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NemoSens AUV
Ideal platform solution for high-precision
1

NEWS

survey applications
SubseaTest
Subsea TestTools
Tools
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P AT

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SIMPLE

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SUBSEA NEWS
• SIMPLE •
• TO USE! •
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PAT
SUBSEA
TO USE!

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PAT

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I N S U L AT I O N R E S I S TA N C E • E L E C T R I C A L T D R • O P T I C A L T D R • S U B S E A S E N S O R S

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NEWS I N S U L AT I O N R E S I S TA N C E • E L E C T R I C A L T D R • O P T I C A L T D R • S U B S E A S E N S O R S

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to a deeper level
TE D N
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D T E CTHE N

NEWS
MACARTNEY LAUNCHES NEW TRUSTLINK HYBRID
VICTORY CONNECTOR WITH MINIMAL FOOTPRINT
Ideal platform solution for high-precision
survey applications MONOPILES
Shell has taken a final investment MacArtney has introduced the Working under Working in oceanic depths under great pressure requires cables
decision on the Victory gas field in Hybrid connector, a compact high pressure and connections you can rely on. At DeRegt Cables we provide
the UK North Sea, approximately addition to its TrustLink Metal outstanding technical solutions and custom-engineered cable
Recently, Forssea’s ARGOS was
47km north-west of Shetland. Shell series. Designed to meet solutions for the most challenging of circumstances. When you
mobilised onboard Louis Dreyfus
customer demands, the Hybrid are raising the bar, we deliver the right solution.
Armateurs (LDA) crew transfer
It will feature a single subsea well seamlessly delivers power, data and vessel to execute subsea monopile
Powerful, low-maintenance tied back to existing infrastructure communication in one. DeRegt delivers • Top notch cable design
inspection on the Saint-Nazaire
of the Greater Laggan Area system, • Reliable cable manufacturing
electric winch system offshore wind farm.
using a new 16km pipeline. The TrustLink Metal Shell (MS) • High end cable termination
Cost-effective, high-speed Modular design design prioritises reliability in a • Thorough cable testing
This project was sponsored to
survey platform It is anticipated the Victory field will high-density connector, addressing • Outstanding field service
validate the capability of diving
come online in the middle of the the challenges of harsh marine TrustLink Metal
directly from the field asset to
decade and at its peak, produce environments with limited space. Shell
avoid external vessel mobilisation
Call us for the best connection
enough gas to heat almost 900,000 expenses.
+31 180 66 88 00
homes per year. Paul Anthony, Global Business insertion loss and low back reflection.
Manager Connectivity, emphasises The CTV was moored on the
This represents around 150 million the Hybrid's innovation: “With the Expanded optical beam technology monopile to cut gas/oil consumption
Feel free to reach Zaag 2-4, 2931 LD Krimpen aan de Lek, The Netherlands
during the ROV dive. The method
standard cubic feet per day of gas Hybrid connector, MacArtney has ensures robust and secure Tel: +44 (0)1904 215161 • Email: sales@[Link] [Link]
out and connect info@[Link] | [Link]
statement showed that the ARGOS Tel: +44 (0)1904 215161 • Email: sales@[Link] [Link]
(approximately 25,000 barrels of taken this a step further. The single- connections, positioning it as the
oil equivalent per day). Most of the footprint Hybrid is ideal for tight ideal connectivity solution where the compact ROV spread facilitated
field’s recoverable gas is expected spots. With two optical passes and accuracy and integrity of transferred metocean window selection while
to be extracted by the end of the four electrical contacts, it enhances data are paramount. reducing maintenance cost and
AUV SURVEY associated CO2 emissions, even in the
decade. versatility while reducing the
harsh Atlantic coastal environment real-time remote supervision
l TechnipFMC has been awarded
number of connectors required.” Furthermore, its easy-to-clean
connector design ensures seamless
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) are being
employed for marine geophysical surveys during the
with its significant tide amplitude. and video annotation capability,
to reduce offshore personnel
AUVSERVICE
AUV SERVICE
a significant contract by bp for its "Building on the success of the maintenance. planning of important infrastructure, guaranteeing full requirements and optimise dives Gdynia - based Enamor is a research
OWF
Argos Southwest Extension project TrustLink MS connectors, the respect for the environment. This is the goal of the project Forssea Robotics also completed during low tides, making CTV and production company with
in the Mad Dog field. Hybrid naturally extends the Acknowledging the need for “Odisseo”, launched by Terna, the Italian transmission grid first OWF autonomous inspection planning more flexible. a strong focus on cutting-edge
series. It is developed in response accessibility and ensuring a quick operator led by Giuseppina Di Foggia, in cooperation with during the Saint-Nazaire intervention. technology projects in navigation,
TechnipFMC will install pipe and to customer demands for a small, turnaround for our customers, the Terradepth, a US startup and leading provider of marine This demonstration followed several Moreover, a new cutting-edge communication, hydrography, and
an umbilical, tying back three new all-in-one connectivity solution Hybrid will be available from stock. survey services and ocean data solutions. steps: visual odometry system will soon be automation.
wells to the Argos platform in the supporting numerous applications, l Mission preparation based on deployed and interfaced with the
Gulf of Mexico. including efficient and reliable TrustLink Metal with two optical passes The security of submarine assets is one of the main drivers ROV to improve navigation accuracy
client digital asset Their collaboration with Teledyne
data transmission with minimal and four electrical contacts of design and involves the adoption of appropriate cable in shallow water. Gavia spans over a decade since the
l ROV initialisation on the first
l Subsea7 has announced the attenuation and interference." laying and protection techniques. In this context, the point of interest initial delivery of Gavia AUVs for the
award of a sizeable extension of an implementation and adoption of cutting-edge technology l Autonomous foundation survey Polish Navy EOD divers in 2012 and
1,000 m depth rating is an enabling factor. (path following) with no need subsequent Gavia deliveries including
Flexible and high existing frame agreement by bp, Leveraging MacArtney's proven
for subsea construction, inspection, OptoLink technology, initially for USBL sensor (subsea acoustic for the Kormoran class MCMVs.
payload capacity In the context of the “Odisseo” project, the first test was
repair and maintenance services designed to deliver dependable positioning)
conducted off the coast near the port of Casamicciola Gavia AUV from Terradepth In the first half of 2023, Enamor's
(IRM), across bp’s North Sea assets. fibre optic connections
Terme, on the island of Ischia (Naples, Italy). During Overall, autonomous flight proved to engineers and technicians underwent
in a compact
geophysical surveying of the seabed, Terna’s technicians innovative technologies, such as submarine drones, which effective for inspecting standardised rigorous training at Teledyne Gavia to
Under the terms of this two-year connector, the Hybrid can supplement and integrate traditional tools used to a testament to their dedication to efficiency in Europe. Teledyne allows AUVs to be configured for
were able to test the performance of the “Gavia” drone, structures like monopiles, with up perform AUV maintenance routines
extension to the end of 2025, excels in high-speed the AUV from Terradepth employed for the purpose, examine the seabed. Terna invests significant resources in quality service and support. Gavia's AUVs, known for their low various missions, including mine
to 50% faster survey maintaining in Poland.
Subsea7 will provide an IRM, survey data and video equipped with advanced sensors, including Echo Sounder marine surveying, which is a strategic practice for effective logistics modular design, can be countermeasures (MCM), search &
very stable video feed and making
and a light construction vessel, transmission. (MBES), Side Scan Sonar and HD Camera. planning of technologically advanced submarine electrical This development highlights rapidly transported and maintained, salvage, hydrographic survey, and
each trajectory predictable. Forssea As a result, Enamor has now been
MacArtney global solutions complete with work class and connections”, said Terna’s Major Projects and International is planning to commercialise this officially appointed as a regional
Teledyne's commitment to ensuring increasing operational availability critical underwater infrastructure
observation ROVs. This is achieved through minimal “The partnership with Terradepth has enabled testing of Development Director, Giacomo Donnini. AUVs' operational readiness and and reliability. This versatility inspections.
solution early 2024 in addition with Service Center for AUVs in Europe,
Denmark Norway Sweden United Kingdom France
ROV deployment
Italy Germany Netherlands USA Canada Brazil

2 4 5 7
India Singapore China Australia

SOCIETY FOR
Powerful, low-maintenance
SUBSEA NEWS LONDON, EXCEL
SUBSEA NEWS SUBSEA NEWS

CABLE, UXO & BURIED

12-14 March 2024
NEWS NEWS NEWS

BOULDER SURVEYS FLOATING

VISIT US
STAND K600

HYDROWING BARGE
UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGY
FOR OFFSHORE WIND NUI
Kraken’s 3D acoustic cable route surveys are
AR500 ISLAND OCEAN
designed to provide wind farm developers,
cable owners and cable installation SURVEY ARMS

electric winch system

contractors with the most detailed sub-
seabed images available in the market. Vortex Subsea Solutions introduces their 12
function Vortex Full Reset (FR) survey arms.

DeepOcean will charter a converted,

Featuring 12 functions , the arms offer
battery-powered multi-purpose unprecedented flexibility for visual access,
support vessel Island Condor – to be especially in scenarios like assessing pipeline

Vol 18 No 1
re-named Island Ocean) – following
free spans where zooming in the camera alone
conversion and upgrade.
Equipped with a 150t crane, it BUOYANT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AND PETRONAS TO JOINTLY DEVELOP may not suffice.
will provide subsea inspection, Kraken Robotics | Underwater. Understood.™ NEW TECHNOLOGY TO UNLOCK CHALLENGING SUBSEA TIEBACKS
maintenance, and repair (IMR), light [Link] Vortex strikes a balance between simplicity and
construction and recycling services. Buoyant Production Technologies 2024, followed by a comprehensive commented “We are delighted to be
Ltd., (BPT), a subsidiary of Crondall 12-month testing programme. The working together with Petronas to practicality, providing pressure-compensated
As part of the conversion process, Energy Ltd., and Petronas Research testing phase will demonstrate the bring this technology to market. The flow controls for the eight arm functions. This

Cost-effective, high-speed
the vessel will undergo an extension Sdn Bhd have together embarked on performance of the floater and combined expertise and resources allows ROV crews to independently control
of approximately 11. Additionally,
LIFT BAG LOBSTER TRAPS a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to qualify ability to remotely monitor and of Petronas and BPT will ensure that
function speed with depth changes, enhancing

Modular design
dual ROV hangars will be installed, new Floating NUI technology for control this un-manned floating this technology will deliver significant
the superstructure will be extended, Teledyne Benthos has entered into will enable a safer and more associated with Teledyne Benthos deployment on offshore projects. facility in a representative ocean improvements in the economics the overall versatility of the arm
the DP system will be upgraded, and HydroWing has designed an based on its unique patented the cost of planned and unplanned a partnership with Sea Mammal efficient fishing experience. modems. environment. The project and of long-distance tieback projects
a large battery pack will be installed. innovative new barge which will help design. The wing system streamlines offshore operations is very high. Education Learning Technology The technology qualification process technology qualification programme both for current hydrocarbon The extensive range of movement provided by
Furthermore, a state-of-the-art drive down the cost of installation operations and maintenance by HydroWing’s new Quad Hull Barge Society (SMELTS) that brings forth Extensively tested through a series will allow unmanned floaters to be will be independently verified by a developments, and future CO2
launch and recovery system for the a game-changing solution for of sea trials over the past several deployed offshore to both power leading Classification Society. sequestration projects. We hope that these arms allows clients to push the
and maintenance for its patented allowing for removal of sets of tidal has been specifically designed to
ROVs will be installed. tidal stream array technology. energy turbines without the need to tackle this issue, driving down costs sustainable ropeless lobster fishing. years, this technology has proven and control subsea developments this JIP will mark the start of a long boundaries in surveying pipelines, umbilicals,
Turbine immediately after recovery on the August Explorer deck remove or work on the foundations. and ensuring the turbines can be its potential to positively impact the without the requirement for a long- BPT and Petronas are now keen to and fruitful collaboration between and power cables. To facilitate installation,
HydroWing is designed to be a cost- effectively maintained at low cost and Through the integration of lobster and crab fishing industries. distance static umbilical. This will invite other interested parties to join Petronas and BPT as we work
hydraulic hoses from the arms to the host ROV
The AR500 tidal turbine has Goto Transportation and Shibuya The successful recovery also marked effective and scalable solution to The new Quad Hull Barge is the with reduced downtime. Teledyne's industry-standard transform the feasibility of longer the JIP. together to deliver the benefits of
successfully completed Phase 1 of Diving, executed the successful a significant milestone as the first tidal stream energy generation and latest innovation to the HydroWing acoustic modem technology and Teledyne Benthos, renowned for distance oil and gas tieback projects Buoyant Production Technologies Ltd. this technology”. come pre-assembled. Mobilisation is further
the Goto Islands pilot project and recovery in 2 days. The recovery retrieval of a tidal turbine using a was the largest tidal stream project system, which further increases “By using four hulls connected by the new Acoustic Trigger feature, its underwater communication and has the potential to significantly Managing Director , Duncan Peace, simplified with sacrificial mounting plates
was recovered from the Naru Strait operations included the retrieval of Japanese DP vessel. in Wales to be successful in the productivity and drives down costs. crossbeams and arch support beams, these advancements are set to technology, introduces the improve project economics and included for easy attachment to the host ROV.
in December 2023. the export cable dry mate connector, UK government’s latest 'Contracts the limit to load width is dramatically revolutionise the lobster and crab innovative Acoustic Trigger feature, reduce overall project emissions.
followed by the AR500 turbine itself The August Explorer was the subject for Difference' round, having been Richard Parkinson, MD of Inyanga increased. Where commercial vessels fishing industries. which enhances the capabilities of
of much scrutiny and analysis prior BPT and Petronas have jointly

survey platform
This phase concluded 12-months of using Proteus bespoke in-house awarded a 10MW project at the Marine Energy Group, which is the would typically need to place the Teledyne Benthos acoustic modems,
generation with an impressive 97% subsea handling equipment. to the operations and she proved Morlais tidal energy site in Anglesey. parent company for HydroWing, load onto the deck with little to no Teledyne Benthos and SMELTS have allowing for seamless integration developed the specification
availability. Built upon the success of to be a versatile and capable vessel said: “Deployment, recovery, and overhang of the load, the Quad Hull worked together and leveraged with external devices. and qualification objectives for
the pilot project, the turbine is now Our small offshore team executed the when it came to the operations. Commercialisation of the tidal energy operations and maintenance are Barge locks the load after lifting to the Teledyne’s proven acoustic modern the demonstrator project. The
ready to be locally upgraded and works with their usual high standards sector has so far been held back by large factors in determining the arch. technology with SMELTS' ropeless This enhancement provides engineering phase commenced
redeployed in Q1 2025. of safety, planning, contingency The operations were also completed high operations and maintenance levelised cost of electricity. lobster traps. users with reliable and high- in the summer of 2023 and the
and efficiency in a very challenging without the use of a work-class ROV. costs. HydroWing’s next generation This reduces offshore handling and performance subsea wireless parties expect to commence
The Proteus Marine Renewables environment. Anyone that has This was made possible with the use technology addresses that challenge However, offshore construction makes the operation much safer. It Along with this partnership, control by leveraging the robustness fabrication in Q1 2024. The small Available worldwide from Ashtead Technology
Operations team, coupled with local worked in strong tidal flows will the of Proteus bespoke in-house subsea head on. Its HydroWing technology vessel availability is very weak with means that the width of the load can Teledyne is also excited to introduce of Benthos technology and the payload demonstrator unit will be
support from Toyo Construction, know the challenges it brings. handling equipment. offers a modular, reliable solution, expensive day rates. This means that be independent of the vessel width. the Acoustic Trigger feature, which redundant security features installed at the FABTEST site offshore [Link]
Ropeless lobster traps Falmouth harbour in the UK, in Q4

8 9 10 11 12

COVER STORY
SUBSEA NEWS COVER STORY: MICRO AUV
NEWS
COVER
COVER STORY: MICRO AUV COVER
STORY STORY

Editor: John Howes POWER

POWER MICRO AUV EMPOWERING
World leading electric underwater robotics
NEMOSENS: HOW MODULARITY TAKES THE LEAD OF MICRO AUV MARKET
SURVEY ARMS
Micro AUVs were designed to question: how to better understand and weight), easily integrable, with NemoSens delivers ultra-high
revolutionise ocean exploration oceans in order to mitigate climate high quality data acquisition, and accuracy positioning thanks to its

Seaeye eM1-7
and research by offering compact change and protect marine life? To affordable enough so that the AUV acoustic communication system.
platforms, very affordable and this question a direct and simple remains accessible to a wide range This bundle of features makes

John@[Link]
easy to use. They proved especially answer keeps coming up: the use of consumers. NemoSens the only micro AUV of
Vortex Subsea Solutions introduces their 12 among the civilian sector users to of micro AUVs to replace larger the market to provide a modular
Electric Manipulator
function Vortex Full Reset (FR) survey arms. be an invaluable tool for a better vehicles that are too expensive for The team at RTsys is constantly and multi features platform with
understanding of our oceans. inspection’s needs over limited areas. trying to improve their designs high positioning accuracy.

