ROVs
For
Sale
or
Charter

Over 50 remotely operated vehicle systems available for purchase or charter, spanning micro and eyeball class through to 5,000-metre-rated work class platforms. Silvercrest Submarines supplies new-build and pre-owned ROVs backed by three decades of operational subsea experience.

ROVs For Sale and Charter — Silvercrest Submarines

Silvercrest Submarines offers one of the most comprehensive remotely operated vehicle inventories available from a single specialist operator. With over 50 ROV systems spanning micro and eyeball class observation platforms through to 5,000-metre-rated work class vehicles, the inventory addresses the full spectrum of commercial, scientific, and industrial subsea requirements. Systems are available for outright purchase or charter, with new-build options also available for operators requiring factory-fresh platforms to specific configurations.

What sets Silvercrest Submarines apart from equipment brokers is operational depth. Three decades of hands-on subsea experience — from Loch Ness research operations and BBC natural history documentary filming to offshore inspection campaigns worldwide — means every equipment recommendation is grounded in genuine operational knowledge. Clients benefit from advice shaped by real deployment experience, not manufacturer datasheets alone.

What Types of ROVs Are Available?

Work Class ROVs

The largest category in the Silvercrest Submarines inventory, tourist submarines range from 10-passenger DNV-certified vessels suitable for

Work class ROVs form the heavy end of the Silvercrest Submarines inventory, with systems rated to depths of 3,000 metres and beyond — including the ISE HySub deep work class system, rated to 5,000 metres. These platforms carry hydraulic tooling, heavy-lift capability, and the power output required for subsea construction, pipeline installation, FPSO hull survey, and complex intervention work in the offshore energy sector. Major manufacturers represented include Schilling, SMD, Saab SeaEye, Perry Tritech, Argus, Oceaneering, and SMD Quantum. Both pre-owned systems and unused new-build platforms are available.

Inspection & Observation Class ROVs

The largest section of the inventory, inspection and observation class ROVs cover the 100-metre to 2,000-metre depth range, addressing the majority of commercial IRM (Inspection, Repair and Maintenance) requirements. Platforms include Saab SeaEye (Falcon, Tiger, Cougar XT, Panther XT Plus, Surveyor Plus), Sub-Atlantic (Apache, Mojave, Navajo, Mohawk), Deep Ocean Engineering Phantom series, Sperre Sub-Fighter, Hydrovision Hyball, and new-build electric free-flyer options from the SD series. Sensor configurations include HD cameras, sonar, auto-heading and auto-depth systems, grabbers, and manipulators. Several systems are available both for sale and charter.

Notable specialist platforms in this class include the SEAMOR 300F2/4 tunnel inspection ROV, equipped with a 2,000-metre fibre optic umbilical on a motorised slip-ring drum — one of the few purpose-built tunnel inspection vehicles available anywhere.

Micro & Eyeball Class ROVs

Compact and highly portable, micro and eyeball class ROVs provide cost-effective visual inspection for utilities infrastructure, dam and reservoir surveys, harbour inspection, and any application requiring deployment by a single operator without support vessels or heavy equipment. The AC-ROV SP-50 — total system weight under 15kg with a 190mm fly-through diameter — exemplifies this class, capable of accessing culverts, pipelines, and confined intake structures inaccessible to larger platforms. The VideoRay Scout and VideoRay Pro 4 offer further options in this category.

New-Build ROVs

For operators requiring factory-fresh platforms, Silvercrest Submarines offers a range of new-build systems including the SD600-4T inspection ROV, SD1200-8 and SD1300-8 all-electric free-flyers (both 300-metre rated), and the MultiRov new-build work class ROV rated to 3,000 metres. New-build systems carry manufacturer warranties and can be supplied with customised tooling and sensor packages to project specification.

Pre-Owned ROVs - Quality and Provenance

The majority of pre-owned ROV systems in the Silvercrest Submarines inventory originate from decommissioned offshore energy programmes, equipment upgrades, or fleet rationalisation by established subsea contractors. Where documentation is available, service histories, operational logs, and inspection records accompany the sale. Condition ratings are applied consistently across the inventory — from Excellent through to systems sold for spares — ensuring buyers receive an accurate assessment before committing to an inspection or purchase decision.

Silvercrest Submarines' own engineering capability, through its Submersible Motor Engineering (SME) division and ROV repairs and refurbishment service, means that systems requiring recommissioning can be assessed and returned to operational standard prior to sale where agreed with the buyer.

Engineering Support and Subsea Motors

Silvercrest Submarines' engineering division manufactures subsea motors rated from 24V to 6,600V at depths to 4,000 metres — powering ROV thruster and hydraulic systems worldwide. This in-house engineering capability provides buyers with access to motor supply, refurbishment, and custom manufacture that most equipment suppliers cannot offer. Details of available motor types are on the ROV Motors page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Submarines For Sale