From Hobart to Norway-proof that Australian innovation runs deep.
When we founded Southern Ocean Subsea (SoSub), Australia’s subsea technology expertise was often overlooked. We set out to change that.
Today, Australian-built systems are deployed in some of the world’s most challenging marine environments, from Tasmania’s cold, fast-moving waters to Norway’s icy fjords. “Made in Australia” now stands for reliability, resilience, and results even under the toughest conditions.
Building the Future of the Blue Economy
The global blue economy is booming, with aquaculture and marine robotics set to reach trillions in value, yet it’s one of the harshest environments for tech. This is where Australia’s strengths come into play. Our engineers and innovators are accustomed to designing unpredictable seas, strong currents, and remote operations. Just as Australian agricultural technology evolved to thrive in rugged inland environments, SoSub’s subsea systems have been developed through hands-on experience in aquaculture.
If technology can perform reliably in Tasmania’s dynamic coastal waters, taking it to Norway or Canada is not a leap, it’s a natural progression.
From Local Trials to Global Demand
Our journey began with a clear mission: to make underwater work safer, faster, and more efficient. That mission led to the APAMA ROV, a highly maneuverable, six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) remotely operated vehicle built for precision inspection and maintenance.
In early trials, the APAMA ROV inspected over 3,000 square meters per hour, cutting inspection time by half, and reducing maintenance costs by 90%.
Building on this success, we developed the APAMA NRS (Net Repair System), designed to repair up to 95% of underwater net holes without removing the net or requiring divers. Its automated Net Stitcher tool uses polyurethane-coated Kevlar repair material to seal damage efficiently and securely, significantly reducing downtime and the risk of fish escapes.
These innovations quickly gained international attention. Producers in Norway, Scotland, and Iceland recognized parallels with their own environments and adopted SoSub’s technology to overcome local challenges, such as long winters, deep pens, and limited daylight. Australian-built systems have since proven their reliability and ease of use in some of the world’s most demanding marine operations.
Lessons from Expanding Globally
Our global expansion has shaped our design: focusing on usability and collaboration with local teams. Every deployment that withstands another winter at sea reinforces the reliability of ‘Australian-built’.
These lessons ensure our engineering process remains dynamic, blending Australian innovation with global experience.
Australian-Built, Globally Proven
From the rugged waters of Tasmania to the remote fjords of Norway, SoSub’s journey demonstrates the power of local innovation on a global scale. We maintain full quality control while strengthening the national subsea technology industry.
To us, “Made in Australia” is more than a label it represents technical excellence, environmental responsibility, and practical performance values that define every system we build.
As we expand global partnerships, we remain committed to advancing a sustainable blue economy where technology, efficiency, and ocean health progress together.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about creating lasting technology to support those working beneath the waves. And we’re just getting started.
