Underwater robot begins to demonstrate net benefit

Southern Ocean Subsea (SOSUB), a maker of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), recently began exports to Norway of its world-first ROV for inspecting and repairing salmon aquaculture nets.

According to a statement from Tasmanian innovation minister Madeleine Ogilvie, visiting the company’s workshop, SOSUB is “a textbook example of Tassie innovation”, harnessing “niche and island capabilities to create new intellectual property and are now exporting that to the rest of the world.” 

General Manager Andrew Ford said, “The APAMA NRS [underwater robot] can be operated remotely from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for divers, making net repairs safer, faster, and more cost-effective.

“We’re looking at securing big orders over the next two years, all the while keeping jobs and expertise in Tasmania.”

According to its website, SOSUB was established in 2017 and is the country’s only manufacturer of inspection-class ROVs. 

The net repair robot, APAMA NRS, “can repair various sizes of damage in nets, from small punctures to extensive tears,” which reduces “the need for net replacement and operational downtime” from aquaculture operators.

The company was recently awarded a $20,000 investment as part of the state government’s Advanced Manufacturing Grant Program.

Picture: credit SOSUB