands is the only commercial tourism ROV operation in the Caribbean, also plan to give customers a unique view of the many historic wrecks in the area that date from the 1700's, along with the abundance of undersea life. One of their dive sites, the RMS Rhone, was a Royal Mail Steam Ship that sank during a hurricane off Salt Island. This is just one of many interesting explorations that will give people an opportunity to see an underwater world too deep even for divers and tourist submarines to venture, with the advantage that the Falcon can stay submerged for an indefinite time.

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Seaeye Falcon onboard the Sea Falcon		Recovering the Falcon

Operators Andy Cowan and Chris Charlton plan for their customers to enjoy live undersea action on a 50 inch plasma colour monitor, and with fish cards for identification, something extra will be added to the experience. This is of particular advantage to educational groups who are an important target market for CUA who offer a 'Living Undersea Classroom'.

Both Roving Eye Enterprises and Caribbean Undersea Adventures have also found added value in their Falcons by winning commercial ROV contract work.

Roving Eye's first job was a baseline cable survey for a tidal generator which Keith Bichan says was a task that only the small but powerful Falcon could tackle. The ROV has been working in two knots of current in an area where it can run at seven knots, his customer expressing amazement at how well the Falcon performed in the conditions. Roving Eye also has a contract to survey 27 kilometres of pipeline and Keith Bichan believes that with so many tooling options available to him, a much wider range of contract work has now opened up.

In the Caribbean a great deal of interest has been generated in the Falcon for CUA who has already won a contract with Bristol University for an expedition to search for the remains of the HMS Nymph which sank in 1783. They are hoping for contracts with the marine police, the customs authorities and marine surveyors, along with the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue organisation. Andy Cowan and Chris Charlton are IMCA ROV Supervisors with over 10 years of commercial ROV experience around the world and chose Seaeye's Falcon after using the company's ROVs on various projects for Global Industries, DSND, Fugro and Rovtech.

Both Roving Eye and CUA have vessels ideally suited for their conditions. CUA has an air-conditioned 47 foot catamaran operating out of Nanny Cay Resort and the Marina on Tortola, and Roving Eye operates out of Scapa Flow in their sturdy 54 foot ex pilot boat, sailing from the historic First World Seaplane base at Houton.

For more information:

Roving Eye Enterprises
Telephone +44 (0)1856 811360
www.rovingeye.co.uk

Caribbean Undersea Adventures
Telephone +1 284 443 7336
www.cua-bvi.com

Seaeye Marine Ltd
Telephone +44 (0)1329 289 000
www.seaeye.com

5 June 2006

THE UNDERWATER CENTRE GETS A NEW ROV

The Underwater Centre in Fort William on the west coast of Scotland recently took delivery of a new Seaeye Falcon Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The £60,000 ROV is used to train ROV pilots on The Underwater Centre's extensive dive site and is a key tool in preparing students for industry in realistic sea conditions.

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ROV student Archibald Gertze and The Underwater Centre
Instructor Kenny Brown inspect the new Seaeye Falcon

The Falcon is used by the offshore oil and gas sector, subsea civil engineers, scientists, environmental groups and surveyors as well as by several overseas navies for search, security, diver support and salvage planning operations. Over 80 systems are currently operating in 33 countries.

With a high resolution colour camera on a 180° tilt platform, portable surface control system with video overlay, a low drag umbilical and integral system diagnostics and distributed intelligence, the Falcon is state of the art engineering. Students get the maximum benefit from hours of flying experience in open seawater with a cutting edge ROV that is so widely used worldwide.

Paul Bury, senior ROV instructor says 'We have been extremely busy training students for the ROV industry, and those students have a superb record of getting a job on leaving us. I've found the industry very willing to take on new recruits, and we are frequently approached by recruitment agencies and large and small ROV companies looking for ROV pilot / technicians.'

