This collaboration brings together the expertise of both companies to deliver advanced technologies that address the complex needs of the aquaculture industry across Scotland, the Americas and Europe.
Deep Trekker’s involvement in the aquaculture industry began with the sale of its first ROVs to a Norwegian salmon farm over a decade ago. Since then the company has developed ROV systems that allow operators to manage day-to-day tasks like net inspection, stock monitoring and biofouling control. This technology has helped to reduce the need for manual diving, improve worker safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
By integrating Deep Trekker’s ROV technology with UCO’s Foover mortality recovery system and NetFix system, this partnership aims to elevate aquaculture management capabilities further.
The Foover system has completed over 200,000 dives in the field and is capable of offering positive confirmation of mortality recovery, providing visual evidence and recordable video of operations. This capability aids in managing fish health and welfare, giving operators a transparent and accountable method for mortality management.
Meanwhile, the NetFix system provides an efficient solution for repairing small holes in cage nets, a common issue caused by predators or equipment snags. The ROV-deployed system uses plastic patches secured with pegs, ensuring stock containment until permanent repairs are completed. The patches sit flush with the net, allowing for ongoing net washing and easy removal by dive teams when required. This method has been used with Deep Trekker ROVs, reducing the need for urgent dive interventions, saving time and costs, and maintaining the integrity of aquaculture operations.
The partnership between Deep Trekker and UCO reflects both companies’ commitment to addressing the unique challenges of aquaculture management. By combining UCO’s specialised maintenance systems with Deep Trekker’s ROV technology, fish farms will benefit from enhanced operational tools for monitoring, recovery, and maintenance.
