Forum Energy Technologies’ (FET) Subsea product line has secured a contract to provide two of its new-generation work-class remotely-operated vehicle (ROV), the XLX EVO III, to Nigerian oil and gas firm
Marine Platforms (MPL). MPL has a long-standing relationship with FET, using the latter‘s systems across its operations.
The contract win marks the first sale of FET’s XLX EVO III which, when operational, will demonstrate the most cutting-edge ultra-heavy-duty subsea vehicle technology available on the market. Designed to undertake a broad spectrum of underwater tasks, the 4,000m ROVs will be equipped with larger thrusters for increased through-water performance and an improved buoyancy package, facilitating a 350kg payload. They will also feature a new bolted frame, now CNC machined and providing an improved layout both for maintenance access and tooling capability. Their through-frame-lift will increase to 4,000kg, a rise of over 30% from the EVO II.
The XLX EVO III comes with updated pilot chairs and console as well as FET’s next-generation control software, ICE Unity, enabling remote operations and 24hr support. Kevin Taylor, FET’s vice president operations – Subsea, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our next generation work class ROV out of the testing pool and into action off the west African coast. Marine Platforms is a reliable and longstanding customer, and it is a pleasure to continue to support the team’s operations. Africa is generally a difficult region to break into, but demonstrating FET’s latest technology in the field will bolster our presence.”
The ROVs will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, with delivery in May 2026. This contract win follows a string of others for FET this year, signifying strong growth in the subsea industry. FET’s ROVs are used globally to support underwater industry applications, including in defence, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.