Forcys and DRASS to revolutionise underwater operations
Forcys brings together leading technologies, offering a comprehensive naval and subsea capability to the world defence market.
Forcys, a global leader in underwater defence technology, and DRASS, a renowned name in the manufacturing of diving systems and underwater vehicles, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at revolutionising underwater operations.
Forcys integrates and brings to the defence market world-changing solutions from leading technology partners Chelsea Technologies, EIVA, Sonardyne, Voyis, and Wavefront Systems. These companies are renowned for their innovative offerings in underwater and maritime operations, making them ideal partners for DRASS.
Luca Biasci, SDV & LUUV Program Manager at DRASS, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration: "DRASS has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation in the underwater domain. With this partnership, Forcys' robust portfolio of advanced payload technologies will be integrated with our Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (LUUVs), RONDA, expanding our suite of solutions to meet the evolving demands of the underwater sector."
Under this agreement, Forcys' advanced underwater vehicle systems and sensor payloads will complement DRASS’ capability to meet the evolving needs of navies.
Antonio J. Belfiore, who leads sales in the Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA) region for Forcys, recently visited DRASS headquarters in Livorno, where the final details of the agreement were ironed out.
“We are thrilled to partner with DRASS, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Antonio J. Belfiore. “This partnership allows us to combine our expertise and provides customers with state-of-the-art systems that enhance operational capabilities and ensure safety and efficiency in underwater missions.”
Both companies are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the underwater domain, leveraging their combined expertise to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to defence markets worldwide.
Teledyne Marine Launches Intrepid – A GNSS/Inertial Navigation System
Teledyne Marine is excited to unveil the Intrepid, a GNSS/Inertial Navigation System. The system is integrated with the SeaBat T20-ASV processor and comprises a compact inertial measurement unit (IMU) and two GNSS antennas, delivering reliable and precise positioning.
With the Intrepid on board, no manual interfacing between sensors is required, as the system automatically streams data to third-party software. This eliminates the need for manual sensor interfacing and reduces downtime.
Teledyne Marine’s unified approach combines hardware and software into one single, intuitive interface for monitoring and controlling the mapping system. Moreover, the centralized system streamlines firmware and software updates, providing users with effortless access to the latest features and enhancements. The new Intrepid GNSS/Inertial Navigation System combines immediate feedback with the consistent and precise results of the SeaBat T20-ASV, delivering a seamless mapping experience.
The Intrepid GNSS/INS benefits all users in marine surveying applications by providing the precise navigation necessary for operational efficiency. Due to its intuitive design, it is easy to configure and monitor, allowing even entry-level operators to quickly set up the system and receive immediate feedback on navigational status - essential for dynamic marine operations.
“Teledyne Marine’s Intrepid GNSS/INS is the next step in our line of INS products with a combined GNSS/INS system. What we have done is to integrate the SeaBat Sonar software and the Intrepid software into one software program, making it simple and easy to use for the operators,” says Pim Kuus, Senior Hydrographer and Product Manager Instruments & Imaging at Teledyne Marine.
Greensea IQ Awarded $1.9 Million NAVSEA Contract for Coupled ROV and Manipulator Control
Richmond, VT – October 1, 2024 – Greensea IQ announces the awarding of a Phase II contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) as part of SBIR Topic #N211-066. The contract, including options, is valued at $1.9 million and spans up to three years if all options are exercised.
The objective of this contract is to significantly enhance the capabilities of the MESR Mk20 Expeditionary ROV platform by integrating manipulators and providing intuitive, one-operator control of the ROV and manipulator system. This integration will allow ROVs to perform increasingly complex tasks in marine environments, using a single control system for both the ROV and manipulator. This innovation aims to optimize performance, reduce operator workload, and simplify control station complexity.
Commenting on the award, Ben Kinnaman, CEO of Greensea IQ, stated, “I founded Greensea with the singular vision of using autonomy and advanced technologies to improve the relationship between operator and robot in the ocean industry. We have always specialized in the pragmatic application of bleeding-edge autonomy, AI, navigation, and Human Machine Interface developments. This project with the U.S. Navy is the epitome of Greensea’s motivation. It will allow defense operators to use robots as meaningful and viable tools offshore, creating scale and safety in their mission to combat threats.”
