This month, we are celebrating SMD Quasar, an innovation that took our technology to new depths.
A medium-sized work-class ROV, SMD Quasar was engineered to push the boundaries of subsea operations at depths as great as 6,000m.
Engineered alongside an electric drive winch and Launch and Recovery System (LARS), this vehicle marked a world first by combining deep-water capability with a clean, efficient, and fully integrated all-electric handling system.
THE ULTIMATE ‘ALL-ROUNDER’
In 2017, we recognised a growing demand for an all-round vehicle that delivered high performance in challenging conditions and operated seamlessly across markets.
Our solution was SMD Quasar, an adaptable vehicle that excels in survey, salvage, construction, and drill support work, making it a cornerstone of any subsea fleet.
SMD Quasar’s 150hp central HPU supplies two hydraulic circuits: the primary drives the thrusters, while the secondary is an isolated circuit capable of powering high-energy tooling skids. With abundant vehicle space for tools and instrumentation, this versatile vehicle delivers exceptional flexibility and efficiency on every dive.
CLEANER LAUNCH AND RECOVERY
Equipped with our intuitive DVECSII control system and trusted SMD Curvetech® components, SMD Quasar is complemented by an electric drive winch and LARS, together providing a complete, turnkey launch and recovery solution.
Driven by electric motors rather than hydraulics, this system offers a more sustainable approach to operations with more accurate and precise control that is repeatable. It can be fully integrated with the vessel’s electronic systems, enabling energy regeneration from the winch to be redirected to other onboard applications, reducing power consumption and improving overall efficiency.
DIVING TO NEW DEPTHS
In 2017, SMD Quasar represented more than a technical milestone; it facilitated new frontiers of subsea exploration. Operating at 6,000m depths provided access to previously unreachable environments, supporting vital work in scientific research, deep-sea exploration, salvage operations, and infrastructure maintenance.
By withstanding the extreme pressures of ultra-deep environments, SMD Quasar continues to provide unparalleled levels of assurance and performance. Its design enables seamless integration with HD cameras, serial and Ethernet instruments, and sensors. Full pilot feedback is displayed via advanced SCADA interfaces, while real-time diagnostics, data logging and remote connectivity improve operational safety and reliability.
A LASTING LEGACY
SMD Quasar continues to prove its value as a dependable, future-ready work-class ROV. Its adaptability, capability and efficient electric LARS integration ensure it remains at the forefront of subsea operations.
As the demand for sustainable deep-water solutions grows, SMD Quasar stands as a testament to our commitment to engineering excellence underwater. Built to go deeper, work harder, and perform smarter, it continues to set the benchmark for capability and reliability beneath the surface.
For more information, please contact John McCann, our ROV Sales & Business Development Manager.