Featuring 12 functions , the arms offer

and functionality to be even more
OCEAN EXPLORATION AND
• Seven function work class manipulator
Equipped with different Fair enough but if the micro AUV is adaptable and accessible. “We are
unprecedented flexibility for visual access, configurations of sensors, sonars, only dedicated to one or two scope always looking for new functions to RESEARCH • Compatible with most work class ROVs
especially in scenarios like assessing pipeline cameras, and other intelligence of actions, then the need of several offer to our users,” comments Cyrille Designed in a collaboration between
gathering instrumentation, micro vehicles increases the cost package Lohier, RTsys AUV Product Manager. NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal • Maximum reach 1,990mm
free spans where zooming in the camera alone Ocean Science (NCCOS) and RTsys,
may not suffice.
Aker Solutions has signed a front- provided by Benestad and subsea
OFFSHORE CHARGING
AUVs offer the most efficient way to as well as the logistic on site and “So this could typically come from
NemoSens was specifically designed
• Lift capacity 122kg/454kg
end engineering and design (FEED) switchgear with supervisory control quickly collect data. the maintenance constraints during smaller probes or new sensors
contract with the Marine Energy and data acquisition by subsea EnBW and bp, developers of the systems’ lifetime. offering the possibility to monitor to fill a technological gap and a (max/min reach)
growing need to provide sufficient
Vortex strikes a balance between simplicity and Test Centre (METCentre) in Norway power and automation alliance Morgan and Mona Offshore Wind But after some years of curiosity, more parameters, always with the • Precise position and force feedback

+44 7859905550
to pilot new subsea power system partner, ABB. Installation will be Farm Projects and Stillstrom, a the growing interest in these new The success of RTsys micro vehicle target of using one single platform! images cost-effectively, to gather
practicality, providing pressure-compensated Subsea Collector. compact and competitive systems lies in the customization of the crucial baseline data about the • Modular self-contained joints
carried out by Windstaller Alliance, pioneer of innovative offshore
flow controls for the eight arm functions. This an alliance between Aker Solutions, charging solutions, have initiated a made users very quickly raising their vehicle based on specific mission OPEN ARCHITECTURE seafloor, and track changes to these
allows ROV crews to independently control This presently consists of two floating DeepOcean and Solstad Offshore. comprehensive feasibility study to level of requirements, drifting from requirements. Different modules can The modularity of NemoSens comes ecosystems over time in order to • Wrist camera option
characterize ecosystems and inform
function speed with depth changes, enhancing
offshore wind turbines located 10 Aker Solutions will also provide the assesses the operational, technical, acceptable single configuration be easily swapped or added, enabling from its internal processor: an open
decisions about offshore energy
• Diagnostic power and status LEDs
kilometers off the southwestern static export cable to shore. and economic viability of integrating platforms to strong needs for the AUV to adapt to various tasks, architecture operated under LINUX. High-res photo captured with Arctic Rays SwordFish imaging payload © NOAA
the overall versatility of the arm coast of Karmøy. The test area will offshore charging solutions for multiple solutions on one single environments, or research goals. development, sustainable fisheries • Interchangeable parallel and
and protecting special places in the
expand to seven floating offshore The METCentre evaluated several Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and asset, going far beyond the limits of Researchers can use NemoSens 4K UHD video and still images with environmental science. Upgrading intermeshing jaw options
wind turbines from 2026. alternative configurations for Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs). platforms too compact to integrate As technology advances, individual as a platform for experimentation ocean. high-output dual-mode lighting and NemoSens for studying marine life,
The extensive range of movement provided by
its new cable infrastructure and EdgeTech, a leader in high The 2050-DSS comes complete with more than two or three sensors. modules can be upgraded without and testing, this enabling users to an onboard CPU and SSD storage. mapping ocean floors, and collecting • On-board processing for
these arms allows clients to push the Subsea Collector provides an concluded by moving forward with The study specifically focuses resolution sonar imaging systems a combined towfish, digital telemetry having to replace the entire AUV, this A modular AUV like NemoSens sensor payloads, to collect diverse not only by using one unique modular rapidly prototype and evaluate new NCCOS will use several vehicles to data on underwater ecosystems widens advanced kinematics
boundaries in surveying pipelines, umbilicals, alternative solution to connect a pilot installation of Aker Solutions’ on offshore charging solutions and underwater technology, has that runs over a single coaxial cable, a This is how NemoSens, designed makes it easier to stay current with answers to this constraint as the data without the need of several vehicle but also if a specific module technologies without redesigning collect high-resolution digital images Like every modular section of once again the capability of this unique
and power cables. To facilitate installation, multiple wind turbines electrically Subsea Collector to enable the connecting and integrating to the increased the standard depth rating 19-inch rack mount topside interface, by French company RTsys in 2018, the latest sensors, communication only micro AUV of the market with dedicated AUVs for each type of fails or needs maintenance, it can be an entire AUV for each new sensor of the seabed as deep as 300m NemoSens, this payload is integrated and versatile micro AUV.
hydraulic hoses from the arms to the host ROV
in a star configuration instead of expansion of the test site. wind farms’ offshore substations. to 3,000 meters on all new 2050 and EdgeTech’s DISCOVER acquisition changed the way of thinking the systems, or other technologies. modular architecture and swappable missions. In addition to the ease of replaced quickly without affecting or item to be tested underwater. inside the United States Exclusive while utilizing sustainable energy [Link]
the traditional daisy chain pattern, combined tri-frequency side scan software. needs of underwater survey by micro Different missions may require dedicated modules. Operators can operations, this new technological the entire AUV's operational status. New DVL, upgraded multi parameter Economic Zone and will therefore sources and thus minimizing its The democratisation of our combined
come pre-assembled. Mobilisation is further allowing for more flexibility in sonar and high resolution sub- AUVs, starting with a fairly simple specific sensors or equipment. easily switch between different approach also results in costs saving, In some cases, users may be able to sensors, new technology of sonar: play a vital role in NOAA’s ongoing environmental footprint for extended expertise and shared technology
simplified with sacrificial mounting plates offshore wind farm architecture and bottom profiling sonar systems. The 2050-DSS can be integrated perform field repairs by replacing or nothing is better than NemoSens mission to protect and preserve mission durations. This plan is part will definitely lead to a more
construction. with several auxiliary sensors such as repairing specific modules without to test new prototypes in real oceans and support a vibrant blue of the collaborators’ commitment to comprehensive understanding of
included for easy attachment to the host ROV.
The 2050-DSS is a tri-frequency side magnetometer and USBL responder. specialized tools or extensive conditions underwater. economy. fostering a sustainable future for our oceans and marine environments with
The design also allows for reduced scan sonar system, where any two, Additionally, an interface is fitted to technical knowledge. planet. a single micro AUV unit, fully modular
cable length per turbine and park, operator selectable, frequencies the electronics so that the electronics With a 300m depth rating and This new state-of-the-art and versatile to answer to tens of
as well as less vessel time and can be operated simultaneously. and sensors can be mounted onto In practice, NemoSens can be an extreme portability (less than configuration has been equipped Three primary units are in process for different mission with only one single
installation costs. Initial findings an ROV. The 2050-DSS is ideal for equipped with many types of 1m and less than 10 kg), its open with SwordFish: an imaging payload delivery to NOAA’s lab in Beaufort, platform.”
support total cost savings on a The system can be provided with applications such as cable and pipeline equipment such as multiparameter LINUX architecture also allows users developed by US manufacturer North Carolina, early 2024.
1GW floating wind farm of up to 10 either a 120, 410 & 850 kHz surveys, marine construction surveys, probes (eg, CTDs), side-scan sonar, to develop their own navigation Arctic Rays and made of a fully Pierre-Alexandre Caux, RTsys Business With more than 50 configurations
percent. towfish, or a 230, 540 & 850 kHz pre and post dredging surveys and video cameras, magnetometers, algorithm for greater flexibility integrated camera + lighting Director, said “we are truly honoured already delivered across the world,
towfish. Additionally, both towfish more. The new increased depth altimeters, ADCPs and many more... and maximal use. Engineered solution to provide turnkey imaging to have been chosen by NOAA’s NemoSens is leading the sector of

Editorial Assistants:
Available worldwide from Ashtead Technology The main component parts of options are equipped with a 2-16 rating enables an even larger scope of When outfitting the NemoSens with for the precise identification acquisition for seafloor survey. This National Centers for Coastal Ocean micro AUVs while offering the most
the Subsea Collector comprise a kHz sub-bottom profiler, that utilizes applications particularly in relation to new sensors, RTsys engineers are and localization of underwater swappable imaging payload features Science to elevate the research in flexible underwater survey solution to
[Link] 66kV wet mate connection system Offshore charging solutions for Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and Crew a PVDF panel receive hydrophone. the use of the systems on ROVs. looking for compact devices (in size target across large search areas, geo-referenced digital capture of marine biology, oceanography, and scientific, industrial and defence users.
Transfer Vessels (CTVs) AA single
single NemoSens
NemoSens can
can be
be configured
configured with
with various
various payloads
payloads such
such as
as camera,
camera, lights,
lights, DVL,
DVL, CTD
CTD sensor,
sensor, SSS
SSS

13 14 15 16 17 18

Tim Danaos POLLUT ON

Donna Ferentes POLLUTION
CONTROL
POLLUTION CONTROL
Li-Ion Ocean Power

POLLUTION
CONTROL

NOISE
POLLUTION CONTROL

EMPOWERING
World leading electric underwater robotics
SPILL DETECTION Vehicle
Standard Li-Ion
Batteries
MANY CLAIM THAT UNDERWATER NOISE POLLUTION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SEA MAMMAL BEACHING BUT THERE IS NO REAL

NORWEGIAN COMPANY VISSIM RECENTLY WON A CONTRACT FROM AKER BP Batteries API17F
UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUES DUE TO LACK OF DATA. RS AQUA HOPES TO CORRECT THIS WITH A BACKGROUND STUDY

TO EQUIP THE VALHALL, ULA, EDVARD GRIEG, IVAR AASEN, ALVHEIM AND SKARV XXL AUV certified
Li-Ion Batteries RS Aqua is a leading supplier communication networks offered more broadband data as required.
INSTALLATIONS WITH ITS ADVANCED OIL SPILL DETECTION SOLUTION. of cutting-edge technology for by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites

Seaeye eM1-7
ocean exploration in sectors such to allow users to specify and receive “We believe MARLIN will revolutionise
as marine robotics, aquaculture, data analytics, real time alerts and how we collect and analyse
Vissim was founded in 1988 as a Li-Ion PowerPack™ - Underwater Power offshore energy, and ecological big data chunks from their system environmental noise in remote ocean

Production:
navigation and simulation technology Solutions
Electric Manipulator company. Since then, it has been
applications. The latest project as required. This will bring IOT to locations, as well as revolutionising
how we use broadband internet in the
from the company, MARLIN, underwater ocean sensors in a way

PIONEERING
PIONEERINGROBOTIC
ROBOTIC
innovating and developing systems Extremely reliable, efficient and safe Li-Ion batteries and introduces an innovative approach not previously possible. remote ocean.
for the marine industry. In 1997, the Subsea-UPS with either DC or scalable AC output.
• Seven function work class manipulator first coastal surveillance and the first Manufactured for harsh offshore and subsea conditions for 6 x 1 MWh Charging Units
to monitoring underwater noise.
the Offshore energy, science and vehicles like AUV or eROV. •Machine Learning: MARLIN will “It’s still early days for project MARLIN
Energy Storage System
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
VTS was released, followed by several
• Compatible with most work class ROVs new technologies. In 2009, the first We offer API-17F, MIL-STD, SIL and UN T38.3 certifications “We have previously developed learn the ambient noise of its and one of our first steps has been to
a range of passive acoustic environment over time and identify deploy a lander off the coast of the
• Maximum reach 1,990mm oil spill detection system was made And yes: Air-cargo.
recorders” said Ocean Scientist when something unusual occurs. UK. "
available. Our new production building is designed for subsea series
• Lift capacity 122kg/454kg production according to your requirements.. Eleanor Stanton, “including “This could be the detection and

(max/min reach) "The service is based on the fact that

our flagship Orca. This acoustic identification of marine mammals, This lander is equipped with a
Porpoise passive acoustic recorder that
Harnessing
Harnessing thethe
power
power
of OPENSEA
of OPENSEA ® ®
recorder accommodates up to noise pollution levels, illegal fishing
• Precise position and force feedback
when oil floats on water, the two
materials behave very differently SubCtech GmbH
five hydrophone channel inputs. activity or different vessel types”, has been collecting baseline acoustic to deliver
to deliver
intelligent
intelligent
products
productsand
and
We also have a smaller, single- said Eleanor Stanton. “The idea is data that we can then use for the
services
services
forfor
ourour
defense,
defense,
scientific,
scientific,

