GLOBAL Marine Systems has bolstered its fleet with a mini underwater vehicle.

The firm, which has a major depot at Portland Port, took receipt of the VideoRay Pro III XE GTO Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) from Yeovil-based Atlantas Marine.

Global Marine (GMS) is a leading independent provider of submarine cable installations and operates a range of large subsea vehicles to assist with its cable operations.

But the smaller, robust and portable VideoRay gives the company greater flexibility and scope on work closer to the shore, in underwater surveys and on such projects as wind farms.

Global Marine subsea operations manager John Davies said: "I am most impressed with the portability, ease of use, video quality and sheer power of such a small ROV.

"We are immediately putting our new VideoRay to work on a dam inspection this week and we shall deploy VideoRay on various wind-farm inspection projects that we are undertaking in the coming months."

Mr Davies added: "The system will be available for hire and training purposes during the periods that Global Marine do not require it on its own projects."

The VideoRay underwent trials at Portland before being handed over.

The VideoRay is supplied in two cases - making it easy to transport around the world, either in cars, vans, planes or helicopters.

It is robust enough to deal with sub-zero temperatures and can cope with currents of up to four knots.

The vehicle has high quality cameras, and the ability to record images to DVD.

Atlantas Marine is a leading supplier of products and services to the marine industry.

Atlantas Marine managing director Charlie Foll said: "We were very pleased to receive an order from a company that has demonstrated such demanding standards for excellence as Global Marine.

"This is just a part of a very successful year for Atlantas Marine - which has culminated in winning the VideoRay Best Dealer Award."