APAMA ROV

Beyond ROVs. APAMA Sets the Standard.

The APAMA ROV is more than just an underwater vehicle; it is a solution crafted from years of industry insight, designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ROVs and set a new standard in underwater operations.

Capabilities of the APAMA ROV

Pressure Cleaning with Retrojet Cleaning System

The APAMA ROV has revolutionised pressure cleaning in challenging underwater environments. One of our clients leverages the ROV to clean skeletal structures on the exteriors of barges, achieving faster, safer results compared to traditional diving methods. Moreover, we’ve successfully deployed this solution alongside hydro and water companies to pressure clean sealing surfaces at depths too deep for divers. This approach also eliminates the need for costly shutdowns, which would otherwise be necessary to ensure diver safety in hazardous areas.

Fish and Predator Net Inspections

In the aquaculture industry, the APAMA ROV has reduced inspection times by nearly 50%. This efficiency is driven by our advanced 6-DOF intuitive control system, allowing for precise and agile manoeuvring. Coupled with an intuitive controller developed in collaboration with end users, operators have full control to orient the ROV in any required position, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. This combination of advanced control and user-friendly design has been highly praised, significantly enhancing operational productivity when navigating complex net structures.

Net Repair with Patented System

During inspections, when a hole is detected in the net, the APAMA ROV is equipped to perform permanent repairs on the spot. Our patented net repair system has demonstrated a 95% success rate in fixing various types of holes, according to data from clients using the system. While this system is still in its final development stages, it is poised to set a new global standard, potentially eliminating the need for traditional dive-based net repairs.

Rope Cutting Capability

We have developed a prototype electronic rope cutter specifically designed for the APAMA ROV, capable of cutting mooring lines up to 80mm in diameter. The cutter excels on Dyneema ropes, renowned for their strength and durability. To our knowledge, this tool is the smallest in the world capable of handling ropes of this thickness, showcasing the APAMA ROV’s advanced capabilities in marine operations.

APAMA Features

SpecificationDetails
ThrustersVectored 8 Degrees of thrust with both world and ROV coordinate operation capabilities
Size1000mm Long, 685mm Wide, 508mm Tall
Camera1080p 30 FPS explore HD 3.0 (400m) Underwater ROV/AUV USB General Vision Camera
Power InputThe Apama is powered by a dual power system to provide solid redundancy. It carries an onboard 432Wh battery and an external 240V AC to 160V DC topside power supply. This allows the Apama to operate purely off topside power or entirely off battery power.
BouyancyHigh-density foam
Frame MaterialLight weight durable foamed PE
Inspection Coverage3000+m² /hour
Thrust Force30kg continuous
Depth Capacity200m standard with 300m option
Speed1.5 meters/second, 3 knots
Weight40kg in air, slightly positive in water
Lighting4 x 1500 Lumen Lights
SensorsDepth sensor, leak sensor, AHRS with support for DVL, Multi beam sonar and ethernet, RS485, CAN, Serial sensors
Tether200m standard & 11mm diameter
Flight ModesDepth hold, attitude hold, free 6DOF mode. Position hold (optional)
Weigh in WaterSlightly positive

Environmental Sustainability

With a strong focus on preventing fish escapes, SoSub’s solution plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and ecosystem protection.

Vectored six degrees of freedom

Equipped with a vectored six degrees of freedom (6 DoF) layout, the Apama can fly however efficiently regardless of its orientation, allowing it to navigate complex underwater environments with precision and ease.

Advanced Control System

Featuring the market’s leading 6DoF control system, our ROV offers unique world coordinate and ROV coordinate base movement, offering unparalleled control.

Fast On-Demand Inspection

Thanks to the 6DoF Control, the Apama offers world-class manoeuvrability which significantly cuts down on inspection time by allowing you to inspect how you want.

300m Depth Rating

The Apama is built and ready to go to 300m out of the box, making it perfect for any aquaculture environment.

Adaptability to Harsh Conditions

Designed to perform in murky waters and strong currents, the APAMA ROV is reliable under challenging conditions.

Innovative Design

Modular design for easy maintenance and seamless upgrades, minimising downtime. Interchange parts effortlessly, ensuring your ROV fleet remains cutting-edge without full replacements.

Excellent Tooling Capabilities

With the modular skid, tooling can quickly be taken of or added removed to suit your needs.

Safety and Efficiency

This system effectively eliminates risks associated with diver-based repairs, creating a safer working environment.

Commitment to Sustainability

As stewards of the ocean, SOSUB and the APAMA ROV uphold practices that honour and preserve the marine ecosystem.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Our facilities are trusted by global aquaculture operators, marine infrastructure developers, and subsea innovators who rely on precision and reliability.

Your Questions Answered

Hybrid Power System
The APAMA ROV features a unique hybrid power system, enabling indefinite operation on surface power. In the event of a power failure, the ROV can continue operating for an additional 1-2 hours on its own battery power. This capability allows us to send an average amount of power down the tether, avoiding the need to manage peak loads. Consequently, the surface power supply only needs to be 2 kW, making the system both efficient and reliable in various operational scenarios.
Lightweight and Robust Design
Traditional ROVs often struggle with excessive weight. We’ve engineered the APAMA ROV using a lightweight yet robust material called foamed PE, reducing the ROV’s weight to just 40 kg. This design makes deployment and operation much easier without compromising durability.
Modular and Repairable Components
Recognising that components like thrusters, lights, and cameras are susceptible to wear and tear, we’ve designed the APAMA with field-replaceable connectors for these parts. This modular approach ensures maintenance can be performed quickly and efficiently, minimising downtime.
Open Frame Design
The APAMA features an open frame design, facilitating the easy mounting of various payloads and sensors. This flexibility allows users to customise the ROV for a wide range of applications, from routine inspections to complex research missions.
3D Printed End-Use Parts
In collaboration with Formlabs, we’ve integrated advanced 3D printing techniques into the APAMA’s design. This innovation includes 3D-printed pressure vessels tested to depths of up to 850 meters. The use of 3D printing not only allows for rapid production and global distribution of parts but also enables quick customisation to meet specific client requirements, whether it’s a simple bracket for a tool or a specialised pressure chamber for unique sensor payloads.
The APAMA ROV is more than just an underwater vehicle; it is a solution crafted from years of industry insight, designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ROVs and set a new standard in underwater operations.

Download APAMA Product Brochure