Sue Denham
due to their relative densities and it [Link]
• Modular self-contained joints is these dissimilarities that we look
channel acoustic recorder called the that deep neural networks will be machine-learning aspect of the project
Porpoise - this is perfect for ambient used to unravel subtle signatures, to help train the algorithm.
• Wrist camera option to quantify," said Håvard Odden,
director of the company's North Sea Screen image noise monitoring/characterisation, and neuroplasticity type algorithms andand
commercial
commercial customers
customersaround
around
• Diagnostic power and status LEDs operations. or confirmed and thus a large amount "If a leak comes from a pipeline, say, allows it to detect even smaller oil
construction monitoring, and will dynamically self-learn." “Currently large marine vessels often
thethe
world.
world.
of oil can be released between each 1000m below on the seabed, it is marine mammal research.” need to be used for ocean monitoring
analogue magnetron -type radars to radar from offshore installations spills.
• Interchangeable parallel and "Radar is routinely used in offshore and even the new generation of – we can also apply the algorithms satellite passing over. likely to result in a spill over quite a •In the smartphone and web missions, whereas remote real-time
intermeshing jaw options Installations, so effectively, the digital radars as long as the software to aeroplane radar or even satellite large area and so the size may be an "While the radar is good at
Having recently securing funding graphical user interface, users will monitoring systems like MARLIN will
"Conversely, our system is physically important factor in quantification. from Innovate UK, and in be able to view their data in real- reduce the need for ship time at
physical hardware is already is fed with the raw signal. If it is output. Satellites are very powerful detecting oil, it is also good at
• On-board processing for available. Our system simply takes processed too much before we and able to scan a much bigger area closer to the leak. This minimises the Another variable is the API gravity of recognising different types of
collaboration with the University time. As MARLIN’s control panel, sea, reducing vessel CO2 emissions
advanced kinematics the output from the radar and runs receive the input, it becomes more but their downside is that as they only response time, allowing operators the oil. The software can detect quite phenomenon such as the wake
of Southampton, RS Aqua’s project the app will allow users to focus on massively which is a huge step
to act quickly and reduce the small amounts of heavy oil. MARLIN will develop an underwater specific acoustic events and request forward.”
the data through our software. difficult pass once or twice a day and so do not of ships or even rain clouds. The
gather information in real time. It may consequences of the oil spill. sensor that uses machine learning
historical problem is that these
[Link] "The system is compatible with all “In fact, we are not even restricted be 24 hours before a leak is detected SOFTWARE aberrations potentially create false
to identify harmful environmental
"In addition to offshore installations, The early versions of the oil spill activities and transmit information
alarms.
the system can also be used to detection are still operational in in real-time to a web app. For the
first time, this will allow stakeholders
HOLISTIC DETECTION monitor coastlines and ports. We had many parts of world, both on vessels "The software system therefore
to remotely monitor the underwater
an incident a year ago in the port of and on fixed installations. capitalises on machine learning to
Radar does not penetrate into them into one, complete and easy-to- ACOUSTIC SENSORS: Sockna in Egypt, where the port was environment and make decisions in
classify the detected response, thus
water, so to provide a more holistic understand visual overview. Acoustic sensors use sound waves accused of illegally dispatching oil. More recently, however, Vissim has real-time.
reducing these false alarms. This in
response, it may be best to combine to detect the presence of oil spills. We used our software to prove that developed a new and upgraded radar turn reduces stress on operators
it with other methods of leak There are a number of types of oil Sound waves are reflected off objects the port was not the polluter and the detection solution will become an This will mean developing new
detection. detection. in the water, and the reflected waves culprit was actually a vessel some way integrated part of Aker BP’s digital machine-learning techniques to
"As it processes the data and learns
can be analyzed to determine the outside the town." platform for oil spill monitoring and distinguish between ambient and
more about the application, it gets
Last year, Vissim expanded its oil CAPACITIVE SENSORS presence and location of an oil spill. detection. unusual environmental noise, such
smarter and smarter in the way it
spill monitoring and detection A capacitive sensor for oil spill There are a number of factors that as marine mammals. There are
classifies the data.
services by integrating input from detection is a device that uses the IMAGE SENSORS go into the eventual detection. The "The upgraded oil spill detection three main aspects to MARLIN:

Advertising:
several detection sources including principle of capacitance to detect the A camera, possibly one able to detect weather plays a part – it is harder to
detect if there is no wind at all as this
system uses better image processing
technology and achieves much
"Depending on the circumstances, it
•The Internet of Things (IOT) at sea: SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE
| ROBOTICS
| ROBOTICS
as aasSERVICE
a SERVICE
| INTEGRATED
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SYSTEMS
SYSTEMS
radars, satellites, sensors on subsea presence of oil spills and monitor oil ultraviolet images, can also be input can typically recognise a pool of oil
[Link]
[Link]
production equipment, combining pipelines for leaks. into the model. reduced relative movement. higher sensitivity," said Odden. "This we will harness the new broadband Project MARLIN - an illustration demonstrating the real-time monitoring of
up to six nautical miles away. "
ambient and unusual environmental noise

+1.802.434.6080
+1.802.434.6080
| sales@[Link]
| sales@[Link]
19 20 21 22 23

Zinat Hassan SURVEY

UT3subsea@[Link] SURVEY
UNDERWATER DATA COLLECTION
SURVEY
SURVEY Side
SideScan
ScanSonar
Sonar REDUCE COSTS
WITH BALMORAL
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debris Balmoral INTEGRAL MODULE PLUS™
In the dynamic realm of unmanned moving evolution in the industry. Our integrally clamped buoyancy module, Type

COMBINED
Subsea robotic fleets collaborating internal electronics board simplifies connector on the cell, replacing the Approved to API 17L, removes the need for a separate
underwater vehicles (UUVs),
CONTRACTS clamping s
SIDE SCAN SONAR
the shift towards smaller, more intelligently and executing swarm installation, routine calibration, existing molded cable connection.
numerous and highly capable deployments are no longer confined • •Simultaneous
Simultaneousdual
dual frequency
frequency operation
operation spares inventory, and field This innovation decouples cable and Over the past year, NBOSI has
vehicles is reshaping the industry's to the realm of fiction but are & SUB-BOTTOM replacement. This streamlining not sensor acquisition, providing end- played a pivotal role in supplying
approach to underwater becoming a reality. PROFILER • •Easily
Easilytransported
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included
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• •Lightweight
Lightweight
forfor
oneone person
person deployment
deployment
data collection. This is being but also reduces the complexity of and operational flexibility, making applications.
underpinned by advancements in "Market research forecasts a maintaining growing UUV fleets. UUV deployments more efficient.
technology, integration of artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine
substantial growth in the global
uncrewed underwater vehicles
• •Economical
Economical with
witheasy
easy
operation
operation l The integration of a precision l Maintaining continuity with
From an innovative mine-
hunting vehicle by Mitsubishi
learning (ML), and the projected market, projecting an increase
from US$3.34 billion in 2023 to
• •Fully
Fullydigital
digital pressure sensor enables real-time
direct output of accurate sound
existing NBOSI CTD sensors, the
form factor and dimensions of the
Heavy Industries in Japan, to
a collaboration with Cornell
growth of the global UUV market.
US$8.14 billion by 2030, reflecting speed, ensuring optimal data quality new integrated CTD sensor remain University for the remote study
At the forefront of this a compound annual growth rate of without requiring computation by intentionally identical. This ensures of a deep brine pool in the Gulf
transformative wave is Neil Brown 13.5%. This growth signals a clear the vehicle's CPU. backward-compatible data output, of Mexico, NBOSI's technology
Ocean Sensors, Inc. (NBOSI), a US- envisioning by subsea industries of a allowing for quick integration without is making waves in cutting-edge
based manufacturer specialising need for considerably more of these This advancement provides necessitating vehicle firmware projects.
in research-quality conductivity- small yet capable vehicles, despite immediate and accurate insights changes.
temperature sensors for mobile rapid improvements in efficiency and into underwater environments, Notably, the NBOSI technology is

Mobile: +44 (0) 781 1200 483

marine platforms since 2004. capability." enhancing the efficiency of data The simple 4-wire power and data a part of the HII REMUS 300, the
NBOSI's latest integrated CTD is • Versatile: Tri-Frequency collection. integration facilitate fast and easy foundational vehicle for the US
Straits Research emphasises the Side Scan to cover a implementation, suitable for both Navy's extensive Lionfish SUUV
not only setting new standards in
range of applications new builds and upgrades of existing programme.
underwater data collection, but is significant growth expected in the l Certain sensor variants of the
also addressing critical challenges demand for electrically-driven small • Capable: Towfish based integrated CTD feature a bulkhead systems.
faced by UUV operators. and medium underwater drones, CHIRP Sub-bottom profiler to
and the increasing need for battery- deliver higher resolution data
"The trend towards smaller, more powered vehicles. • Loaded: Built-in pressure
numerous underwater vehicles (depth), heave, pitch and DRONE Q ROBOTICS UMBILICAL SUPPORT
is evident across various sectors, The surge in demand has been roll sensors
attributed to sectors such as offshore Small ROVs are ideally suited for conducting underwater
from environmental monitoring • Flexible: Support for
wind, oil and gas, scientific research, inspection surveys on vertical structures. The vehicles can
to commercial, defence, and 3rd party sensors
and defence, where accurate be quickly and easily deployed by being lowered down
research," said Dr Dave Fratantoni,
underwater data is crucial for tasks The integrated CTD combines a up valuable in-vehicle real estate. "Integrating the electronics and from the surface and scan the upright walls or supports
NBOSI’s CEO. " Over the past
like surveying deep-water seabed and highly accurate and fast-responding sensing elements into a more ‘plug for corrosion or damage. In many applications, they are
decade, advancements in critical
monitoring vital infrastructure. temperature probe and a uniquely “For smaller vehicles and extensive and play’ externally mounted single used to look for damage from barnacles or other hard
technologies such as processors
robust conductivity cell with a precision fleets, the key benefit lies in unit will significantly streamline shell marine growth. When looking at piers,however, they
and battery storage has led to
Fratantoni, anticipates a three-fold pressure sensor, enabling real-time simplified maintenance," said Dr. servicing and calibration, whilst can easily become entangled while the sharp growth can
these subsea vehicles becoming
increase in demand for the company's output of temperature, salinity, ocean Fratantoni. "Unlike traditional also freeing up valuable in-vehicle cause physical damage if the vehicle or umbilical comes
more effective.
sensors, soon reaching a significant density and sound speed. methods requiring hull access space. In the era of shrinking into contact and pulled vertically up to the surface.
"The integration of AI and ML milestone with the sale of the 1000th and internal electronics removal, vehicle sizes, preserving in-hull
sensor in the first half of 2024. This not only reduces payload and our integrated sensor allows for volume is crucial. One solution employed by Dutch ROV survey group
technology is propelling UUVs into CTD SENSOR and sound speed measurements. A
data processing burdens on small straightforward external servicing. Drone Q Robotics includes a novel arrangement involving
a new era. Enhanced bandwidth hull, addressing the industry's NBOSI is set to introduce its latest key innovation is the elimination of
"The push towards smaller, more platforms, but also enhances the "Even in larger vehicles, where an a second ROV stationed nearby but clear of the wall or
connections, on-board edge increasing need to map and collect product – a compact, UUV-optimised the requirement for the installation
numerous, and vastly more capable overall efficiency of data collection. "Whether sending back to us for internal board is optional, the new structure being examined. It has a DVL and small anchor
processing, improved object data across extensive ocean beds integrated CTD sensor in 2024. of control electronics within the
vehicles in the industry aligns with The benefits of this new integrated rapid, low-cost calibration, or board is a quarter of the size of its buoy to keep it floating just 50cms under the water to the pulley, keeping it out of harms way. This
recognition and sophisticated for environmental reasons and This palm-sized, sturdy, easy-to- vehicle's pressure hull, streamlining
interconnectivity among vehicles NBOSI's expertise. The sensors responding to geopolitical instability integrate sensor yields research- installation, calibration, and field sensor approach are numerous, swapping with a standby spare, the predecessor. JWJWFishers
Fishers
Mfg.,
Mfg.,
[Link]. surface. arrangement is especially useful in high current
with a significant focus on ease of result is faster recalibration and waters, to reduce the drag of the current on
deployed in a fleet indicate a fast- enable achieving more with a smaller driving defence procurements." quality temperature, salinity, depth maintenance.
maintenance, calibration, and freeing superior data quality.
PH:PH:
(800)822-4744
(800)822-4744 The ROV holds a special designed block pulley from a 3D the Inspection ROVs tether, thus enhancing the
"The elimination of the need for an
info@[Link]
info@[Link] printed handle. The Inspection ROV;s tether is attached operability of the Inspection ROV.
[Link]
[Link]
24 25 26 27 28

Published by UT2 Publishing

D
for and on behalf of the Society
for Underwater Technology.
Reproduction of UT2 in whole
or in part, without permission, is
prohibited. The publisher and the
SUT assumes no responsibility for
unsolicited material, nor responsibility B OM MET CS
1,000 m depth rating for content of any advertisement,
Flexible and high particularly infringement of
D OM M

payload capacity copyrights, trademarks, intellectual

property rights and patents, nor
liability for misrepresentations,
false or misleading statements
and illustrations. These are the
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Opinions of the writers are not
necessarily those of the SUT or the
publishers.

MacArtney global solutions

Denmark Norway Sweden United Kingdom France
Italy Germany Netherlands USA Canada Brazil

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India Singapore China Australia
 REDUCE COSTS
WITH BALMORAL
INTEGRATED
SUBSEA BUOYANCY SYSTEM
NEWS
MACARTNEY LAUNCHES NEW TRUSTLINK HYBRID Balmoral INTEGRAL MODULE PLUS™
Our integrally clamped buoyancy module, Type
VICTORY CONNECTOR WITH MINIMAL FOOTPRINT Approved to API 17L, removes the need for a separate
clamping system by attaching directly onto flowlines,
Shell has taken a final investment MacArtney has introduced the
rigid risers, umbilicals, flexible risers, etc.
decision on the Victory gas field in Hybrid connector, a compact
the UK North Sea, approximately addition to its TrustLink Metal • Rapid installation
• Minimised deck space requirement
47km north-west of Shetland. Shell series. Designed to meet
• Lower shipping costs
customer demands, the Hybrid • No separate clamping operation
It will feature a single subsea well seamlessly delivers power, data and • Optimal load distribution
tied back to existing infrastructure communication in one. • Lower through‐life cost of ownership
of the Greater Laggan Area system,
using a new 16km pipeline. The TrustLink Metal Shell (MS)
design prioritises reliability in a
It is anticipated the Victory field will high-density connector, addressing
come online in the middle of the the challenges of harsh marine TrustLink Metal
decade and at its peak, produce environments with limited space. Shell
enough gas to heat almost 900,000
homes per year. Paul Anthony, Global Business insertion loss and low back reflection.
Manager Connectivity, emphasises Innovative BUOYANCY, PROTECTION and INSULATION
This represents around 150 million the Hybrid's innovation: “With the Expanded optical beam technology product solutions for the OFFSHORE ENERGY sector
standard cubic feet per day of gas Hybrid connector, MacArtney has ensures robust and secure
(approximately 25,000 barrels of taken this a step further. The single- connections, positioning it as the
oil equivalent per day). Most of the footprint Hybrid is ideal for tight ideal connectivity solution where the
field’s recoverable gas is expected spots. With two optical passes and accuracy and integrity of transferred
to be extracted by the end of the four electrical contacts, it enhances data are paramount.
decade. versatility while reducing the
number of connectors required.”
l TechnipFMC has been awarded
Furthermore, its easy-to-clean
connector design ensures seamless BAYONET AUGV
a significant contract by bp for its "Building on the success of the maintenance. Greensea IQ will use the heavier and larger payloads,
Argos Southwest Extension project TrustLink MS connectors, the Oceanology show in London Bayonet Bayonet vehicles offer access
in the Mad Dog field. Hybrid naturally extends the Acknowledging the need for to address the challenges of AUGV to challenging and previously
series. It is developed in response accessibility and ensuring a quick working in the surf zone by inaccessible environments.
TechnipFMC will install pipe and to customer demands for a small, turnaround for our customers, the using its Bayonet AUGV.
an umbilical, tying back three new all-in-one connectivity solution Hybrid will be available from stock. Through Greensea IQ’s Robot
wells to the Argos platform in the supporting numerous applications, Designed to navigate as a Service (RaaS) offering, the
Gulf of Mexico. including efficient and reliable TrustLink Metal with two optical passes
and four electrical contacts accurately and steadfastly Bayonet platform is very accessible
data transmission with minimal through dynamic surf zone without the burden of large capital
l Subsea7 has announced the attenuation and interference." conditions, Bayonet AUGVs expenditures to acquire and
award of a sizeable extension of an provide real-time, actionable maintain it, making it ideal for both
existing frame agreement by bp, Leveraging MacArtney's proven data, enhancing situational short- and long-term projects.
for subsea construction, inspection, OptoLink technology, initially awareness for operators in
repair and maintenance services designed to deliver dependable near-shore operations. Providing the only cost-effective
(IRM), across bp’s North Sea assets. fibre optic connections solution capable of working within
in a compact The Bayonet AUGV product the complexities of surf zone
Under the terms of this two-year connector, the Hybrid line, including Bayonet 150, conditions, it can accomplish a
extension to the end of 2025, excels in high-speed 250, and 350, caters to diverse range of applications including
Subsea7 will provide an IRM, survey data and video operational needs. From coastal zone management,
and a light construction vessel, transmission. smaller size and lightweight, RTK survey to support beach
complete with work class and to larger two-person portable renourishment projects and UXO
observation ROVs. This is achieved through minimal crawlers capable of handling identification.

