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and semi-autonomous field mainte-nance and inspection. It can also be used to provide a resident hybrid AUV for maintenance of a subsea installa-tion under the control of an operator, and be of particular value under ice, down long tunnels, or where it is not easy to use a conventional ROV deployed from a vessel. What do you count as your greatest accomplishments at Saab Seaeye? Grant Doubling the turnover, mov- ing to bespoke new premises, increas- ing the professionalism of the organi- sation and guiding the companythrough its new ownership, has only been possible with a great team of cre- ative, professional and dedicated peo- ple around me. What has been the greatest challenges?Grant Moving the company from an assortment of buildings into a single custom-designed factory, in live time, with minimal disruption to company operations and product delivery, was an interesting challenge that has paid- off. In your estimation, what is the most important industry trend that has shaped this industry in recent years? Grant The trend is for more power- ful and smarter underwater vehicles that can perform a wider range of tasks more efficiently. But of course cus- tomers also require maximum reliabil- ity using a cost effective platform which will provide the maximum return on their investment. Operators are doing more and more with their ROVs. They want greater power and more intelligent electron- ics, with precise manoeuvrability. They also want greater thrust performance in shallow water, and to go deeper when needed ? and a vehicle that is www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 23MTR#7 (18-33):MTR Layouts 8/29/2011 9:48 AM Page 23
