Film-Ocean Completes Major Work-Class ROV Fleet Investment

Subsea specialist Film-Ocean, in partnership with parent company STAPEM Group, has taken delivery of a new SMD Atom ultra-compact work-class remotely operated vehicle, marking the completion of a major fleet investment program.

The addition brings Film-Ocean’s total fleet of SMD vehicles to six, following the arrival of two SMD Quantum 250-hp heavy-duty work-class ROVs delivered in October 2025 and January 2026. Selected for deployment on the vessel Boka Komodo, the new Atom system is scheduled to be mobilised later this year for a long-term opportunity in Angola.

Engineered to deliver powerful work-class performance within a compact platform, the SMD Atom provides 100hp and operates at depths reaching 3,000 meters. The vehicle’s versatile design gives operators increased deployment flexibility across various vessel types, enabling efficient use of deck space without sacrificing capability.

Commenting on the investment, Merv New, CEO of Film-Ocean, said, “Taking delivery of our second SMD Atom completes a significant chapter in our fleet development. Alongside our two SMD Quantum systems delivered in 2025 and early 2026, we have built on our range and capacity to support clients across a much broader spectrum of subsea operations, from heavy construction through to inspection and light intervention. The West Africa region remains a key focus for us, alongside Asia and Norway, and we’re well-placed to meet the demand we’re seeing there.”

The operational footprint of the compact platform provides flexibility for projects where space constraints are critical.

Mike Mackie, Operations Director at Film-Ocean, commented, “The Atom is a powerful system in a compact package. It gives us real operational flexibility, particularly for projects where vessel size or deck space would otherwise be a limiting factor. Combined with our Quantum capability, Film-Ocean can now offer clients a genuinely comprehensive work-class ROV service.”

Highlighting the ongoing supplier relationship, Lee Carden, Senior Key Account Manager at SMD, added, “Our successful partnership with Film-Ocean is built on trust, shared values and a long-term commitment to achieving excellence together. This latest investment reflects the confidence Film-Ocean has in the quality, reliability and performance of our work-class ROVs, as well as our shared passion for upholding the highest standards of engineering.”