At The Underwater Centre courses follow IMCA standards and the 7 week course equips students for work in the subsea industry. The Underwater Centre offers an ROV electronics course teaching the skills needed to repair and maintain ROVs, and our ROV pilot training gives students many hours live flying experience, where they interact with saturation, bell, scuba and surface supply divers.

Steve Ham, The Underwater Centre's Sales & Marketing Manager, said 'With the price of oil continuing at a high level, the upturn in oil exploration that we're seeing is dramatic. This in turn has led to a big increase in demand for ROV pilots, and we're delighted to have the facilities to be able to train them so well. Our new Seaeye Falcon ROV will allow us to offer students even more hands-on flying time, preparing them even more effectively for industry'.

For more information about ROV training visit www.theunderwatercentre.com.

Or Contact:

Steve Ham
The Underwater Centre
Tel: +44 (0)1397 703 786
Email:

For more information please contact:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

21 April 2006

SMALL ROV GOES DEEP

For deep water work, inshore, offshore and down tunnels, where a small, portable, yet powerful ROV is needed, Seaeye has launched its 1000 metre rated Falcon DR.

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This new addition to the Falcon range comes with built in fibre optics, giving high volume data transmission over a long umbilical, and the ability to use broadcast quality video cameras.

Tilting variable intensity lights are linked to a new camera tilt mechanism for superior illumination when filming above or below the vehicle.

The introduction of the new Falcon DR follows the world-wide success of the innovative Falcon concept. This design has proved itself in a range of operational conditions where it is essential to use an extremely compact and highly manoeuvrable vehicle that can be fitted with a variety of tooling options.

The new deep-rated Falcon DR incorporates a number of rolling developments in the Falcon range. These include improved tolerances to the gearboxes of the five independent thrusters for smoother running and a longer life. These powerful brushless thrusters, each with velocity feedback, are designed to give precise and rapid control for finger-tip manoeuvrability.

Also newly introduced is a lightweight surface control unit that is almost half the size of the earlier units and is much lighter. It comes with a fold out 17 inch flat screen and keyboard. The unit operates through a universal single phase, self-selecting AC input of 100 to 270 volts at 2.8 kW. And for hostile conditions an optional IP68 waterproof surface control unit is also available.

Like the rest of the Falcon range the new Falcon DR model, with its open polypropylene frame, allows standard accessories such as cameras, sonars and manipulators to be easily bolted-on. Additional custom tooling kits can be added, when needed, by fitting an under-slung module.

Such operational flexibility is made easy because each controllable device, such as thrusters and camera tilt mechanism, contains its own microprocessor. Control comes through a distributed intelligence system that allows 128 devices to be connected together on a single RS 485 serial network.

Developments like this have helped win the Falcon its success, with orders coming from different areas of operation including the Oil and Gas industry, Defence and Marine Science.

For more information please contact:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

5 April 2006

'STEALTH SUB' PROPELLED BY SEAEYE

Propulsion of the revolutionary Talisman AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) from BAE Systems comes from thrusters supplied by Seaeye Marine. Talisman is designed to carry out a wide range of underwater operations close to the shore without being detected.

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Seaeye was picked for their expertise and pioneering work in using brushless DC motors for thruster systems in ROVs. Their task was to provide propulsion that would offer extremely delicate manoeuvrability in difficult conditions, including strong currents, and over an extended period of time: the Talisman can be deployed 50 miles offshore and remain in operation for 24 hours.

With BAE Systems wanting commercially available equipment, Seaeye proposed their world-proven SM5 thrusters, the same that propel their Panther Plus ROVs, and similar to that used in the Cougar ROV. The command protocol for the thrusters was made available to BAE for incorporation into the Talisman control system.

Precise handling in all directions comes from six thrusters, two at the front, and four at the back in two pairs. A Seaeye rotary actuator is used to vector each pair of thrusters and to operate the hydroplanes. This actuator was originally developed for pan and tilt applications and is widely used in a range of ROVs. It incorporates a brushless DC motor with an harmonic drive output stage that provides high torque with zero backlash, making it ideal for this particular application.

