Hybrid Remote Operated Nereus

  • Nereus in its remotely operated configuration during dives in 2009. (Photo courtesy of the Advanced Imaging & Visualization Lab, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

  • An optical fiber tether permitted high-bandwidth communication between Nereus and the surface and gave the vehicle unprecedented range and flexibility while diving. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

  • WHOI mechanical shop member Geoffrey Ekblaw welds part of Nereus' titanium frame during the vehicle's construction. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Inistitution)

  • Nereus is deployed in ROV mode from the stern of R/V Kilo Moana during test dives in 2009. (Photo by Tim Shank, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

  • Nereus in autonomous mode during test dives in 2007. (Photo by Tim Shank, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

  • The design of Nereus required the use of new techniques and materials, such as ceramics, which were employed in flotation and instrument housings (shown here). (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Inistitution)

  • Vehicle operators and scientists monitor Nereus during a 2009 dive to Challenger Deep that, at nearly 11,000 meters (7 miles), is the deepest point in the ocean. (Photo by Catherine Offinger, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

About Nereus

HROV Nereus was among the world's deepest-diving underwater vehicles and could be configured to operate tethered to a surface ship as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or to operate independently of human control as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). It suffered a catastrophic implosion during a mission in February 2014 to the deepest part of the Kermadec Trench.

Nereus page

Related mission

About Nereus

HROV Nereus was among the world's deepest-diving underwater vehicles and could be configured to operate tethered to a surface ship as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or to operate independently of human control as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). It suffered a catastrophic implosion during a mission in February 2014 to the deepest part of the Kermadec Trench.

Nereus page

Related mission

Nereus Specifications

Depth 11,000m (36,089 ft./6.8 miles)
Payload 45kg (99 lbs.)
Depth 11,000m (36,089 ft./6.8 miles)