Autonomy is key to secure our critical national infrastructure, says leading uk marine tech firm
Autonomy must be at the heart of our reaction to growing threats to the UK’s subsea critical national infrastructure, the founder of a leading UK marine tech firm has said.
Matthew Ratsey, founder and managing director of Zero USV, a subsidiary of MSubs that specialises in Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and artificial intelligence, has highlighted the urgent need for advanced maritime solutions to protect vital assets such as undersea cables and offshore installations. He points out that as adversaries become more adept at exploiting weaknesses in existing systems, embracing cutting-edge technology is now more critical than ever.
“We’re dealing with a rapidly evolving threat landscape, in which adversaries are using advanced technologies to target national (and international) subsea infrastructure and to test subsea resilience. From undersea cables and pipelines to offshore platforms, the range of vulnerabilities is expanding rapidly. However, the British maritime community has always shown remarkable innovation and resilience in the face of change, and this adaptability will be crucial in countering these increasingly brazen attempts to test our defences.
“To ensure we remain firmly on the front foot against these threats, we need to embrace the latest leading-edge technologies, not least autonomy and AI which are force multipliers when resources are already desperately stretched. By harnessing real-world expertise from maritime operators and pairing it with cutting-edge innovations - particularly autonomous vessels and marine intelligence - we can anticipate, detect, and deter hostile activities. Working closely with government, the maritime sector can help shape robust, future-proof defence strategies that don’t leave us constantly reacting to new tactics.
“This means developing policies that encourage much more collaboration, ensuring the industry has access to advanced technology and training, and maintaining regular dialogue between all stakeholders. By building on this shared commitment, we can keep our seas safe and protect the infrastructure that underpins our economy and national wellbeing.”
Zero USV is a subsidiary of MSubs Ltd and sister company to Marine AI, which specialises in the design, manufacture, and charter of unmanned vessels for civil, commercial and military markets and led the Mayflower Autonomous Ship Programme. Marine AI creates artificial intelligence to super-optimise maritime capabilities by drawing on decades of experience in manned and unmanned marine vehicle design, manufacture and operations, coupled with vast experience in automation and autonomous systems software architecture, and computer vision expertise.
CADDEN partners with Sonardyne to bring innovative marine technology rentals across France
CADDEN is proud to announce a new strategic agreement with Sonardyne, consolidating their partnership by leasing their state-of-the-art equipment. Thanks to this agreement, a range of Sonardyne solutions is now available from CADDEN's Nantes facility, offering professionals simplified and flexible access to these technologies.
This agreement sees CADDEN joining a select group of companies in Europe offering direct access to Sonardyne's advanced marine technologies, renowned for their precision and reliability.
"This partnership marks a milestone in our collaboration with Sonardyne. We are delighted to offer our customers access to such highperformance equipment, which meets increasingly ambitious technical challenges", declare Gilles DANDEC, CADDEN’s founder.
Sonardyne Sales Manager Colin Sutherland welcomes CADDEN to the company’s expanding group of trusted rental partners.
“We’re delighted to welcome CADDEN as a rental partner. Having worked alongside them on recent projects, we are confident that they share
Sonardyne’s values and vision for innovation across the marine technology sector. We look forward to working with them to bring
advances in marine technology across France and beyond.”
This partnership reinforces CADDEN's position as a key player in technological solutions for offshore, scientific research and complex industrial missions.
Available rental equipment
CADDEN now offers its customers a wide range of Sonardyne equipment for hire.
• ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler): Measuring marine currents in real time and over entire water columns, this sensor is essential for oceanographic studies and offshore projects.
• USBL (Ultra-Short Baseline): Precise underwater positioning system, used for tracking remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous vehicles (AUVs), as well as for underwater recovery missions.
• DVL (Doppler Velocity Log): Provides precise navigation by measuring velocities relative to the seabed.
• Acoustic release transponder: These systems offer the possibility of dropping loads or underwater equipment remotely, safely and with extreme precision.
• Beacons: Used for underwater positioning and communication, these beacons are indispensable for locating and tracking equipment.