4 5
 Subsea Test Tools
D TECHN
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SUBSEA NEWS •
SIMPLE •
TO USE!

PAT

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NEWS I N S U L AT I O N R E S I S TA N C E • E L E C T R I C A L T D R • O P T I C A L T D R • S U B S E A S E N S O R S

LO
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MONOPILES
Recently, Forssea’s ARGOS was
mobilised onboard Louis Dreyfus
Armateurs (LDA) crew transfer
vessel to execute subsea monopile
inspection on the Saint-Nazaire
offshore wind farm.

This project was sponsored to

validate the capability of diving
directly from the field asset to
avoid external vessel mobilisation
expenses.

The CTV was moored on the

monopile to cut gas/oil consumption
during the ROV dive. The method
statement showed that the ARGOS Tel: +44 (0)1904 215161 • Email: sales@[Link] www.c - [Link]
compact ROV spread facilitated
metocean window selection while
reducing maintenance cost and
associated CO2 emissions, even in the
harsh Atlantic coastal environment real-time remote supervision
with its significant tide amplitude. and video annotation capability,
to reduce offshore personnel AUV SERVICE
OWF requirements and optimise dives Gdynia - based Enamor is a research
Forssea Robotics also completed during low tides, making CTV and production company with
first OWF autonomous inspection planning more flexible. a strong focus on cutting-edge
during the Saint-Nazaire intervention. technology projects in navigation,
This demonstration followed several Moreover, a new cutting-edge communication, hydrography, and
steps: visual odometry system will soon be automation.
l Mission preparation based on deployed and interfaced with the
client digital asset ROV to improve navigation accuracy Their collaboration with Teledyne
l ROV initialisation on the first in shallow water. Gavia spans over a decade since the
point of interest initial delivery of Gavia AUVs for the
l Autonomous foundation survey Polish Navy EOD divers in 2012 and
(path following) with no need subsequent Gavia deliveries including
for USBL sensor (subsea acoustic for the Kormoran class MCMVs.
positioning)
In the first half of 2023, Enamor's
Overall, autonomous flight proved to engineers and technicians underwent
effective for inspecting standardised rigorous training at Teledyne Gavia to
structures like monopiles, with up perform AUV maintenance routines a testament to their dedication to efficiency in Europe. Teledyne allows AUVs to be configured for
to 50% faster survey maintaining in Poland. quality service and support. Gavia's AUVs, known for their low various missions, including mine
very stable video feed and making logistics modular design, can be countermeasures (MCM), search &
each trajectory predictable. Forssea As a result, Enamor has now been This development highlights rapidly transported and maintained, salvage, hydrographic survey, and
is planning to commercialise this officially appointed as a regional Teledyne's commitment to ensuring increasing operational availability critical underwater infrastructure
solution early 2024 in addition with Service Center for AUVs in Europe, AUVs' operational readiness and and reliability. This versatility inspections.
ROV deployment

6 7
 Density corrected
depth data
directly from one
instrument.

The Bathy2 is an
enhancement of the
MIDAS Bathypack
offering Valeport’s
proven survey industry
standard sensors to

Bathy2 generate precision

Sound Velocity and
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MacArtney provides advanced and height data.
tensioner systems for Jan De Nul To find out more contact sales@[Link]
Group’s entire cable-laying fleet
+44 1803 869292 | [Link]

CEMAC TENSIONER SYSTEMS FOR

COMPLETE CLV FLEET BREAKWATER POSITIONING
Breakwaters play a critical role in protecting coastal "By leveraging the high-resolution data provided by
MacArtney Offshore Wind "Our involvement extends to and Recovery System (eLARS), Jan structures and ensuring the safety of ports and harbours. the SeaBat T51, SEABIM ensures accurate and detailed
Solutions,specialising in offshore the recently announced XL CLV De Nul Group engaged MacArtney analysis of block placement, interlocking quality, and
mission equipment, has announced - the Fleeming Jenkin - boasting a to develop a largescale, leading- Ensuring their stability is paramount, as any failure block condition," said a spokesman.
an expansion of its partnership cable carrying capacity of 28,000 edge solution for their CLV fleet. can lead to costly repairs, operational disruptions, and
with Jan De Nul Group. tonnes and engineered for ultra- potential hazards. "This synergy enables preventive maintenance
deep laying in waters up to 3,000 "MacArtney’s mission-critical operations to be planned efficiently, reduces the risk of
The company has been entrusted meters, as well as bundled lay equipment solutions are known Correct block placement is a fundamental aspect of structural failures, and minimises costly rework during
with designing and supplying operations," for their exceptional versatility breakwater stability, governed by various factors such construction."
custom CEMAC tensioner systems and seamless integration with as contact, orientation, and density. Teledyne’s SeaBat
for Jan De Nul Group’s entire cable- For the XL CLV, MacArtney will clients' existing systems," said a T51 and SEABIM software have joined forces to offer
laying vessel (CLV) fleet, including supply three high-capacity CEMAC source. a comprehensive solution in pursuit of accurate and
the world’s largest, the Fleeming fourtrack main deck tensioners efficient block placement analysis.
Jenkin. designed to facilitate bundled "The electrically driven tensioners
lay operations with minimised ensure safe and controlled The primary challenge lies in precisely placing concrete
MacArtney's comprehensive scope cable distance and combined cable handling, with real-time blocks within the breakwater. Incorrect placemen can
involves designing, constructing, lay operations up to 150t, two monitoring of cable integrity. compromise stability, leading to block movement,
and delivering advanced tensioner CEMAC loading arm tensioners and interlocking issues, and structural damage.
systems for Jan De Nul Group’s associated fully electrical 1-tonne "All equipment is fully integrated
entire cable-laying fleet, including cable engines. with the vessel’s central Traditionally, diver-assisted surveys have been used
the Connector, Willem de Vlamingh control system. The solution for analysis, but these pose risks to human safety, lack
and the new Fleeming Jenkin. The Recognising the technology is futureproof and designed reliability, and may not provide the necessary parameters
scope also encompasses upgrading expertise following previous to handle Jan De Nul Group’s for accurate assessments. Furthermore, identifying
tensioner systems previously collaborations with MacArtney advanced export and interconnect incorrect placement early in construction is crucial to
delivered for the Isaac Newton. Group on a 50t all electric Launch cable installations." prevent expensive rework. Breakwater

8 9
 SUBSEA NEWS LONDON, EXCEL
12-14 March 2024
NEWS

VISIT US
STAND K600

AR500 ISLAND OCEAN

DeepOcean will charter a converted,

battery-powered multi-purpose
support vessel Island Condor – to be
re-named Island Ocean) – following
conversion and upgrade.
Equipped with a 150t crane, it
will provide subsea inspection,
maintenance, and repair (IMR), light
construction and recycling services.

As part of the conversion process,

the vessel will undergo an extension
of approximately 11. Additionally,
dual ROV hangars will be installed,
the superstructure will be extended,
the DP system will be upgraded, and
a large battery pack will be installed.
Furthermore, a state-of-the-art
launch and recovery system for the
ROVs will be installed.
Turbine immediately after recovery on the August Explorer deck

The AR500 tidal turbine has Goto Transportation and Shibuya The successful recovery also marked
successfully completed Phase 1 of Diving, executed the successful a significant milestone as the first
the Goto Islands pilot project and recovery in 2 days. The recovery retrieval of a tidal turbine using a
was recovered from the Naru Strait operations included the retrieval of Japanese DP vessel.
in December 2023. the export cable dry mate connector,
followed by the AR500 turbine itself The August Explorer was the subject
This phase concluded 12-months of using Proteus bespoke in-house of much scrutiny and analysis prior
generation with an impressive 97% subsea handling equipment. to the operations and she proved
availability. Built upon the success of to be a versatile and capable vessel
the pilot project, the turbine is now Our small offshore team executed the when it came to the operations.
ready to be locally upgraded and works with their usual high standards
redeployed in Q1 2025. of safety, planning, contingency The operations were also completed
and efficiency in a very challenging without the use of a work-class ROV.
The Proteus Marine Renewables environment. Anyone that has This was made possible with the use
Operations team, coupled with local worked in strong tidal flows will the of Proteus bespoke in-house subsea
support from Toyo Construction, know the challenges it brings. handling equipment.

10 11
 SUBSEA NEWS

CABLE, UXO & BURIED

NEWS

BOULDER SURVEYS
HYDROWING BARGE FOR OFFSHORE WIND
Kraken’s 3D acoustic cable route surveys are
designed to provide wind farm developers,
cable owners and cable installation
contractors with the most detailed sub-
seabed images available in the market.

Kraken Robotics | Underwater. Understood.™

[Link]

LIFT BAG LOBSTER TRAPS

Teledyne Benthos has entered into will enable a safer and more associated with Teledyne Benthos
HydroWing has designed an based on its unique patented the cost of planned and unplanned a partnership with Sea Mammal efficient fishing experience. modems.
innovative new barge which will help design. The wing system streamlines offshore operations is very high. Education Learning Technology
drive down the cost of installation operations and maintenance by HydroWing’s new Quad Hull Barge Society (SMELTS) that brings forth Extensively tested through a series
and maintenance for its patented allowing for removal of sets of tidal has been specifically designed to a game-changing solution for of sea trials over the past several
tidal stream array technology. energy turbines without the need to tackle this issue, driving down costs sustainable ropeless lobster fishing. years, this technology has proven
remove or work on the foundations. and ensuring the turbines can be its potential to positively impact the
HydroWing is designed to be a cost- effectively maintained at low cost and Through the integration of lobster and crab fishing industries.
effective and scalable solution to The new Quad Hull Barge is the with reduced downtime. Teledyne's industry-standard
tidal stream energy generation and latest innovation to the HydroWing acoustic modem technology and Teledyne Benthos, renowned for
was the largest tidal stream project system, which further increases “By using four hulls connected by the new Acoustic Trigger feature, its underwater communication
in Wales to be successful in the productivity and drives down costs. crossbeams and arch support beams, these advancements are set to technology, introduces the
UK government’s latest 'Contracts the limit to load width is dramatically revolutionise the lobster and crab innovative Acoustic Trigger feature,
for Difference' round, having been Richard Parkinson, MD of Inyanga increased. Where commercial vessels fishing industries. which enhances the capabilities of
awarded a 10MW project at the Marine Energy Group, which is the would typically need to place the Teledyne Benthos acoustic modems,
Morlais tidal energy site in Anglesey. parent company for HydroWing, load onto the deck with little to no Teledyne Benthos and SMELTS have allowing for seamless integration
said: “Deployment, recovery, and overhang of the load, the Quad Hull worked together and leveraged with external devices.
Commercialisation of the tidal energy operations and maintenance are Barge locks the load after lifting to the Teledyne’s proven acoustic modern
sector has so far been held back by large factors in determining the arch. technology with SMELTS' ropeless This enhancement provides
high operations and maintenance levelised cost of electricity. lobster traps. users with reliable and high-
costs. HydroWing’s next generation This reduces offshore handling and performance subsea wireless
technology addresses that challenge However, offshore construction makes the operation much safer. It Along with this partnership, control by leveraging the robustness
head on. Its HydroWing technology vessel availability is very weak with means that the width of the load can Teledyne is also excited to introduce of Benthos technology and the
offers a modular, reliable solution, expensive day rates. This means that be independent of the vessel width. the Acoustic Trigger feature, which redundant security features
Ropeless lobster traps

12 13
 SUBSEA NEWS
NEWS

FLOATING
NUI SURVEY ARMS
Vortex Subsea Solutions introduces their 12
function Vortex Full Reset (FR) survey arms.

Featuring 12 functions , the arms offer

unprecedented flexibility for visual access,
especially in scenarios like assessing pipeline
free spans where zooming in the camera alone
may not suffice.

Vortex strikes a balance between simplicity and

practicality, providing pressure-compensated
BUOYANT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AND PETRONAS TO JOINTLY DEVELOP
NEW TECHNOLOGY TO UNLOCK CHALLENGING SUBSEA TIEBACKS flow controls for the eight arm functions. This
allows ROV crews to independently control
Buoyant Production Technologies the summer of 2023 and the parties The testing phase will demonstrate
the performance of the floater and function speed with depth changes, enhancing
(BPT), a subsidiary of Crondall Energy expect to commence fabrication in
and Petronas Research have together Q1 2024. ability to remotely monitor and control the overall versatility of the arm
embarked on a Joint Industry Project this uncrewed floating facility in a
(JIP) to qualify new Floating NUI The small payload demonstrator representative ocean environment.
The extensive range of movement provided by
(Normally Unattended Installation) unit will be installed at the FABTEST
technology for deployment on site offshore Falmouth harbour in The project and technology these arms allows clients to push the
offshore projects. the UK, in Q4 2024, followed by a qualification programme will be boundaries in surveying pipelines, umbilicals,
comprehensive 12-month testing independently verified by a leading and power cables. To facilitate installation,
The technology qualification process programme. Classification Society.
hydraulic hoses from the arms to the host ROV
will allow unmanned floaters to be
deployed offshore to both power come pre-assembled. Mobilisation is further
and control subsea developments simplified with sacrificial mounting plates
without the requirement for a long- included for easy attachment to the host ROV.
distance static umbilical. This will
transform the feasibility of longer
distance oil and gas tieback projects
and has the potential to significantly
improve project economics and
reduce overall project emissions.