The challenges of working with manipulators on small ROV platforms is not unique to Expeditionary Forces. As ROV platforms have gotten smaller and more capable and electric manipulators have become more viable for serious underwater tasks, their combined potential is significant for the offshore industry as well as defense. These systems are challenging to operate however because they have significantly less mass than traditional Work-Class ROVs and are deployed with a reduced operating footprint, often consisting of a single operator. This technology, combined with Greensea’s mature autonomy, positioning, and perception technologies, will pave the way for widespread adoption of miniature ROVs with advanced manipulator packages in all aspects of the ocean industry.
Uni of Strathclyde Collaboration in Subsea Neuromorphic Object Detection
Robosys Automation and the UK’s University of Strathclyde have signed a Knowledge Exchange Agreement to support a new project which will explore underwater object detection using neuromorphic sensing.
Robosys is collaborating with the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (NAOME) and NSSP (Neuromorphic Sensor Signal Processing) lab from Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), and will also fund the testing of the sensing technology for underwater object detection using novel technologies. The aim of the project is to develop the encoding mechanisms for multimodal data collected through neuromorphic sensors for underwater object detection.
The challenges to underwater object detection include limited optical sensor visibility due to water turbidity and lack of light penetration, combined with interference due to environmental factors such as tides, temperatures and salinity, together with financial implications due to specialized equipment and increased maintenance frequency.
The University of Strathclyde’s Dr Chaitanya Patil, Lecturer in Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering is leading the pioneering project, working closely with the EEE Department’s NSSP lab Research Director, Dr. Gaetano Di Caterina. Dr Patil is a specialist in marine system intelligence with a particular focus on modelling and simulation across cutting-edge technologies.
Dr Patil’s current research around intelligent marine systems utilizing advanced machine-learning methodologies lead him to develop the project focused on Neuromorphic sensor fusion for underwater object detection (SENSE) has been facilitated through EPSRC Grant reference EP/X525820/1.
Dr Patil approached Robosys due to the Company’s notable expertise and standing in the field of maritime navigation, autonomy and background in vision systems and associated algorithm development, in order to initiate a collaboration to help propel the research into neuromorphic systems.
The emergence of neuromorphic systems has delivered new methodology to how traditional computation is performed in robotics. Neuromorphic supported intelligence features brain-inspired efficiency, enabling robotics to swiftly and robustly learn and adapt to new scenarios and operations.
Aditya Nawab, Founder, CEO & CTO of Robosys Automation, comments, “We are delighted that Robosys Automation is collaborating with the University of Strathclyde in this exciting and ground-breaking project. As maritime industry innovators, the Robosys’ technical team continually explores novel methods of pushing the envelope. This project with the University demonstrates this, with change detection sensing working hand-in-hand with cooperative and competitive computation for perception and control, which will enable ever-increased learning and problem solving, being essential in the future of a safer, smarter and greener maritime.”
Following the culmination of the initial underwater object detection project, and as a reflection of the significance of the positive impact this technology will bring to the maritime and ocean technologies sectors, it is planned that this project will be further developed by the University’s PhD Students and Researchers in subsequent years.
NOR Offshore Rental Expands UK Operations with Major Sonardyne Technology Investment for Construction Survey
NOR Offshore Rental (NOR) has made a further, multi-million-pound, investment in Sonardyne products for their rental pool as part of their expansion at NOR Ltd, their UK subsidiary office in Aberdeen.
This investment comes as result of increased demand for NOR’s services and equipment globally. NOR has ambitions to outfit their Aberdeen office with the same services as their headquarters in Norway.
The investment includes stocking their rental pool with additional tooling and survey equipment including SPRINT-Nav, Compatt 6+ and Fusion 2 systems to support the offshore construction industry.
Welcoming the investment, Sonardyne’s Aberdeen Sales Manager. Colin Sutherland commented; “It’s great to see NOR’s confidence in our technology confirmed by this further investment in products for their rental pool. The NOR Ltd. expansion is beneficial for all involved; NOR, their customers, Aberdeen and of course us. We look forward to working with them as they continue to serve the North Sea marine industry.”
With duplicate services in Aberdeen, NOR can increase speed and efficiency when it comes to mobilising their services and equipment from both sides of the North Sea. To accommodate the expansion, NOR LTD will be moving to a new facility which is triple the size of their current location.
