Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has launched its latest remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) control system, ICE Unity, marking what the company describes as a “step change in ROV controlling”. Designed to meet the growing demand for remote access to data and control functions, ICE Unity introduces a new level of operational flexibility and efficiency.
The system features a modern interface that combines physical and touchscreen controls, offering a consistent user experience across FET’s range of ROVs. This unified approach reduces the need for extensive operator training and simplifies mission planning and execution. Enhanced network connectivity enables remote operations, live survey data streaming, and real-time system monitoring. It also supports advanced capabilities such as machine learning, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics and updates.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s vice president operations — subsea, said: “ICE Unity brings together innovation with seamless collaboration. This is a step change in ROV controlling, bringing immense time and cost-saving benefits by enabling remote operations from outside the core control system. One major benefit is the ability to monitor performance remotely and reduce downtime by allowing the replacement of components when needed rather than using fixed maintenance intervals.”
ICE Unity is compatible with FET’s full suite of ROVs, including observation-class, work-class, and trenching vehicles, whether electric or hydraulic. The system is designed with future-proofing in mind, ensuring ongoing compatibility with the latest sensors and tooling developments. FET’s ROVs are deployed worldwide across a broad range of subsea sectors, including defence, traditional and renewable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture, and academic research.