BPT and Petronas have jointly

developed the specification
and qualification objectives for Available worldwide from Ashtead Technology
the demonstrator project. The
engineering phase commenced in [Link]
Small payload demonstrator

14 15
 SUBSEA NEWS
NEWS

POWER

Aker Solutions has signed a front- provided by Benestad and subsea

end engineering and design (FEED) switchgear with supervisory control
OFFSHORE CHARGING
contract with the Marine Energy and data acquisition by subsea EnBW and bp, developers of the
Test Centre (METCentre) in Norway power and automation alliance Morgan and Mona Offshore Wind
to pilot new subsea power system partner, ABB. Installation will be Farm Projects and Stillstrom, a
Subsea Collector. carried out by Windstaller Alliance, pioneer of innovative offshore
an alliance between Aker Solutions, charging solutions, have initiated a
This presently consists of two floating DeepOcean and Solstad Offshore. comprehensive feasibility study to
offshore wind turbines located 10 Aker Solutions will also provide the assesses the operational, technical,
kilometers off the southwestern static export cable to shore. and economic viability of integrating
coast of Karmøy. The test area will offshore charging solutions for
expand to seven floating offshore The METCentre evaluated several Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and
wind turbines from 2026. alternative configurations for Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs).
its new cable infrastructure and EdgeTech, a leader in high The 2050-DSS comes complete with
Subsea Collector provides an concluded by moving forward with The study specifically focuses resolution sonar imaging systems a combined towfish, digital telemetry
alternative solution to connect a pilot installation of Aker Solutions’ on offshore charging solutions and underwater technology, has that runs over a single coaxial cable, a
multiple wind turbines electrically Subsea Collector to enable the connecting and integrating to the increased the standard depth rating 19-inch rack mount topside interface,
in a star configuration instead of expansion of the test site. wind farms’ offshore substations. to 3,000 meters on all new 2050 and EdgeTech’s DISCOVER acquisition
the traditional daisy chain pattern, combined tri-frequency side scan software.
allowing for more flexibility in sonar and high resolution sub-
offshore wind farm architecture and bottom profiling sonar systems. The 2050-DSS can be integrated
construction. with several auxiliary sensors such as
The 2050-DSS is a tri-frequency side magnetometer and USBL responder.
The design also allows for reduced scan sonar system, where any two, Additionally, an interface is fitted to
cable length per turbine and park, operator selectable, frequencies the electronics so that the electronics
as well as less vessel time and can be operated simultaneously. and sensors can be mounted onto
installation costs. Initial findings an ROV. The 2050-DSS is ideal for
support total cost savings on a The system can be provided with applications such as cable and pipeline
1GW floating wind farm of up to 10 either a 120, 410 & 850 kHz surveys, marine construction surveys,
percent. towfish, or a 230, 540 & 850 kHz pre and post dredging surveys and
towfish. Additionally, both towfish more. The new increased depth
The main component parts of options are equipped with a 2-16 rating enables an even larger scope of
the Subsea Collector comprise a kHz sub-bottom profiler, that utilizes applications particularly in relation to
66kV wet mate connection system Offshore charging solutions for Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) and Crew a PVDF panel receive hydrophone. the use of the systems on ROVs.
Transfer Vessels (CTVs)

16 17
COVER
COVER STORY: MICRO AUV
STORY

MICRO AUV
NEMOSENS: HOW MODULARITY TAKES THE LEAD OF MICRO AUV MARKET
Micro AUVs were designed to question: how to better understand and weight), easily integrable, with
revolutionise ocean exploration oceans in order to mitigate climate high quality data acquisition, and
and research by offering compact change and protect marine life? To affordable enough so that the AUV
platforms, very affordable and this question a direct and simple remains accessible to a wide range
easy to use. They proved especially answer keeps coming up: the use of consumers.
among the civilian sector users to of micro AUVs to replace larger
be an invaluable tool for a better vehicles that are too expensive for The team at RTsys is constantly
understanding of our oceans. inspection’s needs over limited areas. trying to improve their designs
and functionality to be even more
Equipped with different Fair enough but if the micro AUV is adaptable and accessible. “We are
configurations of sensors, sonars, only dedicated to one or two scope always looking for new functions to
cameras, and other intelligence of actions, then the need of several offer to our users,” comments Cyrille
gathering instrumentation, micro vehicles increases the cost package Lohier, RTsys AUV Product Manager.
AUVs offer the most efficient way to as well as the logistic on site and “So this could typically come from
quickly collect data. the maintenance constraints during smaller probes or new sensors
systems’ lifetime. offering the possibility to monitor
But after some years of curiosity, more parameters, always with the
the growing interest in these new The success of RTsys micro vehicle target of using one single platform!
compact and competitive systems lies in the customization of the
made users very quickly raising their vehicle based on specific mission OPEN ARCHITECTURE
level of requirements, drifting from requirements. Different modules can The modularity of NemoSens comes
acceptable single configuration be easily swapped or added, enabling from its internal processor: an open
platforms to strong needs for the AUV to adapt to various tasks, architecture operated under LINUX.
multiple solutions on one single environments, or research goals.
asset, going far beyond the limits of Researchers can use NemoSens
platforms too compact to integrate As technology advances, individual as a platform for experimentation
more than two or three sensors. modules can be upgraded without and testing, this enabling users to
having to replace the entire AUV, this A modular AUV like NemoSens sensor payloads, to collect diverse not only by using one unique modular rapidly prototype and evaluate new
This is how NemoSens, designed makes it easier to stay current with answers to this constraint as the data without the need of several vehicle but also if a specific module technologies without redesigning
by French company RTsys in 2018, the latest sensors, communication only micro AUV of the market with dedicated AUVs for each type of fails or needs maintenance, it can be an entire AUV for each new sensor
changed the way of thinking the systems, or other technologies. modular architecture and swappable missions. In addition to the ease of replaced quickly without affecting or item to be tested underwater.
needs of underwater survey by micro Different missions may require dedicated modules. Operators can operations, this new technological the entire AUV's operational status. New DVL, upgraded multi parameter
AUVs, starting with a fairly simple specific sensors or equipment. easily switch between different approach also results in costs saving, In some cases, users may be able to sensors, new technology of sonar:
perform field repairs by replacing or nothing is better than NemoSens
repairing specific modules without to test new prototypes in real
specialized tools or extensive conditions underwater.
technical knowledge.
With a 300m depth rating and
In practice, NemoSens can be an extreme portability (less than
equipped with many types of 1m and less than 10 kg), its open
equipment such as multiparameter LINUX architecture also allows users
probes (eg, CTDs), side-scan sonar, to develop their own navigation
video cameras, magnetometers, algorithm for greater flexibility
altimeters, ADCPs and many more... and maximal use. Engineered
When outfitting the NemoSens with for the precise identification
new sensors, RTsys engineers are and localization of underwater
looking for compact devices (in size target across large search areas,
A single NemoSens can be configured with various payloads such as camera, lights, DVL, CTD sensor, SSS

18 19
 COVER STORY: MICRO AUV
COVER
STORY

EMPOWERING
World leading electric underwater robotics
NemoSens delivers ultra-high
accuracy positioning thanks to its

Seaeye eM1-7
acoustic communication system.
This bundle of features makes
NemoSens the only micro AUV of
the market to provide a modular
and multi features platform with
Electric Manipulator
high positioning accuracy.

OCEAN EXPLORATION AND

• Seven function work class manipulator
RESEARCH • Compatible with most work class ROVs
Designed in a collaboration between
NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal • Maximum reach 1,990mm
Ocean Science (NCCOS) and RTsys,
NemoSens was specifically designed
• Lift capacity 122kg/454kg
to fill a technological gap and a (max/min reach)
growing need to provide sufficient
images cost-effectively, to gather
• Precise position and force feedback
crucial baseline data about the • Modular self-contained joints
seafloor, and track changes to these
ecosystems over time in order to • Wrist camera option
characterize ecosystems and inform
decisions about offshore energy
• Diagnostic power and status LEDs
High-res photo captured with Arctic Rays SwordFish imaging payload © NOAA
development, sustainable fisheries • Interchangeable parallel and
and protecting special places in the 4K UHD video and still images with environmental science. Upgrading intermeshing jaw options
ocean. high-output dual-mode lighting and NemoSens for studying marine life,
an onboard CPU and SSD storage. mapping ocean floors, and collecting • On-board processing for
NCCOS will use several vehicles to data on underwater ecosystems widens advanced kinematics
collect high-resolution digital images Like every modular section of once again the capability of this unique
of the seabed as deep as 300m NemoSens, this payload is integrated and versatile micro AUV.
inside the United States Exclusive while utilizing sustainable energy [Link]
Economic Zone and will therefore sources and thus minimizing its The democratisation of our combined
play a vital role in NOAA’s ongoing environmental footprint for extended expertise and shared technology
mission to protect and preserve mission durations. This plan is part will definitely lead to a more
oceans and support a vibrant blue of the collaborators’ commitment to comprehensive understanding of
economy. fostering a sustainable future for our oceans and marine environments with
planet. a single micro AUV unit, fully modular
This new state-of-the-art and versatile to answer to tens of
configuration has been equipped Three primary units are in process for different mission with only one single
with SwordFish: an imaging payload delivery to NOAA’s lab in Beaufort, platform.”
developed by US manufacturer North Carolina, early 2024.
Arctic Rays and made of a fully Pierre-Alexandre Caux, RTsys Business With more than 50 configurations
integrated camera + lighting Director, said “we are truly honoured already delivered across the world,
solution to provide turnkey imaging to have been chosen by NOAA’s NemoSens is leading the sector of
acquisition for seafloor survey. This National Centers for Coastal Ocean micro AUVs while offering the most
swappable imaging payload features Science to elevate the research in flexible underwater survey solution to
geo-referenced digital capture of marine biology, oceanography, and scientific, industrial and defence users.

20 21
 Li-Ion Ocean Power
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION
CONTROL

SPILL DETECTION Vehicle

Standard Li-Ion
Batteries
F
NORWEGIAN COMPANY VISSIM RECENTLY WON A CONTRACT FROM AKER BP Batteries API17
TO EQUIP THE VALHALL, ULA, EDVARD GRIEG, IVAR AASEN, ALVHEIM AND SKARV XXL AUV certifie
d
Li-Ion Batteries
INSTALLATIONS WITH ITS ADVANCED OIL SPILL DETECTION SOLUTION.

Vissim was founded in 1988 as a Li-Ion PowerPack™ - Underwater Power

navigation and simulation technology Solutions
company. Since then, it has been
innovating and developing systems Extremely reliable, efficient and safe Li-Ion batteries and
for the marine industry. In 1997, the Subsea-UPS with either DC or scalable AC output.
first coastal surveillance and the first Manufactured for harsh offshore and subsea conditions for 6 x 1 MWh Charging Units
VTS was released, followed by several the Offshore energy, science and vehicles like AUV or eROV. Energy Storage System
new technologies. In 2009, the first We offer API-17F, MIL-STD, SIL and UN T38.3 certifications
oil spill detection system was made And yes: Air-cargo.
available. Our new production building is designed for subsea series
production according to your requirements..
"The service is based on the fact that
when oil floats on water, the two
materials behave very differently SubCtech GmbH
due to their relative densities and it [Link]
is these dissimilarities that we look
to quantify," said Håvard Odden,
director of the company's North Sea Screen image
operations. or confirmed and thus a large amount "If a leak comes from a pipeline, say, allows it to detect even smaller oil
analogue magnetron -type radars to radar from offshore installations of oil can be released between each 1000m below on the seabed, it is spills.
"Radar is routinely used in offshore and even the new generation of – we can also apply the algorithms satellite passing over. likely to result in a spill over quite a
Installations, so effectively, the digital radars as long as the software to aeroplane radar or even satellite large area and so the size may be an "While the radar is good at
physical hardware is already is fed with the raw signal. If it is output. Satellites are very powerful "Conversely, our system is physically important factor in quantification. detecting oil, it is also good at
available. Our system simply takes processed too much before we and able to scan a much bigger area closer to the leak. This minimises the Another variable is the API gravity of recognising different types of
the output from the radar and runs receive the input, it becomes more but their downside is that as they only response time, allowing operators the oil. The software can detect quite phenomenon such as the wake
the data through our software. difficult pass once or twice a day and so do not to act quickly and reduce the small amounts of heavy oil. of ships or even rain clouds. The
gather information in real time. It may consequences of the oil spill. historical problem is that these
"The system is compatible with all “In fact, we are not even restricted be 24 hours before a leak is detected SOFTWARE aberrations potentially create false
"In addition to offshore installations, The early versions of the oil spill alarms.
the system can also be used to detection are still operational in
HOLISTIC DETECTION monitor coastlines and ports. We had many parts of world, both on vessels "The software system therefore
an incident a year ago in the port of and on fixed installations. capitalises on machine learning to
Radar does not penetrate into them into one, complete and easy-to- ACOUSTIC SENSORS: Sockna in Egypt, where the port was classify the detected response, thus
water, so to provide a more holistic understand visual overview. Acoustic sensors use sound waves accused of illegally dispatching oil. More recently, however, Vissim has reducing these false alarms. This in
response, it may be best to combine to detect the presence of oil spills. We used our software to prove that developed a new and upgraded radar turn reduces stress on operators
it with other methods of leak There are a number of types of oil Sound waves are reflected off objects the port was not the polluter and the detection solution will become an
detection. detection. in the water, and the reflected waves culprit was actually a vessel some way integrated part of Aker BP’s digital "As it processes the data and learns
can be analyzed to determine the outside the town." platform for oil spill monitoring and more about the application, it gets
Last year, Vissim expanded its oil CAPACITIVE SENSORS presence and location of an oil spill. detection. smarter and smarter in the way it
spill monitoring and detection A capacitive sensor for oil spill There are a number of factors that classifies the data.
services by integrating input from detection is a device that uses the IMAGE SENSORS go into the eventual detection. The "The upgraded oil spill detection
several detection sources including principle of capacitance to detect the A camera, possibly one able to detect weather plays a part – it is harder to system uses better image processing "Depending on the circumstances, it
radars, satellites, sensors on subsea presence of oil spills and monitor oil ultraviolet images, can also be input detect if there is no wind at all as this technology and achieves much can typically recognise a pool of oil
production equipment, combining pipelines for leaks. into the model. reduced relative movement. higher sensitivity," said Odden. "This up to six nautical miles away. "

22 23
 POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION
CONTROL

NOISE
MANY CLAIM THAT UNDERWATER NOISE POLLUTION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SEA MAMMAL BEACHING BUT THERE IS NO REAL
UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUES DUE TO LACK OF DATA. RS AQUA HOPES TO CORRECT THIS WITH A BACKGROUND STUDY

RS Aqua is a leading supplier communication networks offered more broadband data as required.
of cutting-edge technology for by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites
ocean exploration in sectors such to allow users to specify and receive “We believe MARLIN will revolutionise
as marine robotics, aquaculture, data analytics, real time alerts and how we collect and analyse
offshore energy, and ecological big data chunks from their system environmental noise in remote ocean
applications. The latest project as required. This will bring IOT to locations, as well as revolutionising
from the company, MARLIN, underwater ocean sensors in a way how we use broadband internet in the
introduces an innovative approach
to monitoring underwater noise.
not previously possible.

