Aberdeen-based ROVOP, a global supplier of remotely operated vehicles (ROV) services to the energy sector, announced that it has been acquired by Louisiana-based Chouest.

ROVOP is one of the world’s largest providers of ROV services for subsea operations to the oil and gas, offshore wind, and utilities industries.

The Aberdeen firm was previously backed by specialist energy private equity firm Bluewater before the Chouest acquisition.

“The company has maintained a focus on developing its onshore and offshore teams with highly specialised expertise which has contributed to considerable growth in recent years,” said ROVOP.

“The deal will bring greater resources and subsea expertise to the Aberdeen headquartered business.

“ROVOP will now benefit from the support and capabilities of other Chouest companies worldwide, including its vessel-based operations, Caltex Oil Tools, Bram Offshore, and C-Innovation, allowing it to offer a greater range of services and drive new global growth opportunities.”

ROVOP CEO Neil Potter said: “This is a remarkable opportunity for growth, innovation and delivery of even greater value to our clients, bringing a significantly increased fleet of ROVs and an expanded knowledge that our customers will be able to tap into.

“Our specialist teams have helped drive our recent growth and we now look forward to integrating with the Chouest family and leveraging their global resources to enhance our capabilities and expand our reach …

“I would like to thank Bluewater for its support over the past seven years, and we’re now looking forward to this next chapter in the ROVOP story.”

The acquisition means that Chouest, alongside its existing subsea service company, C-Innovation, will now own and operate a fleet of over 100 ROVs and six autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

“ROVOP has established a reputation for excellence in the ROV industry,” said Dino Chouest of the Chouest family of companies.

“This acquisition is a key part of our strategy to enhance our integrated subsea services.

“We are excited to welcome ROVOP’s talented team into our family. Their expertise and capabilities are crucial as we expand our portfolio and continue to offer industry-leading solutions to our clients.”