British advanced maritime technology business, SubSea Craft Ltd and BAR Technologies, an innovative simulation-driven marine engineering consultancy, have signed a new five-year contract to further reinforce their partnership, which will see SubSea Craft move its operations from Havant into the Camber, Portsmouth, Hampshire alongside BAR Technologies.
The new agreement, made between SubSea Craft CEO Scott Verney and John Cooper, CEO, BAR Technologies, will cement the relationship for the continued development of VICTA – the world’s most advanced Diver Delivery Unit. Additionally, both firms will develop a five-year strategy that sees the two companies working ever-more closely together to advance the VICTA Class, alongside fostering an open spirit of collaboration to accelerate innovation in the maritime defense sector.
As part of the deal, SubSea Craft will co-locate with BAR Technologies, moving production facilities to the purpose-built building at The Camber – in the heart of Portsmouth, the center of UK maritime excellence. This brings multiple benefits for SubSea Craft and the local area. The Camber’s proximity to pre-eminent marine technology facilities, and access to the world class research center of Portsmouth University, will further bolster the development of cutting-edge technologies to provide innovative solutions for the maritime sector. Additionally, a prominent location at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour enables efficient water testing of new designs.
Scott Verney, CEO for SubSea Craft says, “With VICTA now built and completing the final stages of its fit-out, this move could not come at a better time, we are thrilled to be strengthening our partnership.”
“The two teams are already working closely together to get VICTA ready for her transfer to our Trials, Testing & Training facility in Portland, Dorset where we will conduct sea trials ahead of launch later this year. The relocation will fit seamlessly into that,” Verney continues. “This extended partnership and move will only help to further strengthen our efforts and future proof our businesses.”
As SubSea Craft’s principal partner, BAR Technologies has been integral to the build of VICTA – designing and optimizing the hull and control system to enable truly remarkable performance both on the surface and submerged.
BAR Technologies’ CEO, John Cooper, adds, “Our intention with this new set up is to create a hub for innovative and advanced maritime technology in the heart of the UK’s leading maritime city. We’re delighted to welcome SubSea Craft to the Camber in this pioneering venture and remain proud of the work we are achieving together on furthering maritime innovation to deliver the VICTA craft.”
“Our ability to scale a solution combined with our leading in-house simulation capabilities mean that both teams will benefit from the breadth and versatility of our combined team under this partnership. And, as we continue to develop our partnership with SubSea Craft, we look forward to bringing additional expertise to ready the defense industry for the challenges of the 21st century.”
BAR Technologies and SubSea Craft began collaborating on the VICTA development in 2018, progressing the build over the last 16 months. The move is planned for the summer.
VICTA is a unique and innovative craft - the world’s most sophisticated Diver Delivery Unit (DDU). Its distinctive form combines the characteristics of a fast surface craft with those of a specialist submersible. Over the past two years SubSea Craft has harnessed novel, market-leading technology to bring the vessel to life and VICTA is now in final fit-out ahead of comprehensive trials and testing, later in the summer.