•Machine Learning: MARLIN will

remote ocean.

“It’s still early days for project MARLIN

PIONEERING ROBOTIC
“We have previously developed
a range of passive acoustic
recorders” said Ocean Scientist
learn the ambient noise of its
environment over time and identify
when something unusual occurs.
and one of our first steps has been to
deploy a lander off the coast of the
UK. "
TECHNOLOGY
Eleanor Stanton, “including “This could be the detection and
our flagship Orca. This acoustic identification of marine mammals, This lander is equipped with a
Porpoise passive acoustic recorder that
Harnessing the power of OPENSEA®
recorder accommodates up to noise pollution levels, illegal fishing
five hydrophone channel inputs. activity or different vessel types”, has been collecting baseline acoustic to deliver intelligent products and
We also have a smaller, single- said Eleanor Stanton. “The idea is data that we can then use for the
channel acoustic recorder called the that deep neural networks will be machine-learning aspect of the project services for our defense, scientific,
Porpoise - this is perfect for ambient used to unravel subtle signatures, to help train the algorithm.
noise monitoring/characterisation, and neuroplasticity type algorithms and commercial customers around
construction monitoring, and will dynamically self-learn." “Currently large marine vessels often
marine mammal research.” need to be used for ocean monitoring the world.
•In the smartphone and web missions, whereas remote real-time
Having recently securing funding graphical user interface, users will monitoring systems like MARLIN will
from Innovate UK, and in be able to view their data in real- reduce the need for ship time at
collaboration with the University time. As MARLIN’s control panel, sea, reducing vessel CO2 emissions
of Southampton, RS Aqua’s project the app will allow users to focus on massively which is a huge step
MARLIN will develop an underwater specific acoustic events and request forward.”
sensor that uses machine learning
to identify harmful environmental
activities and transmit information
in real-time to a web app. For the
first time, this will allow stakeholders
to remotely monitor the underwater
environment and make decisions in
real-time.

This will mean developing new

machine-learning techniques to
distinguish between ambient and
unusual environmental noise, such
as marine mammals. There are
three main aspects to MARLIN:

•The Internet of Things (IOT) at sea: SOFTWARE | ROBOTICS as a SERVICE | INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
[Link]
we will harness the new broadband Project MARLIN - an illustration demonstrating the real-time monitoring of
ambient and unusual environmental noise

+1.802.434.6080 | sales@[Link]
24 25
SURVEY
UNDERWATER DATA COLLECTION
NOW 3000m RATED

In the dynamic realm of unmanned moving evolution in the industry.

2050-DSS
underwater vehicles (UUVs), Subsea robotic fleets collaborating COMBINED
the shift towards smaller, more
numerous and highly capable
intelligently and executing swarm
deployments are no longer confined SIDE SCAN SONAR
vehicles is reshaping the industry's to the realm of fiction but are & SUB-BOT TOM
approach to underwater becoming a reality. PROFILER
data collection. This is being
underpinned by advancements in "Market research forecasts a
technology, integration of artificial substantial growth in the global
intelligence (AI) and machine uncrewed underwater vehicles
learning (ML), and the projected market, projecting an increase
growth of the global UUV market. from US$3.34 billion in 2023 to
US$8.14 billion by 2030, reflecting
At the forefront of this a compound annual growth rate of
transformative wave is Neil Brown 13.5%. This growth signals a clear
Ocean Sensors, Inc. (NBOSI), a US- envisioning by subsea industries of a
based manufacturer specialising need for considerably more of these
in research-quality conductivity- small yet capable vehicles, despite
temperature sensors for mobile rapid improvements in efficiency and
marine platforms since 2004. capability."
• Versatile: Tri-Frequency
NBOSI's latest integrated CTD is
Straits Research emphasises the Side Scan to cover a
not only setting new standards in
range of applications
underwater data collection, but is significant growth expected in the
also addressing critical challenges demand for electrically-driven small • Capable: Towfish based
faced by UUV operators. and medium underwater drones, CHIRP Sub-bottom profiler to
and the increasing need for battery- deliver higher resolution data
"The trend towards smaller, more powered vehicles. • Loaded: Built-in pressure
numerous underwater vehicles (depth), heave, pitch and
is evident across various sectors, The surge in demand has been roll sensors
from environmental monitoring attributed to sectors such as offshore • Flexible: Support for
to commercial, defence, and wind, oil and gas, scientific research, 3rd party sensors
research," said Dr Dave Fratantoni, and defence, where accurate
NBOSI’s CEO. " Over the past underwater data is crucial for tasks
decade, advancements in critical like surveying deep-water seabed and
technologies such as processors monitoring vital infrastructure.
and battery storage has led to
these subsea vehicles becoming Fratantoni, anticipates a three-fold
more effective. increase in demand for the company's
sensors, soon reaching a significant
"The integration of AI and ML milestone with the sale of the 1000th
technology is propelling UUVs into sensor in the first half of 2024. CTD SENSOR and sound speed measurements. A
a new era. Enhanced bandwidth hull, addressing the industry's NBOSI is set to introduce its latest key innovation is the elimination of
connections, on-board edge "The push towards smaller, more increasing need to map and collect product – a compact, UUV-optimised the requirement for the installation
processing, improved object numerous, and vastly more capable data across extensive ocean beds integrated CTD sensor in 2024. of control electronics within the
recognition and sophisticated vehicles in the industry aligns with for environmental reasons and This palm-sized, sturdy, easy-to- vehicle's pressure hull, streamlining
interconnectivity among vehicles NBOSI's expertise. The sensors responding to geopolitical instability integrate sensor yields research- installation, calibration, and field
deployed in a fleet indicate a fast- enable achieving more with a smaller driving defence procurements." quality temperature, salinity, depth maintenance.

26 27
 UNLOCKING
SURVEY
SURVEY

UNRIVALED
ACCURACY

CM

MJ

CJ

CMJ

The integrated CTD combines a up valuable in-vehicle real estate. "Integrating the electronics and NEW ROVINS 9-DVL
highly accurate and fast-responding sensing elements into a more ‘plug All-in-one INS/DVL
temperature probe and a uniquely “For smaller vehicles and extensive and play’ externally mounted single
Accurate georeferenced position
robust conductivity cell with a precision fleets, the key benefit lies in unit will significantly streamline
at high frequency: 0.02% TD
pressure sensor, enabling real-time simplified maintenance," said Dr. servicing and calibration, whilst
output of temperature, salinity, ocean Fratantoni. "Unlike traditional also freeing up valuable in-vehicle Compact design for easy integration
density and sound speed. methods requiring hull access space. In the era of shrinking on all platforms
and internal electronics removal, vehicle sizes, preserving in-hull Pre-calibrated and plug-and-play
This not only reduces payload and our integrated sensor allows for volume is crucial. 6,000 m rated
data processing burdens on small straightforward external servicing.
platforms, but also enhances the "Even in larger vehicles, where an
overall efficiency of data collection. "Whether sending back to us for internal board is optional, the new
The benefits of this new integrated rapid, low-cost calibration, or board is a quarter of the size of its
sensor approach are numerous, swapping with a standby spare, the predecessor.
with a significant focus on ease of result is faster recalibration and
maintenance, calibration, and freeing superior data quality. "The elimination of the need for an
Meet us at Oceanology International
Booth #E100-200

28 29
 SURVEY
SURVEY
Taking connections
to a deeper level

Working under Working in oceanic depths under great pressure requires cables
high pressure and connections you can rely on. At DeRegt Cables we provide
internal electronics board simplifies connector on the cell, replacing the outstanding technical solutions and custom-engineered cable
installation, routine calibration, existing molded cable connection.
CONTRACTS solutions for the most challenging of circumstances. When you
spares inventory, and field This innovation decouples cable and Over the past year, NBOSI has are raising the bar, we deliver the right solution.
replacement. This streamlining not sensor acquisition, providing end- played a pivotal role in supplying
only enhances operational processes users with greater design freedom custom sensors for diverse DeRegt delivers • Top notch cable design
but also reduces the complexity of and operational flexibility, making applications. • Reliable cable manufacturing
maintaining growing UUV fleets. UUV deployments more efficient. • High end cable termination
From an innovative mine- • Thorough cable testing
l The integration of a precision l Maintaining continuity with hunting vehicle by Mitsubishi • Outstanding field service
pressure sensor enables real-time existing NBOSI CTD sensors, the Heavy Industries in Japan, to
direct output of accurate sound form factor and dimensions of the a collaboration with Cornell
speed, ensuring optimal data quality new integrated CTD sensor remain University for the remote study Call us for the best connection
without requiring computation by intentionally identical. This ensures of a deep brine pool in the Gulf +31 180 66 88 00
the vehicle's CPU. backward-compatible data output, of Mexico, NBOSI's technology
allowing for quick integration without is making waves in cutting-edge
This advancement provides necessitating vehicle firmware projects. Feel free to reach Zaag 2-4, 2931 LD Krimpen aan de Lek, The Netherlands
immediate and accurate insights changes. out and connect info@[Link] | [Link]
into underwater environments, Notably, the NBOSI technology is
enhancing the efficiency of data The simple 4-wire power and data a part of the HII REMUS 300, the
collection. integration facilitate fast and easy foundational vehicle for the US
implementation, suitable for both Navy's extensive Lionfish SUUV
l Certain sensor variants of the new builds and upgrades of existing programme.
integrated CTD feature a bulkhead systems.
KRAKEN SURVEY FOR CSS SUBSEA
Kraken Robotics have recently completed
a burial assessment survey on behalf
DRONE Q ROBOTICS UMBILICAL SUPPORT of CSS Subsea along the Cassiopeia
Small ROVs are ideally suited for conducting underwater umbilical.
inspection surveys on vertical structures. The vehicles can
be quickly and easily deployed by being lowered down Mobilised onboard the Go Supporter
from the surface and scan the upright walls or supports vessel, a Schilling HD WROV and Kraken’s
for corrosion or damage. In many applications, they are Sub-Bottom Imager (SBI) 3D acoustic
used to look for damage from barnacles or other hard system were utilised to image the buried
shell marine growth. When looking at piers,however, they umbilical to ensure it was sufficiently
can easily become entangled while the sharp growth can protected from other sea users.
cause physical damage if the vehicle or umbilical comes
into contact and pulled vertically up to the surface. Running from August 2023 to January
2024, the project’s goal was the safe and
One solution employed by Dutch ROV survey group efficient installation of an unarmoured
Drone Q Robotics includes a novel arrangement involving umbilical. The SBI was used during
a second ROV stationed nearby but clear of the wall or trenching operations to ensure the
structure being examined. It has a DVL and small anchor umbilical was buried to the correct depth.
buoy to keep it floating just 50cms under the water to the pulley, keeping it out of harms way. This
surface. arrangement is especially useful in high current Following SBI survey operations, if any
waters, to reduce the drag of the current on shallow sections were identified, remedial
The ROV holds a special designed block pulley from a 3D the Inspection ROVs tether, thus enhancing the trenching and survey passes were
printed handle. The Inspection ROV;s tether is attached operability of the Inspection ROV. undertaken.

30 31
 SURVEY
SURVEY

ROVINS 9-DVL ALL-IN-ONE INS/DVL

UNPRECEDENTED NAVIGATION
ACCURACY WITH NEW SENSOR

Benefitting from Exail's proven Fibre-Optic DVL500-Compact, a universal DVL that combines connection to third-party sensors via standard straight or
Gyroscope (FOG) technology, which has a compact design with unprecedented right-angled connectors - both of which are supplied with the
revolutionized navigation in the last decades, functionality. system - allowing for maximum integration flexibility.
and the latest DVL advancements from
Nortek, Exail's new Rovins 9-DVL innovative With a bottom range detection capability Rovins 9-DVL comes pre-calibrated and plug-and-play,
solution merges the top navigation of up to 175 m and a DVL frequency of making on-the-field calibration unnecessary and integration
technologies available today. 500 kHz, this DVL can fly higher in the into vehicles fast and easy. It also features new electronic
water column and closer to the seabed control units that enable self-alignment in motion,
With its unique design and compactness, it (up to 0.3 m) than similar equipment. This eliminating the static alignment time required by previous
is the ultimate tool for subsea companies makes it an ideal solution for small vehicles generations of Exail INS. This makes the system ready for
looking to maximize efficiency and success. to conduct operations in challenging subsea immediate deployment, saving significant time and money
environments. in offshore operations, which is crucial for operational
THE ULTIMATE TECHNOLOGY FUSION IN efficiency.
AN ALL-IN-ONE COMPACT DEVICE POWERING UNMATCHED NAVIGATION
Rovins 9-DVL is a flexible and plug-and-play PERFORMANCE AND ACCURACY A cost-effective and hassle-free solution, Rovins 9-DVL
system that combines an Exail INS based on Tightly integrating raw sensor data from the IMU and relies on Exail's expertise and robust technology, requiring
UmiX Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a DVL allows for higher levels of accuracy and reliability. no maintenance. Thanks to its titanium housing, it is highly
Nortek Compact 500 DVL in a single compact Indeed, by combining the DVL measurements of the resistant to high pressure and harsh environments, enabling
housing. It is designed to be easily integrated vehicle's velocity relative to the seafloor with the operations at water depths down to 6000m.
in a variety of subsea vehicles such as INS acceleration and rotation rate measurements,
ROV, AUV, and tow fishes and is suitable the system can estimate the vehicle's position more It operates on low power consumption (< 18 W), making
for operations from shallow to deep water accurately, even in areas with complex or irregular it an ideal choice for ROV and AUV manufacturers and
depths down to 6000 m. seafloor conditions. Rovins 9-DVL latest h-ROVs operators seeking to save watts without
compromising on data processing power.
Embedding Exail's UmiX, the most The DVL can also help reduce the INS drift over time, “Overall, this results in a more accurate and robust
compact high-performance IMU, Rovins while the INS compensates for external disturbances navigation solution that enables subsea vehicles “With decades of expertise in the underwater domain,
9-DVL delivers unparalleled navigation such as waves that can affect the DVL's velocity to navigate and operate more efficiently in any sea Exail has leveraged its knowledge to create a unique and
performance in the smallest design available measurements. For further accuracy, the data conditions, even in areas where GNSS signals are weak or efficient solution that effectively addresses the operational
on the market. Compared to equivalent FOG collected can be processed with Exail Delph INS unavailable”. challenges faced by subsea vehicle operators” outlines
systems, the Rovins 9-DVL IMU is half the Subsea software, which enables users to access both
Stéphane Meyer, Subsea positioning and navigation
size, half the power consumption, and twice DVL and IMU interfaces through a single user MMI. EASY-TO-USE FLEXIBLE SOLUTION, TAILORED TO THE
division Director.
the performance. CHALLENGES OF THE UNDERWATER ENVIRONMENT
“By merging the complementary measurements Compact, lightweight, and versatile, Rovins 9-DVL has
Integrating miniaturized in-house been specifically designed to greatly simplify the work
“With its powerful technology integration, compact
of the INS and DVL, the resulting navigation data
accelerometers, it also features new FOG becomes much more precise and accurate than of subsea operators in the field. Its unique horizontal design, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, the
gyroscopes custom-built for this system. either system used alone. design allows for easy integration into all types of Rovins 9-DVL all-in-one system provides an exceptional
With its cutting-edge performance and ultra- subsea platforms, from observation-class to work-class size/performance ratio that has never been equaled in
compact form factor, this new gyroscope And the ability to connect external sensors such as Underwater Unmanned Vehicles (UUV). the market. This game-changing navigation system is set
expands the boundaries of what is possible pressure sensors, through the satellite connectors to revolutionize the subsea vehicle operations landscape,
in subsea navigation. available on the system, will provide even greater The integration process is further simplified as fewer enabling our customers to significantly improve their
accuracy” says Maxime Le Roy, Product Manager at cables are required within the vehicle frame. Additionally, operational efficiency in all marine applications, ranging
Exail’s UmiX is tightly coupled with Nortek Exail. Rovins 9-DVL boasts an open architecture that enables from offshore energy to seabed exploration.”

