Houston-based MFE Offshore becomes an official distributor of Hydromea’s tetherless underwater inspection technology for energy operators.
MFE Offshore announced July 9, 2026, that it has partnered with Swiss underwater robotics developer Hydromea to distribute the Hydromea EXRAY underwater inspection ROV across the energy, industrial, hydropower, marine infrastructure and climate science markets. The agreement expands MFE Offshore’s subsea portfolio, which the parent company MFE Inspection Solutions launched in January.
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What the EXRAY does
According to Hydromea, the EXRAY provides an alternative to divers, large support vessels and complex tether management systems. Onshore inspections typically require dewatering, extended downtime and human entry, all of which increase cost and risk. The EXRAY collects visual inspection data and ultrasonic thickness measurements faster than traditional methods, the company says.
The ROV serves as a communications relay for a companion tetherless inspection drone. Hydromea’s proprietary underwater wireless technology lets operators maintain real-time control and receive live HD video without a physical tether. The system’s 6-degree-of-freedom control and rim-driven thrusters, described by the company as among the thinnest in the world, help minimize entanglement inside ballast tanks, riser systems and structural frameworks.
The EXRAY is class-ready and has been deployed in DNV and ABS inspection programs through certified service partners, according to the companies.
Leadership on the partnership
“As underwater inspections become more demanding, operators need access to technologies that can safely and efficiently gather data in environments that are often hard to reach,” said Wendy Post, general manager of MFE Offshore. Hydromea has developed “a unique approach” to complex structures and confined spaces, and MFE is “excited to bring that capability” to customers, she added.
“Hydromea developed the EXRAY robot to take underwater inspections to a new professional level in complex environments while making piloting easier,” said Igor Martin, chief executive of Hydromea. MFE Offshore understands “the operational realities that inspection teams face every day,” making it “an ideal partner as we bring the class-ready EXRAY robot to more operators across the energy industry,” he added.
Demo Day set for July 16
MFE Offshore will host a Demo Day on July 16 at its Houston offshore facility, featuring live EXRAY operation and technical specialists. Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is encouraged.
MFE Inspection Solutions provides NDT, RVI, environmental and UAV technology across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Middle East, with equipment from Boston Dynamics, Flyability, DJI, Voliro, Teledyne FLIR and Skydio.
More information is available at MFE Offshore.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
