Film-Ocean expands its fleet with a new SMD ROV

Film-Ocean incorporated a new SMD Atom de 100 hp the vessel, capable of operating at depths of up to 3,000 meters, will be deployed in Angola by the end of 2026. The British underwater services company thus completed the investment program initiated in 2025 to strengthen its offshore inspection, construction and intervention capabilities. With the arrival of this unit, Film-Ocean now has six vehicles manufactured by SMD and expands the range of operations it can develop using remotely operated systems. The new team is a ultra-compact work-class ROV with a power of 100 hp and the ability to operate at depths of up to 3,000 meters, its compact design facilitates deployment from different types of vessels, making it a suitable option for inspection work, underwater studies, and light interventions. The addition completes an investment program that also included two SMD Quantum de 250 hp, received by Film-Ocean in October 2025 and January 2026. These systems are geared towards underwater operations for more demanding jobs, while the Atom offers a more flexible alternative for jobs that do not require the capacity of a heavy ROV. The combination of both platforms allows the company to handle projects ranging from underwater construction to inspection, repair and maintenance. The company plans to deploy the new SMD Atom by the end of 2026 aboard the Book Komodo where it will participate in a long-term project in Angola. The deployment reinforces the company's presence in West Africa, one of its key markets along with Asia and Norway. Merv New, CEO of Film-Ocean, noted that the addition of the second Atom marks the end of an important stage in the development of the fleet. According to the executive, having Atom and Quantum systems allows resources to be adapted to different types of work, from heavy underwater construction to smaller-scale inspections and interventions. The fleet expansion responds to the growing demand for subsea services in offshore markets, especially in regions like West Africa. The program announced in September 2025 included three new vessels ROV of work class, two high-power Quantum and one ultra-compact Atom. Since then, Film-Ocean has been incorporating equipment with complementary capabilities to expand its service offering in inspection, repair and maintenance activities, as well as in underwater construction and decommissioning projects. With the arrival of the new SMD Atom, the company completes that investment plan and raises the number of SMD vehicles in its fleet to six, while preparing for its next operation in Angolan waters. Source: Offshore Energy Photo: Film-Ocean