Offshore wind cable protection database to improve understanding of environmental impacts
A database of hard protection from offshore wind cable burial is being developed by marine consultancy and survey company ABPmer on behalf of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The database aims to support more accurate cumulative effects assessments including improving understanding of the distribution of hard protection in marine protected areas (MPAs) designated to protect seabed features, and establish an evidence-base for use in offshore wind license conditions decisions in English Waters.
The development of offshore wind farms is an important element in the UK’s strategy for energy security and net zero. Current offshore wind capacity is 14.73 GW, with the UK ambition for 2030 set at 50 GW.
Given the projected expansion of offshore wind farms (OWFs), with over 42 GW of further potential in the pre-application stage, the deployment of associated subsea cabling will also increase, with current estimates at 5,000 km of array cables and 4,000 km of export cables to be installed between 2019 and 2029.
The existing distribution of anthropogenic hard substrate on the seabed is not currently mapped in its entirety, although some progress has been made.
Using industry data, ABPmer is building on existing studies to establish a geospatial database of the location and footprint of hard protection from OWF cable burial (and other data layers) in the marine environment. The mapping of cable protection, as well as the location of remedial works to address cable burial failures, will be mapped alongside environmental and other data layers to examine trends and better understand the cause of cable burial failures that require hard protection.
Heidi Roberts, ABPmer Project Director said,
“We are delighted to support the MMO and the wider offshore wind industry with the development of the cable protection database. It will aid the consenting process for offshore wind, where information on cable protection is required as part of Development Consent Order (DCO) applications and is used to inform environmental assessment.
By delivering this database, we are improving the evidence base, reducing uncertainty and helping ensure the continued responsible and sustainable development of offshore renewable energy.”
The report and database are expected to be publicly available in the autumn of 2025.
Exploring International Collaborations | Solent LEP
Take a look at Exploring International Collaborations expression of interest form for any Canadian businesses who are attending Ocean Business who might like to join Exploring International Collaborations on Monday the 7th.
Event Description
The cities of Portsmouth and Halifax, in collaboration with your industry partners and leaders, actively manage and leverage an economic partnership connecting the economies and businesses in our respective regions. As part of our ongoing commitment to promote collaborations within the maritime industries of the South of England and Canada, we are delighted to invite organisations visiting Ocean Business to an in-person networking and site visit afternoon.
This will be a unique opportunity to make international connections in the UK and Canadian maritime industries.
Register your interest to attend this event here: Exploring International Collaborations | Solent LEP*
*The full itinerary details will be confirmed soon.
Exail introduces new Octans 9 gyrocompass for navigation and motion compensation
Exail launches its new Octans 9 Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), the latest model in its navigation solutions range. Building on the proven success of previous generations, Octans 9 offers several upgrades to enhance operational performance across applications such as dynamic positioning, vessel navigation, and offshore platform stabilization.
Leveraging Exail's Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) technology, Octans 9 provides precise measurements with a heading accuracy of 0.1° secant latitude and heave measurement accuracy of 5%. Resilient to GNSS outages, the system secures uninterrupted operations in challenging conditions.
Upgrades include:
• A more robust and compact design: 25% smaller than the previous generation
• A lower power consumption: 12W
• An upgraded user interface, making it easier to integrate into existing systems
• An export-free status, simplifying international distribution and export processes
• Advanced filtering and alignment-in-motion capabilities, ensuring precise stabilization for high-speed vessels and dynamic applications
“Octans 9 marks a significant step forward in both reliability and ease of use,” said Jean-Michel Hubert, Product Manager at Exail. “With enhanced real-time heave prediction, simplified integration, and an upgraded user interface, this system is built to meet the evolving needs of the marine industry, providing customers with greater operational efficiency and flexibility.”
Backed by a 5-year warranty and 24/7 global technical support, the system is certified to IMO and IMO-HSC standards, ready for deployment worldwide.
BioBase LLC and Echoview Software Partner to Launch EcoFish: A Game-Changing Fish Mapping Layer
BioBase LLC is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Echoview Software Pty Ltd, experts in hydroacoustic science and software. In early 2025, BioBase is set to launch EcoFish: an innovative fish data and mapping layer generated by Echoview and seamlessly integrated into BioBase’s platform.
