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Film-Ocean Expands Subsea Capabilities with Latest SMD ROV Delivery
By MGN Editorial•September 8, 2026 at 09:41 PM
UK-based subsea contractor Film-Ocean has taken delivery of another SMD remotely operated vehicle, continuing to grow its ROV fleet for inspection and intervention operations.
## Film-Ocean Strengthens ROV Fleet with New SMD Delivery
UK subsea contractor Film-Ocean has added another Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) remotely operated vehicle to its operational fleet, according to Offshore Energy, reinforcing the company's position in the competitive subsea inspection and intervention market.
Film-Ocean, which specialises in ROV inspection and intervention services, has been steadily expanding its asset base to meet growing demand for subsea operations across the offshore energy sector. The latest SMD delivery represents a continued investment in high-specification equipment capable of supporting complex subsea tasks.
SMD, a Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based manufacturer, is a well-regarded supplier of work-class and observation-class ROV systems to the global offshore industry. Their vehicles are widely deployed across inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) campaigns, as well as subsea construction and intervention projects.
The expansion of Film-Ocean's fleet comes at a time of sustained activity in the UK offshore sector, where ageing infrastructure, decommissioning programmes, and ongoing energy transition projects are driving consistent demand for ROV services. Subsea contractors with modern, capable fleets are well-positioned to secure long-term contracts with operators and tier-one contractors.
Investing in additional ROV assets also allows companies like Film-Ocean to reduce reliance on third-party equipment mobilisation, improving operational efficiency and response times for clients requiring rapid deployment.
The delivery underscores a broader trend of UK subsea service companies reinvesting in their fleets as the North Sea and adjacent waters remain a focal point for both conventional oil and gas activity and emerging offshore wind and carbon capture projects.
*Source: Offshore Energy*
#ROV#subsea#Film-Ocean#SMD#offshore inspection#UK offshore#subsea contractor#IRM
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