When the Chinese Jiaolong Manned Submersible achieved a world record-breaking dive of 7,015m (23,051ft) in the Mariana Trench, it was a Caley A-Frame that safely launched and recovered the submersible.

The hydraulically operated A-Frame lifted the submersible above water before it was lowered, and successfully lifted it back onto the Mother Ship, Xiangyanghong9. In addition to the launch and recovery winches, Caley supplied two bespoke winches to handle scientific instruments for ocean bed research.

“We are proud to play our part in this new world record for manned submersibles. As research vessels go to greater depths, they are increasingly reliant on the quality and performance of Caley A-Frame and winch systems.” – Gregor McPherson, Technical Director, Caley Ocean Systems

Caley Ocean Systems designs and manufactures offshore handling systems for the international energy, defence, seismic and oceanographic science industries. In addition to its Glasgow-based design facilities, Caley’s has a 25,000sqf manufacturing plant with direct access to the River Clyde. Caley was established in 1968, and became part of Pryme Group in 2021 working alongside IMES, Hydratron, GA Engineering and SengS.