Scottish-developed subsea robotic technology is set to strengthen its presence in key international markets following a new partnership between two established energy supply chain firms.
Aberdeen-based subsea robotics specialist Rovtech has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with integrated offshore solutions provider Unique Group, focused on expanding sales, service and support for Rovtech’s VALOR ROV systems across the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
The agreement builds on VALOR’s existing global track record, with systems already successfully operating in regions including Australia, India, the Middle East and Brazil.
By combining Rovtech’s advanced subsea robotics capability with Unique Group’s strong regional footprint, the partnership is designed to accelerate market penetration and enhance local support in regions where demand for reliable, high-performance ROV systems continues to grow.
Fraser Moonie (L) of Unique Group and David Owen (R) of Rovtech with a VALOR ROV
Founded more than 30 years ago, Rovtech is a specialist engineering company focused on the design and manufacture of robotics, tooling and equipment for the world’s harshest environments. The business supports critical operations across the nuclear and subsea energy sectors, where performance, precision and reliability are paramount.
Unique Group, which began as a small operation in the UAE in 1993, has grown into a global organisation with more than 18 locations across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, the UK and the United States. Now a one-stop solutions provider for offshore and subsea engineering, technology and project support, the company combines strong in-house engineering and manufacturing capability with a global network of partnerships to deliver equipment and services across the full lifecycle of subsea operations.
Under the collaboration agreement, Unique Group will focus on promoting, supporting and servicing VALOR ROV systems across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, leveraging its established regional teams, facilities and client relationships. Sales and support in other international markets will continue to be managed directly by Rovtech, with the potential for the agreement to be extended to additional regions in the future.
Unique Group will support regional business development through its sales and marketing channels, including exhibitions, campaigns and direct client engagement, while Rovtech will provide technical expertise and marketing collateral to underpin joint activity.
A key element of the partnership is training and capability building. From early next year, Unique Group technicians will undertake formal training delivered by Rovtech, with the aim of establishing certified service and training centres for VALOR ROV systems in-region. This approach is intended to ensure high-quality after-sales support and long-term operational capability close to customers, while maintaining Rovtech’s oversight of system performance and standards.
John Polson, CEO of Rovtech, said: “This collaboration is about strengthening how we support customers in specific international regions where VALOR is already proving its value. We have systems operating successfully around the world, and partnering with Unique Group allows us to build deeper regional capability in the Middle East and Asia Pacific while continuing to manage and grow our presence elsewhere. It is a practical, customer-focused step in the evolution of the VALOR platform.”
Fraser Moonie, Commercial Strategy and Development Director at Unique Group, added: “This partnership is a perfect alignment of strengths. By combining Rovtech’s cutting-edge ROV technology with our global engineering expertise and regional support network, we can deliver fully backed, end-to-end solutions to customers worldwide.
Both Rovtech and the VALOR platform were acquired by Ventex, a climate tech venture studio, in 2024. The studio, led by industry veterans Steve Gray and Stuart McLeod, is focused on repurposing proven supply chain capability for renewable energy markets.