International subsea rental equipment and solutions specialist Ashtead Technology has signed a rental agreement with Norway-based RTS, an international provider of electronic engineering equipment for the underwater industry.

Under the deal, Ashtead Technology will have access to RTS’s owned equipment fleet to better support customers globally. In addition, Ashtead Technology has purchased an initial ten Gen 5 multiplexer systems which will have the capability to upgrade to Gen 6 specification. As a result, Ashtead Technology will be the first company to supply the Gen 6 product line, when available.

The Gen 5 is one of the most versatile survey multiplexer systems in the market offering accurate, flexible and robust subsea data transfer combined with user-friendly interfacing and 850W of power capacity subsea. The systems come in innovative titanium subsea housing, ideal for challenging marine environments.

The RTS Gen 5 multiplexer systems are now available to rent throughout Ashtead Technology’s nine international technology and service hubs.

Phil Middleton, Ashtead Technology’s Survey and Robotics Director, said: “This latest investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the global subsea rental market by ensuring we can offer the broadest range of best-in-class subsea equipment to support our customers’ projects worldwide. Furthermore, it means that we are the only equipment rental company able to supply subsea multiplexers from all leading manufacturers.

“We look forward to building a long-term partnership with RTS and working together to bring the latest innovations to our customers.”

Tore Hafte Staalesen, RTS Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to partner with Ashtead Technology which demonstrates their ongoing commitment to leading edge technology and innovative solutions that deliver robust performance, reliability and differentiation to their customers. This new rental agreement is an important strategic opportunity for RTS as we continue to grow our business internationally in all key energy markets.”