…FET secures contract to deliver new model of work-class ROV to it.
Marine Platforms has made a decision that will significantly impact its operations and the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
This is because the company will in the near future be taking delivery from Forum Energy Technologies (FET) of two upgraded ROVs to complement its operations offshore Nigeria and, by extension, West Africa.
Acquiring the equipment will help boost oil and gas production, as with improved subsea operations capabilities, Marine Platforms can contribute to increased oil and gas production in Nigeria, generating more revenue for the country.
The two pieces of equipment to be supplied by Forum Energy Technologies (FET) are XLX EVO III vehicles, which are well equipped with larger thrusters and buoyancy to support a 350 kg payload.
According to information provided by FET: “Forum Energy Technologies’ (FET) Subsea product line has secured a contract to provide two of its new generation work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROV), the XLX EVO III, to Nigerian oil and gas firm Marine Platforms (MPL). MPL has a long-standing relationship with FET, using its systems across operations.
The contract win marks the first sale of FET’s XLX EVO III, which, when operational, will demonstrate the most cutting-edge ultra-heavy-duty subsea vehicle technology available on the market.
Designed to undertake a broad spectrum of underwater tasks, the 4000 m ROVs will be equipped with larger thrusters for increased through-water performance and an improved buoyancy package, facilitating a 350 kg payload.
They will also boast a new bolted frame, now CNC machined and providing an improved layout both for maintenance access and tooling capability. Their through-frame lift will increase to 4000 kg, a rise of over 30% from the EVO II.
The XLX EVO III comes with updated pilot chairs and a console as well as FET’s next-gen control software, ICE Unity, enabling remote operations and 24-hour support.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President of Operations – Subsea, said, “We are thrilled to be bringing our next-generation work-class ROV out of the testing pool and into action off the West African coast.
“Marine Platforms is a reliable and longstanding customer, and it’s a pleasure to continue to support the team’s operations. Africa is generally a difficult region to break into, but demonstrating FET’s latest technology in the field will bolster our presence.”
The ROVs will be manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, UK, with delivery in May 2026. This contract win follows a string of others for FET this year, signifying strong growth in the subsea industry.
FET’s ROVs are used globally to support underwater industry applications, including in defense, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture, and academia.
The new ROVs will enhance the company’s subsea operations capabilities, allowing them to undertake more complex projects and expand their services.
With state-of-the-art ROVs, Marine Platforms can increase its competitiveness in the market, potentially leading to more contracts and revenue growth.
Advanced ROVs can improve safety and efficiency in subsea operations, reducing risks and costs associated with these activities.
As for its impact on the country as a whole, by acquiring new ROVs, Marine Platforms can further develop local content in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, potentially creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The acquisition of advanced ROVs can facilitate technology transfer and skills development for Nigerian personnel, enhancing the country’s capacity to undertake complex oil and gas projects.