Jostein Jansen, CCO, NOR Offshore Rental, says;” The investment in Sonardyne equipment is a part of our global growth strategy, to meet our customer needs globally. It is a very exciting time for NOR, and we are looking forward to seeing our UK subsidiary in Aberdeen grow to its full potential with the support of valued suppliers such as Sonardyne.”
Fugro extends role in Norway’s 2024 MAREANO programme for seabed mapping with eDNA service
Fugro has completed the survey work for the 2024 MAREANO seabed mapping programme, including an innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) service, as part of a hydrographic survey contract awarded by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS). Supported by the Central Government of Norway, MAREANO is a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at mapping the seabed to generate scientific information for the responsible management and preservation of Norway’s marine resources.
This year’s survey covered an extensive 2,823 km² region in the North Sea, with water depths ranging from 146 to 337 metres. Using the Fugro Discovery, equipped with high-resolution multibeam echo sounders and sub-bottom data acquisition systems, the primary goal is to gather seamless datasets, integrating bathymetry, water column, and acoustic backscatter data.
Fugro employed cutting-edge sensors and advanced calibration techniques tailored to these challenging conditions. The survey was completed in September and work is now progressing on the final reports and data that will be available via VirGeo®, Fugro's web-based Geo-data platform.
In a first for the programme, Fugro included environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling as part of the survey datasets. This cutting-edge approach provides valuable insights into biodiversity and community composition, which are essential for projects aiming for net biodiversity gain and for monitoring endangered and invasive species. eDNA enhances existing environmental sampling programmes to gain deeper ecological insights, complementing other survey activities such as metocean, geophysical, and geotechnical surveys.
Furthermore, Fugro collected transit data for NHS to share with the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). This data will contribute to The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, which aims to map the world's entire ocean floor by 2030.
"The last few years, the MAREANO programme has placed emphasis on the North Sea. There is a need for marine knowledge in areas considered as particularly valuable and vulnerable. This marine knowledge is also relevant for the new marine industries – such as offshore wind and offshore aquaculture.” says Nicolien Haasbroek, project engineer for MAREANO in the Norwegian Mapping Authority.
Marc Kebbel, Fugro’s Service Line Director Hydrography for Europe and Africa said, "MAREANO is the largest multidisciplinary mapping programme of its kind in Norway and we are excited to continue our support for the project. Our knowledge of the marine environment and innovative techniques allow us to collect high-quality Geo-Data that deepens our understanding of the seafloor and supports scientific discoveries; to keep our oceans healthy and help manage them sustainably.”
Fugro has a track record of conducting successful surveys for the programme since 2006. To date Fugro has acquired over 140,000 km2 of data under the programme, which has helped Norway improve its understanding of its marine environment and resources.
New use cases highlight critical role of seabed mapping in driving ocean sustainability and innovation
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, in partnership with NLA International (NLAI), has published a series of seabed mapping use cases. This comprehensive compendium showcases the indispensable role of seabed mapping in addressing some of the world’s most pressing marine and maritime challenges.
The use cases – compiled as part of the ‘Wind in the Sails (WITS)’ project – aim to address pressing global issues such as climate change mitigation, marine biodiversity protection, and Blue Economy development. They also ensure that seabed mapping efforts are targeted to support ocean sustainability, policy development, and economic growth.
The WITS project is a key initiative supporting Seabed 2030 by providing critical empirical data to inform the development of a prioritised, targeted seabed mapping strategy. It seeks to bring together the global hydrographic community and stakeholders in the marine and maritime sectors, establishing a unified global seabed mapping priority list.
The use cases were first unveiled by Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips at the Risorsa Mare Forum, held in Palermo, Sicily – an international gathering focused on fostering collaboration and innovation within the marine and maritime sectors.