32 33
SURVEY
SURVEY Side Scan Sonar

ADVANCED MBARI TECHNOLOGY AIDS EFFORTS TO RESEARCH FRAGILE Survey open water to identify environmental
DEEP-SEA ANIMALS hazards such as tires and debris
Further development of these
technologies could eventually allow
researchers to collect complete scans
and inventories of life in the deep sea
• Simultaneous dual frequency operation
within a catch-and-release framework. • Easily transported in included hard carry case
“By combining a suite of emerging • Lightweight for one person deployment
• Economical with easy operation
technologies, we’re transforming our
ability to explore the ocean. ” said
Katija.
• Fully digital
RAD
New technologies are transforming how scientists study delicate ocean animals
to document deep-sea biodiversity. Image: Joost Daniels Schmidt Institute

An estimated 30–60% of marine life and motion of the animal, obtain

has yet to be described by scientists, its entire genome, and generate a
often because of the difficult process comprehensive list of genes being
of collecting specimens for study. expressed to assess its physiological
status.
A multidisciplinary team of
roboticists, ocean engineers, The Bioinspiration Lab has
bioengineers and marine and developed innovative imaging
molecular biologists have successfully systems that can visualise deep-
demonstrated how new technologies sea animals in their natural
can rapidly obtain high-resolution environment.
3D images and preserved tissue to
accelerate the discovery of new life in The team envisions using these
the deep sea. advanced technologies to build
 a comprehensive picture of the The rotary-actuated dodecahedron
MBARI Principal Engineer Kakani biology and behaviour of deep-sea (RAD-2): © Schmidt Ocean Institute
Katija recently joined a team of animals. For example, they observed
roboticists, engineers, and biologists a gossamer worm (Tomopteris Developed by engineers in the
led by the University of Rhode Island sp.)—a worm that lives in the School of Engineering and Applied
to demonstrate how technology can water column instead of along the Sciences at Harvard University, the
accelerate research on delicate deep- seafloor—while it was swimming RAD-2 folds around an animal like
sea animals. back and forth exploring its origami to collect the specimen and
surroundings. sample its tissues.
"Revolutionary advancements in
underwater imaging, robotics, and Rapid collection and preservation This sampler preserves a snapshot
genomic sequencing are transforming of the worm’s tissues revealed of the organism’s genetic activity
ocean exploration," said Katija. high levels of gene expression in at the time of collection, allowing
"By leveraging these new tools, the whisker-like cirri, suggesting scientists to identify which genes
within minutes of an encounter these organs serve a neurosensory were active and being expressed at JW Fishers Mfg., Inc.
with a deep-sea animal, scientists function for following chemical that time, known to scientists as the PH: (800)822-4744
can capture detailed measurements trails. transcriptome.
info@[Link]
[Link]
34 35
 SURVEY
SURVEY

SEABED 2030
IN DECEMBER 2023, THE MIDDLE EAST BRANCH OF THE SUT DISCUSSED THE GEBCO SEABED 2030 PROJECT AS PART OF THREE PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED AROUND THE
TIME OF THE COP 28 SUMMIT IN DUBAI. VICKI FERRINI SENIOR SCIENTIST, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, EXPLAINS THE PROJECT FUNDAMENTALS.

Around 70% of the planet is GEBCO is the General Bathymetric Prior to Seabed 2030, the GEBCO Global environment and so it makes sense for the global "We can map in the deep sea at resolutions of sub-meter if
covered by water and only 25% of Chart of the Oceans. It can be Grid was made available at a resolution community to generate such products together in order we use the right kind of technology, but that would take us a
that has been mapped to modern seen as both a data product and of 30 arc seconds, however, the group to gain a better understanding of the ocean. The reality very, very long time to do globally," explained Ferrini.
standards. This reflects the lack of a project that operates under the has released its annual compilation at a is, however, that mapping the entire ocean can only be "For water shallower than 1500m, we're aspiring for one
information at a time when many joint auspices of the International resolution of 15 arc seconds. It provides achieved through cooperation and coordination because measurement every 100m, to give a 100m resolution grid.
are just starting to understand the Hydrographic Organisation and the grid viewing software, printable maps it is simply so big a project and there is too much to do.
vast importance of the oceans to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic and web services to help people around "The vast majority of the ocean, however, falls in the three
future of the planet and life upon it. Commission of UNESCO. the world produce the bathymetric grids "Seabed 2030 can be viewed as an accelerator for kilometres to the 5700m depth zone, and our resolution
and maps and products that they might GEBCO. When we started the project, only 6% of the target there is 400m – roughly 15 arc second. The depth
This was the reason for the original For close to 20 years, GEBCO has need. The data can be downloaded from world was mapped. We have been moving rapidly, but band between 1500 and 3000m is a 200m resolution goal,
launch of Seabed 2030. The Nippon been working with the Japanese [Link] we still have 75% of the ocean to cover in less than 10 and then in the deepest water, is 800m data points would
Foundation GEBCO Seabed 2030 philanthropic organisation years." be acceptable.
project is a collaborative project to Nippon Foundation to grow "Bathymetric data is an essential ocean
inspire the complete mapping of the the next generation of ocean observation," said Vicki Ferrini. "Maps A very important question is, what does 100% map "We have integrated all the data that exists, however, in
world's ocean floor by 2030. cartographers. are fundamental to work in the marine coverage mean? some places, we know more data exists but just not in
the public domain. It also includes tiny track lines of data
with more being filled in every year, but this leaves a lot of
seafloor yet to be mapped.

"Importantly, the objective is not just to create the GEBCO

grid" explained Ferrini. "After 2030 when hopefully, the
seabed is 100% mapped, we also want to ensure that all the
work that we've done over this decade is future proofed.

"Agorithms improve over [Link] different ways of

integrating data, we'll be able to produce new products,
hopefully even faster, with fewer humans in the loop to
generate the products of tomorrow."

ORGANISATION
The project artificially divides the ocean into four regions,
each being overseen by different organisations. The Atlantic
and Indian Oceans is managed from Columbia University
in New York City at while the Arctic and the North Pacific is
jointly stewarded by Stockholm University and the University
of New Hampshire's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping.
The South and West Pacific stewarded by three groups in
New Zealand including Geological and Nuclear Sciences
Limited (GNS) and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), led
by the National Institutes of Water and Atmosphere (NEWA)
.
The Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany looks after the
Southern Ocean,

Those regional products are fed to the British

Oceanographic Data Centre, which builds and distributes
the global products
This GEBCO visualisation shows how much or how little of the ocean is mapped. As of GEBCO 2023, the mapped part is 24.9%.

36 37
SURVEY
SURVEY ‘YU’ mi AV

CARRIER es
to s
Many different types of data are or a grid and there's a sound acquired in the US and a lot of s
input into the models from different
sensors, multi beam, single beam,
sub bottom and derived seismic.
speed problem, we have to
remove the data.
effort to make tools available
to help process that data more
efficiently. There's some other
SCAN
"If people give data but the examples in France and New
"We get digitized contours and quality isn't great, we can try Zealand.
soundings from old nautical charts as to make it better. But if they
well as LiDAR data, satellite derived
bathymetry, ENC soundings," said
Ferrini. "We, therefore, get many
can make the process SWAF
files available, we can pick up
where they left off and we can
"Another emerging solution is
crowdsource bathymetry data. If
any vessel with a navigational sonar
CTD
different formats for commercial build upon what they've done could install a small data logger,
software, legacy formats and old efficiently and get the products they can collect data that can fold
open source software as well as moved faster. We prioritize grids into the maps.

PHYSICO
SWAF and ASCII files. Our job is to based on the data quality and
make sense of them and bring them stack them together to create the One example is a crowdsource
together." regional products. bathymetry effort from the Great
Barrier Reef which has been
"Our ability as data integrators "Partnerships are the key to extremely successful because of
to address problems as data are success for Seabed 2030. We the frequency and the number of

PAM
processed. If a sound speed profile have over 50 partners so far from ships, the frequency of visiting. And
isnt applied, we can fix that in post different sectors. Academia and in fact, the IHO has a crowdsource
processing. If we receive point clouds the government have traditionally bathymetry working group.
been the strongest voluntary
donors of data but industry Another emerging solution
BENEFITS OF is starting to really come into is robots, both surface and
A BETTER
U N D E R S TA N D I N G
the fold while the public is also
starting to participate.
subsurface drones and other
uncrewed systems that can go
pad oon ul
OF THE OCEANS
• Nautical charts
The strong relationships we have
with IHO and IOC are helping us
to hard to reach places at lower
cost and collect data that can be
delivered.
co
• Oil and gas exploration get more governments involved.
• Safety and storm surge/tsunami But there's a huge role to be Other emerging solutions include
inundation models played by groups all around the remote sensing techniques, both
• Ecosystem identification and world who are working with satellite-derived bathymetry
management ocean data to get more data in looking through shallow water

pi
• Emergency response to this globally sourced map that and wave kinematic-derived

thin
• Satellite verification models we're building. bathymetry, which is also being
• Offshore infrastructure prototyped with us. LiDAR
• Ocean Models Some emerging solutions that are represents a more traditional
• Coastal/Marine Spatial Planning accelerating our progress such approach used over the past.
• Coastal Hazard Assessment as transit data acquisition. Fugro,
• Ocean Exploration one of our partners has provided How to get involved. Go to the
• Coastal Change Analysis over 2.3 million km2 of transit website and find some information
• Sea Level Rise Mitigation data that they collect when the there or sign up for our mailing list.
• New Energy Siting ships are moving from job to job. The team is really eager to help
available in the UK & Ireland from
• Marine Heritage work with whatever people are
• Blue Economy "There's a lot of transit data able to contribute.
[Link] info@[Link] +44 (0) 2394 004 540

38 39
 SURVEY NOCS MPA survey
image : University
SURVEY
of Southampton and

AU TOS UB
NOC.

SEA F LOO R
I M AG E RY

FULLY AUTONOMOUS SURVEY

OF MARINE PROTECTED AREA
COLLECTS HIGH RESOLUTION around a quarter of a million square
SEAFLOOR IMAGERY kilometres of offshore marine
protected areas, which is equal to
The National Oceanography the total land surface of the UK.
Centre (NOC), working with the Finding an effective and efficient
University of Southampton and the method of monitoring these areas
Department for Environment, Food for over 20 years, and this mission is challenging, with autonomous
and Rural Affairs (Defra), recently The survey is therefore providing demonstrates one of the many vehicles likely to play a key role”.
completed a Fully Autonomous natural capital and conservation potential commercial applications of
Marine Protected Area Seafloor relevant information on asset the ALR’s cutting-edge technology. This survey builds on the success
Survey. extent, condition, and human The fully autonomous approach and learnings of the previous AT-SEA
pressures. missions, which demonstrated ALRs
This survey will help us understand made possible by using a shore capability to undertake ecological
the suitability of using autonomous This project is part of Defra’s Marine launched ALR enables offshore surveys in end-of-life oil fields. The
underwater vehicles for UK offshore Natural Capital and Ecosystem marine environmental surveys to ability to use ALRs for high-tech,
marine monitoring, and establish (ALR), famously known as ‘Boaty as texture maps and corresponding Assessment (mNCEA) programme, be completed without requiring a low impact marine surveying and
to what extent such systems can McBoatface’ launched from shore. microtopographic maps of the which is supporting the adoption survey ship, significantly reducing monitoring projects negates the
help the UK Government meet seafloor. of innovative marine monitoring costs whilst supporting Net Zero need for a traditional survey ship
its increasing marine monitoring The ALR carried the University technologies. These technologies initiatives. Additionally, the use of and crew, generating improved
ambitions. of Southampton’s ‘BioCam’ The data gathered will enable will help to deliver the ‘Big Data’ ALRs has the potential to generate quality and quantity of information
instrument, a three-dimensional subsequent assessment of seafloor needed in advanced data-driven higher quality seafloor mapping at a significantly reduced cost.
NOC conducted the fully seafloor imaging system that type and condition, the abundance machine learning for mapping and data and seafloor photography than
autonomous seafloor survey of the comprises a stereo pair of cameras, and identity of seafloor related fish assessment of our marine natural comparable systems deployed by Following the successful recovery
Central Fladen Nature Conservation dual LED strobes, and dual and larger invertebrate animals, and capital and the benefits it provides. wire from a survey ship. of the raw data gathered during
Marine Protected Area, which line lasers. Operated together, provide evidence of human impacts the survey, work now continues to
is located some 140 km south- these instruments generate on the seabed environment (physical NOC scientists have been using Project lead and National produce data products informing
southeast of Lerwick (Shetland), georeferenced, colour corrected disturbance of seabed by trawling autonomous underwater vehicles as Oceanography Centre scientist Dr users about the current conditions
using an Autosub Long Range conventional still images, as well and presence of litter for example). key tools for gathering ocean data Brian Bett explained: “The UK has of the MPA.

40 41
BIOMIMETICS APPLIED BIOMIMETICS
Marine Biomimetics describes the
practice of designing structures, APPLYING TUBERCLES TO A HYDROFOIL
systems and technologies that take
inspiration from marine organisms
and ecosystems to enhance marine
operations.

The Applied Biomimetics Marine

Hydrodynamics Group (ABMHydro),
part of the Mechanical Engineering
and Marine Technology at the
Newcastle University, aims 1111
to use its expertise in marine
hydrodynamics to develop effective 0000 0001 0011 0111
and feasible biomimetic solutions.
Research carried out at Newcastle University in applying tubercle technology
The group has a number of the to a hydrofoil commenced by developing a number of CNC-machined 3-D
projects, completed or ongoing, models with different leading edge sections. Experimentation showed that
that have successfully used performance of the hydrofoil can be dramatically enhanced by the tubercles
functional or structural inspiration and that lift coefficients were increased greatly. The foil with the shortest
to improve traditional engineering tubercle application length (1/4 of the span) at tip region overall displayed
designs. the best performance.

HUMPBACK WHALE A strong tip vortex cavitation was produced by 0000 whereas no cavitation
Humpback whales are giant marine was observed under the same condition of 1111. This concept is currently
mammals around 12–16m long. being applied to tidal turbines open propellers, control surfaces (eg,rudders)
They have a distinctive body shape and propeller ducts.
due to unusually long fins. These
whales contribute two areas of
interest to the group.

