As the offshore wind industry expands to meet the demands of global decarbonisation, reliable subsea support is essential for project success across all phases—from seabed assessment to long-term asset maintenance. Film-Ocean, a subsea services provider headquartered in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, has spent over two decades delivering high-specification Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) solutions to support the offshore energy infrastructure worldwide.
Film-Ocean operates a versatile fleet of ROV systems, ranging from micro-class to work-class vehicles, capable of operating in both fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind environments. These systems are equipped to support key operations including pre- and post-installation inspections, seabed/BOP surveys, cable routing and integrity assessments, and anchor positioning. The company also carries out unexploded ordnance (UXO) surveys, an important task in offshore construction planning.
The ROV fleet is supported by integrated Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) and Tether Management Systems (TMS) designed for efficient deployment and retrieval in challenging sea conditions. Film-Ocean’s ROV systems are equipped with a broad range of inspection tools, including multibeam sonar, laser scanning, HD and 4K cameras, 3D data acquisition, photogrammetry, Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT). These capabilities enable high-resolution visual and dimensional data collection, which is essential for informed asset management.
In support of floating wind developments, Film-Ocean offers a patented a mooring system chain measuring tool that has classification from ABS, BV, DNV-GL and Lloyds Register. The equipment has been used on over a hundred assets globally to provide cost-effective, real-time results that can be used to quantify the mooring systems performance. Both interlink and link lengths can be measured accurately with repeatable results.
Results are recorded in real time and measurements are recorded using very accurate linear variable displacement transducers (LVDT). This equipment can be deployed on chains with a range of industry standard bar diameters. High pressure hydraulic system and precision contact points require minimal marine growth cleaning saving operational time. The system can be used on all of Film-Ocean’s ROV fleet except for the Micro Class ROV systems.
Additional services include cathodic protection (CP) inspections, flooded member detection (FMD), cleaning of subsea infrastructure, and internal inspections of ballast tanks and overboard valves. These operations are often performed from a single launch location, improving efficiency and reducing vessel time.
Film-Ocean is experienced in delivering UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking) campaigns, many of which have direct relevance to floating wind platforms due to the overlap in inspection requirements. The company’s experience in both the UK Continental Shelf and wider international markets—including Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea—demonstrates its operational reach and ability to mobilise effectively across regions.
During 2025, Film-Ocean continues to expand its capabilities with new technical personnel and a full work-class ROV fleet in active deployment. Projects such as the Atom Work-Class ROV operating off West Africa reflect the company’s capacity to deliver complex inspection and maintenance operations in deepwater environments.
Film-Ocean’s experience, combined with ongoing investment in tooling, training, and international delivery, positions the company as a reliable partner for offshore wind operators. With a focus on technical execution and asset longevity, Film-Ocean continues to supporting the global shift to clean energy through robust and adaptable subsea inspection services.
