This article highlights that manufacturers have been designing remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that are directly powered by electric motors to improve their energy efficiency, and to reduce their weight and size. Alstom Schilling Robotics developed the Quest to compete with 100- to 150-hp hydraulic ROVs in such underwater tasks as offshore construction support, remote tool deployment, object recovery, salvage, surveying, and mapping. The Quest’s Sea Net communication and telemetry system carries signals over a single optical fiber to and from modular hubs affixed to the ROV, TMS, and accessories, including sensors, cameras, lights, thrusters, and tools. The greater mass of hydraulic-powered ROVs gives them an advantage over electric vehicles in rough seas, where greater stability is needed. To operate in looser soil that cannot support the trencher, the tracks can be removed and replaced with skids, so that the trencher’s power can be directed to its thrusters.

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Remotely operated vehicles, Vehicles, Weight (Mass), Ocean engineering, Trenching machinery, Cables
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