Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd (SMD)

General information

The business has a strong heritage in subsea engineering, going back to the 1970s when it pioneered the design and manufacture of seabed ploughs. Following the acquisition of Hydrovision in 2003, SMD has grown to be the world’s number one independent designer and manufacturer of workclass and specialist subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). SMD underwent a management buy-out in 2008, funded by the private equity group, Inflexion. It is headquartered near Newcastle in the UK, with additional facilities in Malton (UK), Houston, Singapore and Macaé in Brazil.

SMD is organised along five key business streams: ROVs, Trenching, Mining, Renewables, and Nuclear. These business streams are each led by a dedicated business stream manager reporting into one of the two joint managing directors.

SMD supply an innovative range of remotely operated remote intervention equipment, a range of associated deck and handling equipment, control systems, and the Curvetech™ range of ROV components. End solutions vary from one-off bespoke engineering systems to a standard range of workclass ROVs. SMD’s customers operate our equipment in hazardous environments from the deep sea to radioactive buildings, and therefore value the fact that it is robust, reliable and easily maintained.

The equipment is of diverse size and complexity, ranging from 250 tonne tracked mining machines to two-tonne free-flying ROVs. In 2010 SMD delivered the world’s largest free stream tidal turbine (to Atlantis Resources Corporation), and is designing and manufacturing the world’s first deep seabed mining vehicles (for Nautilus Minerals, Inc.).

SMD has a passion for excellence, which is backed up by proven engineering expertise and solid customer support. The business offers a full range of assistance to its customers including a 24-hour hotline, operational and engineering support, spares, service and training support including a specially developed workclass-ROV simulator for pilot training.

SMD works in partnership with its customers to ensure the best possible solution. We work with open communication and value honesty and respect in dealings with all our stakeholders. SMD is committed to safety and quality.