Built for modern ROTV survey operations

STR OpTow

The OpTow is an electrically operated marine survey winch packaged with a high-performance hybrid electro-optical tow cable, optimised for Remotely Operated Tow Vehicle (ROTV) operations.

By enabling high bandwidth communications that cannot be achieved with conventional electrical-only tow cables, OpTow supports advanced survey sensors such as Synthetic Aperture Sonars (SAS), Multibeam Sonars (MBES) and video imaging systems used for seabed mapping and inspection. Remote operation and control also supports lean-crewed vessel operations and modern survey workflows.

As a fully optimised package, OpTow ensures the most technically compliant system on the market today.

Engineered as a complete winch and cable package

OpTow provides a standardised and repeatable winch-and-cable package designed for ease of use and minimised operating costs. It is easy to mobilise and features a fully interchangeable footprint, power requirements and control interfacing with STR SeaTow products used for conventional geophysical surveys.

Built for modern control environments, the system supports remote interfacing for plug-and-play compatibility with active heave compensation controllers, Remote Operator Centre workflows, ship-wide control applications and client specific control software. The unit can be fully controlled and configured remotely via Modbus.

At the centre of the package is STR’s tow cable design, strengthened specifically for ROTV operations and optimised for optical data transmission. This specification is unique to STR, delivering low loss power transmission, fibre optic bandwidth capability and analogue and digital copper-based communications.   OpTow is supported by STR’s 24/7/365 support network, helping operators remain fully operational during critical offshore campaigns.

Key Features

Optimised for ROTV operation
Hybrid fibre & electrical umbilical
Low-loss fibre slipring
Remote and local joystick control
Remote Operator Centre interface
High-speed operation

Key Benefits

High bandwidth communications enabled by hybrid electro-optical technology – OpTow enables fibre optic transmission for data-heavy survey sensors, sonar systems and video imaging devices.
Lower maintenance burden vs hydraulic winches – Electrical operation reduces maintenance requirements and removes hydraulic fluid-related servicing needs.
Reduced operating cost – Lower operating costs through reduced consumables, fewer maintenance requirements and lower energy consumption.
Ease & speed of integration and control – Modbus control enables remote configuration and operation, supporting Remote Operator Centre use, ship-wide control applications and custom control software integration.
High reliability, with STR SeaTow track record applicability – Mechanical components designed with a large safety factor, redundant control circuits, thorough testing and proven STR SeaTow design heritage support dependable performance offshore.
Most robust tow cable available – The hybrid electro-optical tow cable is strengthened specifically for ROTV operations and optimised for optical data transmission, with a cable specification unique to STR.
Built for harsh offshore environments – Electrical operation removes hydraulic fluids which can leak or require oil changes, while robust mechanical safety factors, redundant control circuits, corrosion protection, and ISO 12944-5/A5M paint coatings support dependable offshore performance.

BENEFITS

REDUCED OPERATING COSTS

LOWER MAINTENANCE BURDEN

BUILT FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS

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“Offshore survey demands are evolving fast, with higher data requirements and leaner operational models. OpTow was engineered as a complete, standardised winch-and-cable package for ROTV operations, enabling high bandwidth optical communications alongside remote operation and control.   

With robust design margins and corrosion protection, it’s built for dependable performance in harsh marine environments, supported by STR’s 24/7/365 support network.

Raymond Forsyth

Group Technical Director

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