Deep Trekker and UCO Join Forces to Advance Aquaculture Operations

Chad Gillen | October 23rd, 2024

Combining Expertise
UCO’s Foover System
NetFix Repair System
Strategic Collaboration

Deep Trekker, a global leader in underwater ROV technology, and Underwater Contracting Ltd. (UCO), a trusted provider of innovative aquaculture solutions, are excited to announce a global partnership. This collaboration brings together the expertise of both companies to deliver advanced technologies that address the complex needs of the aquaculture industry across Scotland, North and South America, and Europe.

PIVOT deployed with UCO NetFix

Combining Expertise for Aquaculture Efficiency

This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of UCO’s specialized technologies and Deep Trekker’s advanced ROV systems to create a powerful toolkit for aquaculture management. Deep Trekker’s long history in the industry began with the sale of its first ROVs to a Norwegian aquaculture farm over a decade ago. Since then, Deep Trekker has established itself as a trusted provider of reliable and versatile underwater solutions, continually evolving to meet the specific needs of fish farming operations.

Through years of collaboration with fish farms in Norway, Canada, and other global aquaculture markets, Deep Trekker has developed ROV systems that allow operators to efficiently manage day-to-day tasks like net inspection, stock monitoring, and biofouling control. This technology has been instrumental in reducing the need for manual diving, improving worker safety, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. By integrating this technology with UCO’s Foover Mortality Recovery System and NetFix system, this partnership aims to elevate aquaculture management capabilities further.

The Foover system offers visual confirmation and video recording of mortality recovery, while the NetFix system ensures ongoing net maintenance through detailed inspections and automated patching. Together, these systems, combined with Deep Trekker’s proven underwater robotics, create a comprehensive solution that addresses key operational needs while promoting environmental responsibility within the industry.

UCO’s Foover System: A Proven Solution for Mortality Recovery

UCO is the sole provider of the patented Foover Mortality Recovery System, which has completed over 200,000 dives in the field. The system is the only one 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.

UCO Foover close up

NetFix: A Comprehensive Net Maintenance Solution

UCO’s 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.

Operator with PIVOT and UCO NetFix

Strategic Collaboration for Global Impact

The partnership between Deep Trekker and UCO reflects both companies’ commitment to addressing the unique challenges of aquaculture management. By combining UCO’s specialized maintenance systems with Deep Trekker’s ROV technology, fish farms will benefit from enhanced operational tools for monitoring, recovery, and maintenance. This collaboration is poised to deliver significant improvements in aquaculture operations, from mortality recovery to net maintenance, offering tailored solutions for a growing global industry.

About Deep Trekker

Deep Trekker is a leading provider of portable, rugged Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) designed for underwater applications ranging from ship hull inspections to aquaculture management and infrastructure maintenance. Trusted by professionals across industries worldwide, these ROVs offer advanced capabilities including sonar integration, real-time data processing, and easy-to-use control systems.

For more information, visit www.deeptrekker.com

PIVOT in water with UCO NetFix

About UCO

UCO was formed in 2017 and has quickly established itself as a leading provider in underwater services to the Aquaculture, Offshore Energy & Construction markets, specializing in Remotely Operated Vehicle (“ROV”) and Underwater tooling. UCO is part of the Ocean Marine Group, with sister companies Pirie & Smith and ETPM Limited, providing wider access to specialists in various sectors to help support our client base. As an Innovator, Manufacturer and Equipment Operator, the company has developed a portfolio of equipment, specifically aimed at providing a single source for meeting client needs, and exceeding expectations. From the Patented “Foover” Mortality recovery system to High Pressure cleaning systems, UCO gains an understanding of Client requirements, and develop working solutions to suit.

For more information, visit www.underwatercontracting.com

Operators with UCO Foover