In a major step forward for subsea operations in West Africa, UK-based Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has received an order from Nigerian oil and gas company Marine Platforms Limited (MPL) for the delivery of two next-generation work-class remotely operated vehicles (WROVs).
The deal, secured under FET’s Subsea product line, marks the first-ever sale of the new XLX EVO III ROV model, which features cutting-edge pilot consoles, upgraded control software (ICE Unity), and advanced engineering for superior subsea performance.
According to FET, the 4,000-meter-rated vehicles will come with larger thrusters for improved underwater performance, a re-engineered buoyancy package capable of carrying a 350-kilogram payload, and a newly machined bolted frame that boosts durability and lifting capacity.
The company added that the through-frame-lift capacity has been increased to 4,000 kilograms, more than 30% higher than the previous EVO II model.
Manufacturing of the ROVs will take place at FET’s Kirkbymoorside facility in North Yorkshire, UK, with delivery scheduled for May 2026.
“We’re thrilled to bring our next-generation work-class ROV from testing to real-world operations off the West African coast,” said Kevin Taylor, Vice President of Operations, Subsea at FET. “Marine Platforms has been a reliable partner, and this project strengthens our position in Africa, a region where market entry can be challenging but full of opportunity.”
FET also announced a separate order this month from Norwegian vessel owner DOF Group for a similar WROV equipped with a tether management system, reinforcing the growing global demand for its advanced subsea technologies.
