Huon Aquaculture has a large and significant fleet of ROVs for its operations, particularly in Tasmania

Huon Aquaculture Revolutionizes Operations with SoSub's APAMA ROV

Huon Aquaculture, a leader in the competitive aquaculture industry, has made a strategic move to boost efficiency, cut costs, and manage a significant production expansion by adopting the APAMA remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from SoSub.

The introduction of the new technology has been described as a "game-changer," transforming underwater inspections and maintenance while dramatically improving operational performance and employee morale.

Huon Aquaculture is focused on doubling its salmon production capacity. However, the company faced significant challenges, including persistent stock loss due to seals and inefficiencies caused by its reliance on outdated, traditional ROVs. These older systems, originally designed for the oil and gas industry, were heavy, difficult to maneuver, and prone to breakdowns, leading to prolonged downtime and high maintenance costs.

According to Dr. Shea Cameron, Huon Aquaculture’s Asset and Planning Manager, the company’s 24/7 operational needs required a robust and cost-effective solution tailored specifically for fish farming. "Our main competitor for production out there is seals and stock loss," Dr. Cameron noted, highlighting the critical need for a more effective tool.

The APAMA Advantage: Built for Aquaculture and Beyond

The APAMA ROV was developed with direct input from ROV pilots and operators, ensuring its design addressed the specific pain points of the aquaculture industry. The transition to the new system was met with enthusiasm from the crew, who quickly recognized its superior capabilities.

An experienced ROV pilot at Huon Aquaculture recounted the stark difference between the old and new systems. He described the older ROVs as "bulldozer-like" and "painful" to operate, causing physical strain and making precise tasks difficult. With the APAMA, he said, "it was like driving a bobcat," praising its lightweight design, superior maneuverability, and user-friendly controls.

Photo: SoSub

Key Benefits of the APAMA ROV

The APAMA's capabilities go beyond simple inspections, providing tangible benefits and showcasing its versatility in complex marine operations.

• Significant Cost Reductions and Time Savings: The APAMA has delivered a remarkable 90% reduction in maintenance costs. Furthermore, it has slashed inspection times by about 40%, reducing predator net inspections from 2.5 hours to approximately 1.5 hours. The system has also enabled innovative applications, such as using its Retrojet Cleaning System for pressure cleaning, which costs approximately $28,000 compared to the $300,000 price tag of hiring a traditional dive team for the same task. This capability has also been used by hydro and water companies for cleaning in areas too deep or hazardous for divers, eliminating the need for costly shutdowns.

• Permanent Net Repair System: The APAMA is equipped with a patented net repair system that has demonstrated a 95% success rate in fixing various types of holes on the spot. While still in its final development stages, this system is poised to eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming dive-based repairs, setting a new global standard for net maintenance.

• Enhanced Performance and Safety: The APAMA's hybrid power supply is a crucial safety feature; in the event of a main generator failure, a built-in backup allows the ROV to be safely flown back to the surface without needing a costly and time-consuming dive team retrieval. The advanced 6-DOF intuitive control system, developed in collaboration with end users, gives operators full control to orient the ROV in any position, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

• Rope Cutting Capability: A prototype electronic rope cutter designed for the APAMA is capable of cutting mooring lines up to 80mm in diameter. This tool, believed to be the smallest in the world capable of handling ropes of this thickness, highlights the ROV’s advanced capabilities in marine operations, particularly with strong Dyneema ropes.

• Boosted Employee Morale: The ease of use, reduced physical strain, and reliable performance of the APAMA have led to a noticeable increase in job satisfaction and operator confidence. Dr. Cameron stated that "the crews that were working under me absolutely love the machine."

Photo: SoSub

The collaboration with SoSub has been a key factor in the successful integration of the new technology. Huon Aquaculture’s ROV pilot praised SoSub's responsiveness to feedback, noting that "Every bit of feedback I give, (SoSub) gets straight on to it."

Click on the image to enlarge it

By adopting a solution specifically designed for its unique operational needs, Huon Aquaculture is not only streamlining its underwater practices but also fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The APAMA ROV has become an essential tool in the company’s efforts to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead in the competitive aquaculture market.

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