Schools of whales are known to

hunt by swimming circularly to Humpback Whale Image: Todd Cravens
concentrate fish into a small central
zone. They then produce a net of
bubbles to prevent the enclosed
shoal from escaping. They can then the larger mammals to beach. The research. This is because their leading drop in local static pressure below Flow change with the addition of tubercles
feed on the shoal. offshore industry has looked for ways edges have evolved tubercles and it is the threshold vapour pressure,"
to minimise acoustic leakage. One believed that these bumps aid in the said group leader Dr. Weichao subsequent increase in underwater increased lift to drag ratio, a delay
The practice of securing offshore strategy that appears successful is, humpback's ability to perform agile Shi at the Newcastle University in radiated noise. of stall, noise mitigation and also
structures to the seabed often like whales, to enclose the area in a manoeuvres to catch prey. the Mechanical Engineering and cavitation containment capabilities.
involves hammering piles into the bubble curtain, to prevent the sound Marine Technology. "As such, it is generally accepted This is possibly due to rotating vortex
ground. This produces significant pulses from escaping. It is ventured that they improve "This effectively turns the liquid that mitigating propeller cavitation is pairs that are induced by the leading
intensities of sound which may be the swimming ability by reducing into vapour.” extremely important . edge sinusoidal waveform.
stressful to marine animals and It is the Humpback Whale's unusually cavitation. "This cavitation is known to cause "The main benefits of modifying the "Considerable research has already
possibly disrupt their natural means long pictorial fins, however, that “Cavitation is a particularly undesirable propeller damage and performance shape of the fin has been shown been carried out on the influence of
of navigating, potentially causing provide some of the most interesting phenomena that is caused due to the degradation as well as producing a through the research to be an tubercles and cavitation on hydrofoils

42 43
 APPLIED BIOMIMETICS
BIOMIMETICS

SWIMMING IN THE
B O U N D A R Y L AY E R SPERM WHALES
and also on rudders, while tubercles on tidal turbines showed Remora, sometimes called the 'suckerfish' The sperm whale is the largest of
a reduction cavitation and a reduction underwater radiated often form a natural symbiotic relationships the toothed whales and able to dive
noise." with larger fish, particularly sharks. Rather than to [Link] whaling was a
swimming on their own, they attach themselves major industry in the 19th century
More recently, the group has been looking to apply the onto the host with the help of a sucking plate- mainly targeting spermaceti (sperm
tubercles to a marine propeller to investigate the influence of shaped disc on their head. The remora then oil), which was used for illumination
leading edge tubercles on the sheet cavitation development ceases motion while the host is swimming to making oil lamps, lubricants, and
and hydrodynamic performance naturally glide through the water. candles.
In total, four propellers were used in the analysis The location of this is not random. Three Interestingly, spermaceti is also a
favourable attachment locations are Phase Changing Material (PCM) Sperm whales
1. Belly - 39.7% that melts at high temperatures energy is restored in the high is pushed into the pressure transfer
2. Back - 27.2% and solidifies in low temperatures. pressure. cylinder which changes the high
3. Pectoral fins - 20.6% During the phase changing process, pressure of the oil to water pressure
the volume changes, which is Meanwhile, oil in the outer bladder outside. The increased volume of
The ABMHydro performed an analysis using suspected to help adjust the whale's at the base of the engine is sucked oil flows into the outer bladder and
STAR-CCM+ CFD software to investigate buoyancy. ABMH is aiming to use this into the cylinder and the buoyancy increases the total buoyancy.
the hydrodynamic merits of the remora's properto to develop a self-sustainable becomes smaller. When buoyancy
attachment behaviour. underwater glider, converting drops to near gravity, valve B closes At this moment the buoyancy becomes
thermal energy in the ocean to drive to stop further change. bigger than gravity and the AUV starts
Propeller designs The research has primarily focused on the the buoyancy engine. to ascend.
investigations of the effect of the developed In Step 2, the PCM continues to melt
A B series propeller was used as a baseline with three tubercle boundary layer flow and particularly, the effect The working cycle of this thermal and expand and the vacuum in the Step 6. After arriving in the warm sea
propellers designed a geometrical configuration. of the different attachment locations on the buoyancy engine can be divided into cylinder pushes the piston upwards. surface the next cycle begins.
shark body. six steps. Floating at the surface,
Experimentation showed in heavy cavitating conditions, the (buoyancy exceeds gravity). the heat
Phase change material.
Step 3. After all the PCM has melted, As it expands, it
tubercles can reduce the sheet cavitation volume by over 50% Regarding the effect of boundary layer flow, the of the of the warm sea water, causes magnetic valve A closes. The oil squeezes hydraulic oil
This is due to the redistribution of the surface pressure drag reduction rate is related to the boundary phase changing material(PCM) in the into the body. Accumulator
in the outer bladder is pushed
along the leading edge of the blade and also the induced layer thickness. Measurement showed that heat transfer cylinder to melt and into the vacuum in the cylinder by
streamwise current rotating vortex pairs. They found the most drag reduction increased from 27% to 36% with expand. atmospheric pressure.
successful configuration at reducing the cavitation was the the increased boundary layer thickness (based
long wavelength large height. on the length of the flat plate). From a drag The first stage starts with the Step 4. This causes the buoyancy
reduction point of view, the remora tends to expanding PCM squeezing the an to become less than gravity and the Magnetic
Where cavitation reduction was significant, it is likely that attach to regions covered a developed boundary hydraulic oil-filled rubber tube. The
Valve A
vehicle starts to descend. As the
the tubercles could improve the propulsion efficiency but layer pressure the PCM can generate is water temperature goes down, the
this would come at a cost of thrust reduction. It is therefore very high. The oil is pushed into the PCM starts to re-solidify and the one-
believed that for this particular propeller design, the In the belly and back attachment case, there hydraulic pressure transfer cylinder. way valve opens automatically.
influence of tubercles would likely not lead to a performance is a low-velocity area coupled with an adverse It function is to transfer the hydraulic Pressure
improvement hydrodynamically. pressure gradient area that builds up due to the pressure to lower working hydraulic
transfer
The oil in the inner oil bladder is cylinder
blockage of the shark body. The pressure force pressure and increase the oil volume pushed into the heat transfer cylinder
Looking to the future the group plan to carry experimental provides a forward thrust to the remora. change. by the inner air pressure of the Magnetic
model scale tests in a cavitation tunnel as this would allow
watertight hull. Valve C
for further understanding of the other cavitation mechanisms In the pectoral fin attachment case, the shark's The magnetic valve A and B opens, Phase
that weren't considered in the study, such as the tip vortex fin blocks a part of incoming flow, however, and the piston in the cylinder is Magnetic
Step 5. Upon reaching working change
cavitation. They can also to look at the influence on the most of the remora body is still exposed. In the pushed by the oil. Oil in the upper material Valve B
depth, where the buoyancy is less
underwater radiant noise of the tubercles as applied to the high-velocity and high-pressure regions, drag part of the cylinder flows into the than gravity, magnetic valves A B and One-way Outer
main propeller. reduction rate is the lowest. accumulator and the mechanical
Hydraulic
C open. The oil in the accumulator oil Valve A bladder

44 45
 APPLIED BIOMIMETICS
BIOMIMETICS

THE FLIGHT OF THE PINGUIN

IN 2020 EVOLOGICS LAUNCHED PINGUIN, A NOVEL AUV PROTOTYPE RESEMBLING THE SHAPE OF A PENGUIN. SINCE THEN, THE DESIGN HAS UNDERGONE A RIGOROUS
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INCORPORATING THE LATEST SENSORS AND AI. THE AUV COULD REACH A COMMERCIAL STAGE THIS YEAR.
singly, Evologics', is to run a number
As an Antarctic biologist, Dr Rudolf of together in swarms. The advantage
Bannasch often marvelled at the of numerous AUVs communicating
underwater flying ability of Adele, with each other, is that they can
Chinstrap, Gentoo and other react considerably quicker and when
Antarctic penguins, and particularly, searching, cover a greater range than
their speed and agility that allowed a lone larger AUV. For vehicles to move
them to escape from predators. in swarms, however, they require
considerable onboard intelligence.
He went on to form Evologics, an
underwater electronics company
with a design philosophy of MUM
recognising how nature evolved One application for the PinGuin is as
systems such as underwater part of the Modifiable underwater
positioning, communications and Mothership (MUM) project.
networking etc, and looking for
ways of emulating these using in MUM is a new class of extra-large
engineering. Importantly, they also modular uncrewed underwater
built vehicles that could deploy vehicle designed for various
these instruments. efficient body is a classic torpedo "Furthermore, by using the body shape has very low energy optimisation and the arrangement of applications in the civil maritime
shape, but this is untrue. propulsion system as a thrust vector demands and just require relatively the sensors. industry such as transport and
After 20 years, he began to think steering device, we can control small motors to achieve a good deployment of payloads and
back to the fast and manoeuvrable "In our engineering laboratory, we the direction at high speed. The performance. We see the vehicle "We have just completed the exploration of remote areas.
penguins, and realised that these cast models of frozen penguins in being used for underwater mapping first series of vehicles. Three are It consists of compartments as
same properties could be very plastics and tested them in wind and searching for objects operational and another five are now large shipping containers mounted
useful in AUVs. tunnels, water tanks and towing STABILITY in preparation. The model we are together within a streamlined hull.
tanks," said Bannasch "We calculated Fish and dolphins swim by firing "Important in the design is the vehicle currently building it is approximately
"One of the most beneficial that the drag of the penguin shape muscles rhythmically causing the has no external devices protruding the same size as an Adele Penguin Such a large vehicle is likely to benefit
characteristics in AUVs is long was 20 to 30% lower than any typical body to flex in sinusoidal movement, out of the body and generating extra and that has a speed up to 10 knots from a symbiotic swarm of Pinguins
duration," said Bannasch. "Duration AUV hull body. and the tail fin to push against the drag. All the equipment and sensors underwater. that can swarm out to explore the
is governed by available power and water to propel the body forward. are integrated in the hull. We don't environment while also serving
energy efficiency. "We developed a design called the have a pressure hull. The inside is SWARMS AND ARTIFICIAL communication and navigation.
PinGuin, a streamlined penguin- Underpinned by 40 million years pressure and the electronic parts INTELLIGENCE
"Penguins can travel long distances shaped hull powered by four of evolution, t he hydrodynamic are sealed internally and acoustically Most large AUVs are designed to If the MUM vehicle goes underneath
by expending very low levels of rear thrusters that would allow movement of the penguin, however, transparent. The body is also non- go on a mission and return a day or the North Pole, for example, it will
energy. The stomach of a penguin manoeuvring by differential control uses locomotion apparatus derived magnetic. several days later with the data it be effectively blind. Without access
is around 1L. It feeds upon krill. It of the motors. from flying ancestors. has collected. It may be, however, to GPS or external aids, it will have to
has been estimated that if same "Since the prototype launch, we that the data arrives too late for the rely on inertial navigation.
mechanism burned energy rich fuel "We believe that it is a good solution The power comes from the webbed have been through many iterations. operator to react to what the vehicle
rather than krill, one litre would to arrange the propulsion system feet coupled with side flippers which We have carried out a considerable has discovered. Placing a chain of penguins every
drive the penguin for 1500km " at the rear in line with the body. All are used for to make agile turns. amount of work to increase reliability few kilometers however, allows
the fluid passing around outside The result is that the body remains in and introduced a range of equipment. PinGuins are designed to be used in data hopping and positioning. It can
The energy efficiency is owed the body will be picked up by the the same posture during the entire another way. With their low energy also assist in the open sea by one
in part, to their very low drag propellers and accelerated again. flight. In the PinGuin, this inherent "There are have been many consumption their batteries give an Pinguin at the surface taking GPS
coefficient. Many engineers assume This means minimum energy losses stability is ideal when pointing challenges to solve such as material endurance of 8 –10 hours operation measurements and sending the
that the most hydrodynamically to the water. sensors at a target. compatibility, manufacturing in the sea so they can also be run information down via acoustic link.

46 47
 BIOMIMETICS
BIOMIMETICS POWEred by

Connecting the
BOUNDARY EFFECTS
Global Ocean Science,
"Animals depend on the situational
awareness – not only looking what is
in front of them but understanding
Historically, it was often accepted
that a smooth hard shiny
"We carried out parallel studies
using a range of materials such
as neoprene and then compared
Technology &
Engineering Community
vehicle surface was the most
the greater surrounding environment. hydrodynamically efficient because it the behaviour to both Antarctic
As such, we not only want to control afforded minimal resistance. dolphins and the penguins.
the vehicle remotely or have a simple
autopilot, but also automatically It was only when researchers began "We have some interaction
react to the external situation. to look at things like sharkskin - rough with colleagues in Russia who
to the touch - that they recognised use compliant walls in torpedo
"Vehicles in a swarm will not only that the characteristic microstructure design. They have recorded a
need to navigate in three dimensions, gives a measurable improvement direct reduction of resistance
but also be aware of the others in the in performance at the boundary of up to 20% using a specially
area. To retain situational awareness layers when moving from laminar to prepared wrapper able to adjust
means integrating a range of turbulent flow. It reduces or delays to the to the fluid dynamic
different sensors, possibly combining the transition.
equipment on different vehicles. We "Despite the advantages of a
have cameras and environmental Is this the same with Penguins? biomimetic skin, we, did not
sensors on board this also generates use this because we wanted to
a lot of a data "We carried out research in a special have an acoustically transparent
21m long swimming tank in the vehicle. We have front-looking
"To enable processing the large Antarctic, performing an analysis and side scan sonars as well as
amounts of data that this may on the dolphin skins and penguin an advanced comms system that
generate, and particularly providing feathers," said Bannasch. would not have been compatible
the capability of object recognition, with a plastic skin covering.
we have invested a lot of time "Several penguins have a compliant
and money to implement artificial flexible skin. When dry, the feathers We believe we have designed the
intelligence and edge processing are soft like a pillow but as soon as optimal body shape that reduces
directly on each vehicle. the penguin enters the water, their the pressure drag and conclude
strong subcutaneous muscle system that this is more important than
Instead, of sending large video files, and behaves like a like a diving suit. friction drag
etc, we use onboard processing
to carry out semantic information
compression and turn the data into
information which is easier to send.

"We are very interested in object

recognition, not only other
vehicles, but things like pipelines
or underwater mines. We are
looking to apply AI techniques to
train the vehicle using onboard
neural networks. With the onboard
processing, the only information
that needs to be transmitted to the
operator are what the objects are,
the probability of the interpretation
Scan here
and the coordinates. to learn more Organised by: Learned Patron: Endorsed by:

[Link]/sut

48 49
 SMART SUBSEA SOLUTIONS
• Delivering data in most adverse conditions: underwater
acoustic modems with advanced communication
technology and networking

• Accurate USBL, LBL and hybrid positioning of underwater

assets, tracking for divers

• Modem emulator and multiple cost-saving developer tools

• Sonobot 5 - the autonomous surface vehicle for bathymetry,

monitoring, search & rescue, and AUV support

• Quadroin - the novel bionic AUV for surveys and monitoring

Meet us at

OCEANOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL 2024!
12 - 14 March
London, ExCel
STAND G300

sales@[Link]
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