A “Game-Changer” Beneath the Waves: How APAMA ROVs Transformed ROV Piloting and Operations for Huon Aquaculture

Introduction

In the fast-evolving and competitive landscape of aquaculture, maximising operational efficiency is essential for success.

Huon Aquaculture has long been committed to excellence in aquaculture practices, but the traditional methods of underwater inspection and reliance of outdated ROV technology posed challenges that hindered their operational efficiency, slowing inspections and delaying responses to the dynamic conditions of their underwater environments.

To overcome these hurdles, they sought a solution that could streamline inspections and provide real-time insights into their underwater environments – that’s where the APAMA ROV came in.

We explored how the implementation of APAMA ROVs transformed Huon Aquaculture’s inspection practices, significantly improving their ability to monitor and manage operations.

Background

We spoke to one of Huon Aquaculture’s experienced ROV pilots, and he shared insights on the operational improvements brought by the APAMA ROV system in underwater inspections and maintenance tasks. 

A seasoned operator with extensive experience in underwater inspections, the ROV pilot was accustomed to working with traditional ROVs, conducting a range of underwater activities including net inspections, barge cleaning, and recovery operations. Despite his expertise, he encountered several persistent challenges with these other ROVs: 

  • Heavy Equipment: Other ROVs are notably heavy, causing physical strain and risk of injury, especially when working in difficult weather or tidal conditions.
  • Limited Manoeuvrability: The older ROVs operated in a clunky, linear manner, described as “bulldozer-like” in their performance—unwieldy and difficult to manoeuvre. This made it difficult to navigate tight spaces or conduct precise inspections.
  • Time Inefficiency: Tasks such as predator net inspections could take up to 2.5 hours, largely due to slow manoeuvring and awkward controls.
  • Technical Difficulties: Frequent breakdowns and long wait times for parts, often ordered from overseas, led to equipment downtime that often lasted weeks.

Andrew Kringle

ROV PILOT

 
 
 
 
 
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Enter APAMA: A “Game-Changer” in Underwater Inspections

The introduction of the APAMA ROV brought about a revolutionary change. The APAMA was developed with feedback from ROV pilots, ensuring that the new system addressed their specific pain points. The transition to the APAMA was met with enthusiasm, with minimal concerns regarding the rollout due to the clear advantages it offered over the older system.

Benefits of APAMA ROVs: 

Once the operator began using the APAMA, several advantages quickly became apparent:

Operational Improvements

  1. Faster Inspection Times: The APAMA reduced predator net inspection durations from 2.5 hours to approximately 1.5 hours.
  2. Superior Imaging Capabilities: With high-definition cameras, the APAMA provides crystal-clear visuals that allows for precise assessments of nets and other underwater conditions.
  3. Enhanced Manoeuvrability: The lightweight design, six degrees of freedom, and user-friendly controls of the APAMA enabled the pilot to navigate complex underwater environments with ease.

“Before the APAMA came along, it was pretty painful… it was like driving a bulldozer and now I can drive a bobcat.”

Boost in Job Satisfaction

With the APAMA, the pilot experienced a notable decrease in stress levels and an increase in job satisfaction. “It makes the job a lot easier,” he remarked. The reduction in physical strain, combined with the ease of use of the APAMA, has made flying the ROV a more enjoyable experience.

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

Outstanding Customer Support

A crucial factor in the successful implementation of the APAMA was the exceptional customer support provided by the SoSub team. The ROV pilot praised the responsiveness to feedback and the commitment to continuous improvement, stating, “Every bit of feedback I give, (SoSub) gets straight on to it.”

Conclusion

The APAMA ROV has brought about substantial improvements in the day-to-day operations of Huon Aquaculture’s ROV Pilots, increasing efficiency, reducing physical strain, and enhancing overall job satisfaction.

The transition from older ROV models to the APAMA has not only streamlined underwater operations, but also paved the way for a safer, more cost-effective future in the industry. The system’s lightweight design, superior manoeuvrability, and advanced camera capabilities have allowed the team to work smarter, not harder.