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With reliability a vital element in the project, BAE opted for Seaeye's own metal shell connectors. These were developed by Seaeye when rubber moulded connectors had become a major reliability problem in their early ROVs and where a suitable off-the-shelf metal alternative could not be found.

Seaeye leads the market for electrically operated ROVs and already sells systems to the defence industry, and the oil and gas business where it has long experience of working in demanding conditions. "The Company is very pleased to be associated with such a prestigious AUV project", said Chris Tarmey, CEO of Seaeye Marine.

For more information contact , Managing Director or , Technical Director of Seaeye Marine.

17 March 2006

RUSSIAN NAVY TO FLY ROV TO SUBMARINE DISASTERS

The Russian Navy is setting up a rapid response, air transportable rescue system which can be rushed to the assistance of stricken submariners.

The underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that forms the main part of this package will come from British company Seaeye Marine who has been awarded the contract to supply its ½ tonne, state-of-the-art Panther Plus electric powered work class ROV system.

The need for a rapid response system follows lessons learnt from the recent rescue of the Pritz AS-2S mini submarine and her seven man crew by a Royal Navy ROV that was air lifted from the UK to the Russian Far East in August last year.

Seaeye's Panther Plus will be fitted with sonar and an acoustic tracking system to assist locate and position a distressed submarine as well as a full suite of colour and low light black and white video cameras to provide rescue planners with underwater pictures of the submarine on the seabed.

The ROV will also be fitted with two manipulators, an 8 inch rotary disc cutter and a hydraulic guillotine cutter with a capacity to cut up to 38 mm wire rope and assist with debris clearance. This ROV, which also has the capability of inserting emergency life support stores into a distressed submarine, is able to connect hoses and lines to a submarine's salvage connections to help keep the crew alive while waiting for their rescue.

The complete package includes a Seaeye tether management system (TMS) which acts as a subsea garage for the ROV out of which it is flown when it reaches the operational depth. A winch and 'A' frame that has been specially modified for air transport will be provided to launch and recover the Panther Plus in its TMS.

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1000 metre rated Seaeye Panther Plus
& Tether Management System (TMS)

Unlike the Royal Navy's heavy hydraulically powered ROV, the Russians have opted for the significantly lighter but equally capable modern option of an ROV with brushless DC electric thrusters for which Seaeye are the specialists. This will provide the simple maintenance and repair routines of a plug-and-play modular system as well as the ability to operate from the decks of a wider variety of smaller vessels-of-opportunity in conditions of up to sea state 6.

Seaeye's Moscow based Russian partners for this contract, Tetis Pro, will integrate the Panther Plus control system and other topside equipment into custom designed containers as well as provide the transportation package, local logistic support and training for the whole system.

Seaeye first worked with Tetis and the Russian Navy following the Kursk submarine disaster with the delivery of 7 smaller inspection / observation class Tiger ROVs that are currently operational with each of the Russian fleets.

It was a video survey of the trapped submarine by one of these Seaeye Tigers that proved critical in the rescue planning for the Pritz and it was the excellent reliability and performance of these systems that was to swing the decision to purchase an electric powered work class ROV in Seaeye's favour. The Panther Plus will be delivered to Russia in August this year. This Panther Plus will be the 21st to be delivered by the company and joins other systems in production for Rovtech in Scotland and RUETC in China.

Seaeye Marine, based in Fareham, Hampshire, is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial, electrically powered ROVs and a major supplier to Navies and defence organisations around the world, along with the oil and gas industry, marine science, environmental and emergency services.

For more information please contact:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

1 March 2006

SEAEYE DIRECTORS TAKE CONTROL

Directors of the world's leading manufacturer of electric ROVs, Seaeye Marine, led by chief executive, Chris Tarmey have taken full control of the company after buying the remaining 40 percent shareholding held by the private equity and venture capital group 3i Group PLC.

