A “Game-Changer” Beneath the Waves: How APAMA ROVs Transformed Operations at Huon Aquaculture

Introduction

In the demanding world of aquaculture, underwater visibility and response time define success. Huon Aquaculture, one of Australia’s leaders in sustainable fish farming, faced persistent inefficiencies using conventional ROVs—heavy, slow, and mechanically rigid systems that made precision tasks physically draining and time-consuming.

Seeking a smarter, more agile solution, Huon introduced the APAMA ROV—an Australian-engineered breakthrough designed around real-world pilot feedback. The result: faster inspections, sharper imaging, and dramatically improved pilot experience.

From “Bulldozer” to “Bobcat”:
The Pilot’s Experience

As one of Huon’s most experienced ROV pilots recalls, operating older systems often felt like “driving a bulldozer underwater.” Routine predator-net inspections could take over 2.5 hours, and maintenance work demanded physical effort and endurance, particularly in challenging sea conditions. Equipment breakdowns and overseas part delays compounded the frustration.

The APAMA changed everything.

“Before the APAMA came along, it was painful… now I can drive a bobcat.”

 
 
 
 
 
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Technical Transformation

1. Superior Manoeuvrability

With six degrees of freedom and intuitive, game-controller-style navigation, the APAMA allows precise positioning even in confined or turbulent environments.

2. Lightweight & Ergonomic Design

Built for single-operator handling, the system eliminates much of the physical strain, reducing setup time and improving safety during deployment.

3. High-Definition Imaging

APAMA’s integrated HD camera and lighting suite deliver crystal-clear visuals, enabling faster identification of net damage, debris, and environmental conditions.

4. Efficiency Gains

Predator-net inspection times dropped from 2.5 hours to 1.5 hours, increasing overall productivity and reducing vessel time at sea.

Human Impact: Making the Job Easier

The pilot describes the difference not just in performance, but in morale:

“Definitely more enjoyable, less stressful, easier. It makes the job a lot easier through weight, the capabilities, what we can do.”

Reduced fatigue, smoother control, and real-time situational awareness have made piloting safer, faster, and more satisfying.

Partnership in Innovation

Equally critical to success is SoSub’s responsive technical support. The pilot praised their immediate action on feedback:

“Every bit of feedback I give, SoSub gets straight on to it.”

This continuous improvement loop ensures each software and hardware iteration further enhances usability and performance.

Conclusion

For Huon Aquaculture, the APAMA ROV has proven more than a tool—it’s a transformation platform. It delivers measurable operational efficiency, elevates pilot capability, and redefines what’s possible in underwater inspection.

The result:

  • 40% faster inspection cycles
  • Significant reduction in operator strain
  • Sharper data, quicker decisions, and safer operations

The APAMA ROV exemplifies how user-driven engineering and smart robotics can revolutionise aquaculture—one dive at a time.