Case Study: Powering Norway’s Deep-Sea Research ROV with SubC’s DVR+ Overlay
Ægir 6000 being winched up after a dive. Photo Credit: NORMAR/UiB
The Norwegian Marine Robotics Facility (NORMAR), based at the University of Bergen, operates the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Ægir 6000, a national deep-sea research platform that has completed more than 1,000 dives. The ROV is deployed using a dedicated Tether Management System (TMS), allowing it to operate independently of ship movement and even under Arctic sea ice.
SubC Imaging technology has played a central role in enabling research, particularly during recent cruises conducted by the University of Bergen in collaboration with the Norwegian Offshore Directorate. These expeditions focused on investigating geological formations, biological communities, and environmental conditions in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea.
For these missions, high-quality imaging and reliable subsea inspection equipment are essential. NORMAR turned to SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay, a digital video recorder (DVR) solution designed for ROV operations and underwater cameras.
Challenge: Recording High-Quality Visual Data in Deep-Sea ROV Missions
Operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters means NORMAR’s scientists face unique demands when documenting the seafloor and its ecosystems. To deliver research-grade data, they needed an imaging solution that would not only capture visuals with clarity but also streamline workflows for onboard collaboration and post-mission analysis. These requirements went beyond simple video capture and included the ability to:
Record extended transects for subsea photogrammetry, mosaics, and 3D imaging.
Capture detailed visuals of benthic habitats, geological structures, and resource deposits.
Provide real-time video from ROV cameras for decision-making during dives.
Minimize training time and errors during demanding ROV operations.
Solution: Using SubC DVR+ Overlay to Improve ROV Imaging Workflows
Photo Credit: NORMAR/UiB
To address these needs, NORMAR used SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay as the central recording and broadcasting system on Ægir 6000. The platform provided researchers with the versatility to adapt video capture, overlays, and live streaming to each scientific task while remaining user-friendly for operators. The most important capabilities included:
Automated still-image capture every second, ideal for mosaics and subsea 3D imaging.
Customizable DVR software settings such as clip length and overlays tailored to scientific goals.
Multi-camera feed switching for real-time collaboration among onboard scientists.
Intuitive DVR interface that simplified training for ROV operators and reduced errors.
“The SubC DVR software proved highly user-friendly and adaptable. We could easily customize video settings and overlays to suit each research dive, and the ability to switch between multiple camera feeds allowed scientists to follow the ROV’s progress in real time. These capabilities greatly improved both the efficiency of our data collection and the scientific value of the visual records we brought back.”
Results: High-Resolution Video, 3D Models, and Better ROV Collaboration
Photo Credit: NORMAR/UiB
By combining advanced imaging capabilities with ease of use, SubC’s DVR+ Overlay delivered both scientific and operational benefits for the expedition. The system not only generated high-resolution imagery but also supported more effective collaboration and more efficient ROV operations. Specifically, researchers were able to achieve:
High-resolution mosaics and 3D models of the seafloor.
Identification of benthic habitats and mapping of geological structures, including sulphide deposits.
Greater efficiency during dives by giving scientists live access to ROV camera feeds.
Publication-ready visual data that supports long-term deep-sea research.
“One of the most valued features of SubC DVR+ Overlay was its ability to automatically capture still images at one-second intervals during video transects, enabling the creation of seamless stitched mosaics afterward.”
Conclusion: Strengthening Subsea Research with Advanced DVR Technology
With more than a decade of service and over 1,000 dives, Ægir 6000 remains a cornerstone of Norway’s national research infrastructure. By integrating SubC Imaging’s DVR+ Overlay with its ROV camera system, NORMAR has strengthened its ability to deliver world-class subsea data. SubC’s combination of advanced ROV cameras, DVR software, and subsea imaging tools continues to help scientists explore and examine the ocean.