Since acquiring the company in 2000, Chris Tarmey and his management team have successfully expanded the company into world markets and new business sectors, with sales this year alone growing by over 50 per cent and profits doubled since the acquisition.

Recently Seaeye broke into the Chinese oil and gas market and expanded further into the tough US market. Their remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are not only in oil and gas fields world-wide, but are also used by the British Ministry of Defence, the Russian, French, Italian and US Navies for security, diver support and salvage operations. In addition they are sold to marine science institutions, aquaculture operations and the emergency services.

Known for their ability to bring high technology robotics and advanced electronics to hostile marine environments, Seaeye's ROVs are chosen for their power, and manoeuvrability in strong currents, together with an unparalleled reputation for reliability. They can be packed with a host of sophisticated sensors including video cameras, sonars and acoustic tracking devices, as well as hydraulic manipulators, cutters and customised tools.

Their development strategy has enabled them to also take on competitors in the traditional heavyweight hydraulic ROV business by out-performing them in many tasks never previously thought possible by smaller and more economical electric ROVs. This has included support of offshore drilling, survey and salvage operations.

The successful business formula is expected to continue with Chris Tarmey now holding 70 percent of the shares, Ian Blamire, the founder and also a director holding 25% with the balance held by a former director.

Recently the company won a News Business Award for Excellence in recognition of its export success at selling 80 per cent of its vehicles to 30 countries world-wide.

16 February 2006

COMPACT ROV FOR DRILL SUPPORT IN HEAVY SEAS

Italian contractor, DNT Offshore has taken delivery of a specially designed compact work ROV that can perform a wide range of drill support tasks in heavy seas, including AX ring removal.

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Seaeye Cougar with AX ring tool skid fitted under the
manipulator skid incorporating a disc cutter & jet wash

In their search for pioneering ways to get more work from smaller ROVs, the Ravenna-based company collaborated with world-leading ROV maker, Seaeye, to expand the capability of the Seaeye Cougar into performing a greater range of tasks, and be safe for operating in sea state six.

The innovative solution came from an inspired idea of DNT's to 'piggy-back' interchangeable tooling skids by mounting one on top of the other. In particular they wanted the capability to perform manipulative and bulls eye cleaning tasks while having their newly designed AX ring-removal tool skid attached.

Tests by Seaeye proved the concept and they managed to keep down the size and weight of the finished vehicle by re-packaging proven tool configurations into a smaller space with a lower profile. The result is a compact vehicle with a wide capability to handle all of the tasks needed for drill support.

For safer operations in heavy weather, Seaeye's own design of snubber-rotator was provided to capture the TMS with its ROV firmly at the head of the 'A' frame before rotating it fore and aft between the legs for recovery on deck.

This is the third Seaeye Cougar delivered to the independent contractor, DNT Offshore whose first contract for the system is off West Africa. DNT also operate two Seaeye Falcon systems and have a third on order.

For more information please contact:

Chris Tarmey
CEO
Seaeye Marine

20 January 2006

SEAEYE WIN AWARD FOR EXPORT

An award for export achievement has been won by Seaeye.

The News Business Award for Excellence comes in recognition of Seaeye's success at selling 80 per cent of its ROVs overseas to 30 countries. The award is co-sponsored by Hampshire County Council.

The world's leading ROV manufacturer, Seaeye, won through the last recession in the oil and gas industry by opening up new markets and applications for its products including a number of significant overseas military successes and sales of systems for scientific research. It recently broke into the Chinese market and is expanding in the USA with the appointment of a major new distributor.

CEO, Chris Tarmey says the company's success could not have been achieved without the loyal support of its customers and hard work of its overseas distributors.

Seaeye's ROV fleet is used in a wide range of applications including the oil and gas industry, defence services, the emergency services and for scientific research and aquaculture.