The ROV is manufactured by Canadian company Deep Trekker and is equipped with 4K imaging technology, two lasers, and four LED lights. An arm fitted with a grab on this remotely operated vehicle makes it possible to collect samples. It includes a Blueprint Subsea Oculus MT1200d sonar system.

The Institute expects to use this new equipment to examine habitats and to record fauna and seabed features.

The Deep Trekker Revolution weighs just 26kg, and is powered by six propellers that enable a speed of up to four knots. It also has a depth range of up to 300 meters. The four batteries provide an operating endurance of up to six hours, plus it can be connected to an additional power supply on the surface to extend its operational time. A USBL positioning system enables pre-programming of operational routes.

The Revolution ROV has been supplied to the Institute by Slippurinn Akureyri, Deep Trekker’s agent in Iceland.