EcoFish will provide users with unprecedented insights into the location and number of fish in waterbodies mapped using Lowrance® and Simrad® sonars. Leveraging Echoview’s comprehensive and trusted data processing capabilities, EcoFish will offer valuable tools for fisheries management, research, and conservation.
“Our collaboration with Echoview represents a significant leap forward in our mission to democratize the process of creating powerful datasets and maps of aquatic environments,” said Ray Valley, President of BioBase. “We’ve long recognized that to take BioBase to the next level and enable better fisheries monitoring and conservation, fish need to be included in the suite of map layers BioBase creates. Our partnership with Echoview gets us there.”
Echoview’s expertise in processing and visualizing sonar data is the cornerstone of EcoFish’s capabilities. By integrating this technology into the BioBase platform, users will benefit from:
- Fish Count Data: High-resolution fish distribution maps and data exports that provide near real-time insights.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive, turnkey tools designed for ease of use by both experts and non-specialists.
- Automated Reports: Data summaries that give you basic statistics and charts of the number, location, and depth of fish.
“We’re thrilled to partner with BioBase to bring EcoFish to life,” said Brett Merritt, CEO of Echoview Software. “This collaboration aligns with our vision of increasing the accessibility and usage of active acoustic data across a wide range of sectors, budgets, and experience. We expect that EcoFish will be used to inform sustainable management decisions for aquatic ecosystems by offering a way to quickly and easily extract valuable information about organisms in their survey data.”
EcoFish will be officially launched in early 2025, with demonstrations and early access opportunities available. To receive updates follow us at biobasemaps.com, our blog, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X.
Dockstr Secures Distribution Rights for SubC Imaging Products
Stockholm-headquartered equipment solutions provider Dockstr is delighted to announce its partnership with SubC Imaging, a leading manufacturer of underwater imaging and software solutions for offshore energy, marine research, and subsea operations.
Building on its position as a leading supplier of equipment solutions to the marine and underwater industries, Dockstr will leverage its unique online marketplace and distribution network to
connect SubC Imaging's innovative suite of products to clients in offshore construction, renewables, ocean science, marine and oil & gas sectors.
With a deep understanding of the marine energy sector and a proven track record of supporting complex technical and commercial projects, Dockstr is uniquely equipped to bring SubC’s innovative solutions to a broader market. Their extensive industry relationships and multidisciplinary expertise make them an ideal partner to introduce SubC’s innovative technologies to a wider range of markets.
“We’re excited to represent SubC Imaging and their cutting-edge technology. Their commitment to simplifying inspections and improving data quality aligns perfectly with Dockstr’s mission to connect clients with the best tools and expertise available in the marine energy space,” said Dockstr’s CEO, Slimane Bouabbane.
Charlene Hounsell, Sales Manager at SubC Imaging echoed the enthusiasm for the partnership “This partnership supports SubC Imaging’s objective to provide complete solutions that streamline inspections and enhance data accuracy. We’re eager to work with Dockstr to connect with more clients and help tackle the evolving challenges faced by industries like offshore energy and marine research.”
Dockstr will represent SubC Imaging’s full range of products, including advanced cameras, DVRs, lighting, and remote operation systems, ensuring clients worldwide can benefit from faster, more reliable inspections and data acquisition.
Allseas partners with MacArtney for electric LARS systems
Allseas, a world-leading contractor in the offshore energy market, has commissioned MacArtney to enhance and future-proof its ROV operations. This involves replacing three existing hydraulic launch and recovery systems with the all-electric eLARS.
Seeking to transition from hydraulic to next-generation electric launch and recovery systems (LARS), Allseas identified MacArtney's eLARS™ as the optimal solution. The eLARS incorporates several advanced technologies that offer operational and environmental benefits.
The scope comprises three over-the-side 150 kN all-electric A-frames, including docking head and AHC winch, for a new fleet of electric remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used in survey and construction tasks to water depths of 4-6 kilometres. One system is planned to be mobilised on Allseas' Pioneering Spirit, the largest, most versatile offshore construction vessel in the world; others are planned to be mobilised on the dynamically positioned pipelay vessels Solitaire and Lorelay.
Innovation over traditional systems
In its standard configuration, eLARS fully complies with Allseas' requirements, meeting key design specifications such as high deck deployment, enhanced safety for crew and equipment, and recovery redundancy from maximum operating depths.
