OceanWorks International Finishes ADS Upgrades for Italian Navy

OceanWorks International announces the successful delivery of a major system upgrade for the first of the Italian Navy’s three Atmospheric Diving Systems (ADS). After its previous refurbishment in 1999, the first Italian HARDSUIT™ was returned to OceanWorks International for the latest configuration upgrade.

The upgrade to the QUANTUM II configuration offers much improved operational, maintenance and training features including more powerful SAAB Seaeye SM7 thrusters and a completely re-designed and upgraded electronics, communication and monitoring system to allow better control and monitoring of the system performance by pilot and supervisor.

The contract included provision of a temporary replacement ADS system to ensure that the Italian Navy did not experience any interruption of their rescue and salvage capabilities during the upgrade and refurbishment period. A 2-week pilot and technician training course is also provided to ensure that the Navy remain current on the advanced functions of the upgraded system. The upgrades and major survey along with the training represent a strong commitment by the Italian Navy to the HARDSUIT™ ADS system as the cornerstone of their submarine rescue capability.

“The Italian Navy has been a loyal customer of the OceanWorks HARDSUIT™ ADS for many years” states Rod Stanley, Chief Executive Officer at OceanWorks International. “We are happy to continue supporting the Italian Navy in their efforts”.

OceanWorks International is an internationally recognized subsea technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of manned / unmanned subsea systems and specialized equipment for military, oil and gas, scientific, and other marine markets. Offering a full range of subsea system engineering, design and analysis, fabrication, testing, and project management services, OceanWorks International has been at the cutting edge of deep submergence and diving technology, operations, and support for over 20 years.

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Naval Today Staff, April 26, 2013; Image: OceanWorks