Deal sees Havant firm team up with BAR Technologies to develop game-changing craft engineered for specialist missions
A NEW five-year deal will see maritime tech business SubSea Craft move in with BAR Technologies at its Old Portsmouth base.
SubSea Craft will move its production facilities from Havant this summer to join marine engineering consultancy BAR Technologies, a spin-off from Ben Ainslie Racing, at the Camber.
The deal will see the two firms continue development of VICTA – the world’s most advanced diver delivery unit.
Scott Verney, CEO for SubSea Craft, said: ‘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 and training facility in Portland, Dorset where we will conduct sea trials ahead of launch later this year.
‘The relocation will fit seamlessly into that.’
BAR Technologies has been integral to the build of VICTA – designing and optimising the hull and control system.
BAR Technologies’ CEO John Cooper said: ‘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 defence industry for the challenges of the 21st century.’
BAR Technologies and SubSea Craft began work on VICTA in 2018.
VICTA is a unique and innovative craft - the world’s most sophisticated diver delivery unit.
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.