The Allseas team states: "The new systems represent a significant upgrade from traditional hydraulic LARS, delivering additional efficiency gains. We look forward to the positive impact these advancements will bring to our vessels and crew."
Enhancing reliability through smart technology
The eLARS offers a low environmental impact, real-time diagnostics, high efficiency, automated launch and recovery, and intelligent, upgradable control systems that ensure longevity and versatility. Its streamlined design optimises deck space and supports green practices by eliminating pressurised oil contamination over water.
René Rasmussen, Sales Director Marine & Offshore, commends the partnership, Allseas' visionary perspective, and a shared innovative commitment:
"We are excited to support Allseas in their transition to electric LARS, equipping their fleet with progressive and reliable technology. Our collaboration has been outstanding throughout the process, with valuable and productive feedback ensuring the solution aligns perfectly with Allseas' objectives."
The eLARS solution incorporates high redundancy and intelligent self-assessment for preventive maintenance, reducing costs by up to 50% compared to hydraulic systems. Operable from shore, it requires fewer crew on board and reduces crew exchange expenses. Along with online troubleshooting, these features ensure continuous operation, less downtime, and optimised resource use, improving planning and scheduling.
Additionally, OPEX is lowered thanks to cost-efficient spares with minimal lead times, minimal customisation, simplified installation, and quicker turnaround times due to standardised components.
APAC region gaining local access to ScanFish ROTV rental and support
With a rapid increase in the offshore wind market, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has seen an increasing demand for ScanFish ROTVs, one of the most commonly used sensor platforms for UXO surveys around the world, developed by Danish maritime engineering company, EIVA. To meet this need efficiently and at lower cost to survey companies, EIVA has shipped a fleet of new ScanFish ROTVs and other rental equipment to their offices in Singapore, where their APAC team operates. EIVA’s rental equipment is therefore ready to be delivered more easily to customers within the APAC region, sent out from Singapore.
‘Our customers operating in Asia have emphasised the importance of making ScanFish ROTVs more accessible in this region. We have therefore been working over the past years to ensure our Singapore offices have the rental equipment and man-power needed to support them together with our reps in Japan, Indonesia, China and Malaysia.’ Julie Rydberg Sørensen, Technical Sales Manager – Rental | Team Lead, EIVA, who runs the rental activities worldwide, including in the APAC region.
For seabed survey companies operating in the APAC region, shipping times will be reduced by several weeks compared to when shipping out of EIVA offices in Denmark. In addition, heavy equipment can be shipped via sea-freight rather than air-freight for a more cost-effective solution, while keeping shipping times reasonable.
Not only will rental equipment ship out of Singapore, but EIVA’s team there will be able to offer servicing for the ongoing rental jobs. The Singapore-based team, which provides local support for EIVA’s customers in the region, includes Asia-Pac Area Sales Manager, Nge Aik Moh, and customer support engineer, David Thomson, both of whom have a wealth of experience to understand the needs of surveyors in this region. This team shares offices with sister company Sonardyne, whose positioning sensors are used on EIVA solutions such as ScanFish Equinox, providing a centralised location for survey equipment support and services in this region.
ASL Introduces the Compact Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profiler-nano (AZFP-nano)
ASL is proud to announce the Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profiler (AZFP)-nano to its family of advanced acoustic instruments for aquatic environments. This compact, lightweight, single frequency scientific echosounder is a miniaturized version of the AZFP and is well-suited for applications in challenging environments where size and weight are important considerations. This advanced profiler was developed to measure a wide range of physical and biological parameters, including zooplankton, fish, algae, bubbles, and suspended sediments within the water column. The AZFP-nano has useful applications for fisheries sciences, oceanography, and environmental monitoring, and due to its compact design, the AZFP-nano can easily fit on AUVs, CTD rosette samplers, and other instrument packages.
The unit uses nine common D-sized batteries with enough power for multi-week deployments. The instrument comes factory-calibrated with a 200 kHz transducer, with other transducers soon to be added. In the summer of 2024, the AZFP-nano was part of an International climate research expedition off the southeast coast of Greenland, where it was used to collect 14 kilometers of water column data in a study focused on glacial-ocean interactions.