Subsea Power & Energy Storage for ROV, AUV & Offshore Applications
Overview
Built Around Your Application
As the offshore and subsea industry moves toward electrification and autonomous operations, reliable subsea power and propulsion systems have become mission-critical. Whether you're extending the endurance of an AUV, powering a resident ROV system, or driving thrusters on a work-class vehicle, the quality of your power and propulsion components determines operational success. C.A. Richards represents manufacturers at the forefront of subsea power technology — from intelligent battery systems to high-performance electric motors and thrusters.
Discuss Your ProjectCapabilities
- Subsea battery packs and energy storage systems
- Intelligent power management and battery monitoring systems
- Electric thrusters for ROVs, AUVs, and subsea vehicles
- Hybrid power systems combining umbilical and battery power
- Long-duration power solutions for resident and autonomous systems
- Low-emission power alternatives for offshore operations
- Subsea electric actuators for valve and equipment control
Applications
Where We Apply These Technologies
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
High-energy-density battery systems that maximize mission endurance for autonomous survey and inspection vehicles.
Resident ROV Systems
Power solutions for ROVs that remain subsea for extended periods, reducing vessel time and operational costs.
Work-Class ROV Propulsion
High-performance electric thrusters and motors for work-class ROV maneuvering and station-keeping.
Offshore Wind Support Vehicles
Electric propulsion and power systems for inspection and maintenance vehicles on offshore wind farms.
Low-Emission Offshore Operations
Battery-based power solutions that reduce emissions and fuel consumption during offshore operations.
Technology Partners
Featured Manufacturers
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Verlume
Subsea batteries and intelligent power systems that enable longer missions, lower emissions, and more reliable offshore operations. Pioneers in resident subsea power technology.
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Sun-Star Electric
Submersible electric motors for ROV propulsion, deep-ocean, and marine applications — rated to depths exceeding 10,000m.
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Copenhagen Subsea
High-performance, seawater-cooled, gearless subsea thrusters, the Gorilla heavy-duty work-class ROV, and the Maneuvering Subsea System — delivering exceptional continuous thrust with minimal noise, proven in ROV, AUV, and manned submersible applications worldwide.
Learn MoreCommon Engineering Questions
Answers to the technical questions we hear most often from engineers and project teams.
What is the best way to power a resident ROV subsea?
Resident ROV systems require a power source that can sustain operations without frequent surface recovery. The two main approaches are seabed-based battery systems and umbilical power from a surface facility. Verlume's Halo subsea battery system is designed specifically for resident ROV applications, providing a local rechargeable energy reservoir that reduces dependence on a surface vessel and enables extended deployment periods. The right solution depends on mission duration, depth, and whether a fixed infrastructure connection is available.
How can an AUV stay deployed longer without surface recovery?
AUV endurance is primarily limited by battery capacity and energy density. High-energy-density lithium-based battery packs can significantly extend mission duration compared to standard configurations. For long-duration deployments, subsea docking and charging stations allow AUVs to recharge without surfacing, enabling multi-day or multi-week operations. The specific approach depends on the AUV platform, mission profile, and whether fixed subsea infrastructure is available.
What type of electric motor is used for ROV thrusters?
ROV thrusters typically use brushless DC or permanent magnet synchronous motors designed for continuous operation in seawater. Copenhagen Subsea thrusters use seawater-cooled, gearless designs that deliver high continuous thrust with low acoustic noise. Sun-Star Electric Aqua Star motors are purpose-built submersible motors rated for depths beyond 10,000m, used in ROV propulsion and other subsea drive applications. Motor selection depends on thrust requirements, depth rating, vehicle size, and power supply voltage.
What is the difference between umbilical power and battery power for subsea systems?
Umbilical power delivers electricity continuously from a surface vessel or platform through a tether cable, providing effectively unlimited energy but requiring a physical connection to the surface. Battery power allows untethered or semi-tethered operation with greater freedom of movement, but is limited by battery capacity and requires recharging or recovery. Many modern systems use a hybrid approach: umbilical power for primary operations with battery backup for emergency recovery or short-duration autonomous tasks.
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