The twelve use cases, accessible in this compendium, cover key areas such as climate change, marine biodiversity, disaster management, and marine spatial planning. They also address the evolving needs of both the Global North and South, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as well as the Blue Economy sectors:
1. Seabed Mapping Innovation
2. EEZ Seabed Mapping in the Absence of a National Hydrographic Organization
3. Subsea Cable Planning and Design
4. Tsunami Propagation and Storm Surge Modeling
5. Renewable Energy - Offshore Wind Energy
6. Climate Change Ocean Models
7. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Sea Level Rise and Coastal Inundation
8. Marine Biodiversity
9. SIDS Marine and Coastal Development and Seabed Mapping for Marine Spatial Planning
10. Government Policy
11. Ocean Discovery and Ocean Exploration
12. Seabed 2030 Driving Hydrographic Industry Expansion and Human Capital Benefits
"The Seabed Mapping Use Cases represent a critical step forward in realising our vision of a fully mapped ocean,” commented McMichael-Phillips. “Leveraging evidence-based priorities helps us ensure that seabed mapping efforts directly contribute to sustainability, innovation and economic development across multiple sectors – from climate resilience to the growth of the Blue Economy.”
"The WITS project provides a clear, data-driven pathway for aligning seabed mapping efforts with the real world needs of the marine sector,” observed Gary Hesling, NLAI Associate Director and WITS project lead.
“This robust, evidence-based framework will help Seabed 2030’s diverse set of supporters focus even more effectively on areas where seabed data is most needed. This will catalyse yet more activity around the world in support not only scientific and environmental goals, but also tangible economic and social development.”
Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), which seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. The Project is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint programme of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.
TCarta Provides Satellite-Based Solution to Ship Groundings in Coastal Waters
Multiple recent incidents in which naval and commercial vessels ran aground have highlighted the dangers of maritime operations in shallow or poorly charted coastal waters. TCarta Marine of Denver offers a cost-effective, environmentally safe solution using Earth observation satellites to derive accurate water depth measurements in near-shore areas.
“While the exact causes of recent ship groundings off the coasts of Oman, Greenland, and Fiji are under investigation and often complex, the risk of such accidents can be significantly reduced with up-to-date bathymetric data produced from satellite imagery,” said TCarta President Kyle Goodrich. “Often in coastal areas, the regions outside commercial shipping lanes are poorly charted or not surveyed.”
Unfortunately, the collection of high-quality water depth measurements in shallow coastal areas – where they are needed the most – has traditionally been expensive and dangerous to acquire with ships or aircraft, especially in remote or contested regions, Goodrich said. And the risk of groundings is only growing as military vessels and eco-tourism charters increasingly operate in unfamiliar and inadequately mapped coastal zones.
For over 10 years, TCarta has been supplying marine charting organizations with water depth data using a technique called Satellite Derived Bathymetry (SDB). SDB applies physics-based computer algorithms to optical imagery captured by commercial remote sensing satellites. This analysis detects and measures light reflecting off the seafloor to calculate water depth. Depending on water clarity, SDB is routinely accurate to depths of 20 to 30 meters.
“In addition to posing no danger to personnel, equipment, or coastal environments, satellites are more cost effective than ship-borne sonar or airborne laser scanning because they acquire image data over large regions in seconds,” said Goodrich. “And because satellites orbit without geographic restrictions, data can be collected for areas otherwise off limits to vessels or aircraft.”
TCarta has mapped nearly one third of the world’s coastlines with SDB and offers products in custom and off-the-shelf versions. Custom SDB data sets are typically generated using high-resolution satellite imagery capable of resolving seafloor objects, such as shoals and reefs, with one-meter resolution.
The off-the-shelf bathymetry product Global Satellite Derived Bathymetry (G-SDB) offers 10-meter detail and is ideal for identifying coastal shoals in remote areas that don’t appear on nautical charts. Large-area contiguous G-SDB products are immediately available for more than a dozen critical locations, including:
- South China Sea
- Arabian/Persian Gulf
- Gulf of Oman
- Red Sea
- Black Sea
- Eastern Mediterranean
Government and commercial organizations may order bathymetry products directly from TCarta or through the GSA Schedule.
Coast Capital provides foundational support to COAST to launch Blue Pathways, a blue economy training hub
With foundational support from Coast Capital, COAST Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies, is pleased to launch Blue Pathways, a training hub that connects individuals and companies with curated courses and other learning opportunities to drive innovation in the burgeoning blue economy.
As of 2019, Canada’s marine economy generated $39 billion in GDP and encompassed sectors as diverse as marine transportation, data and artificial intelligence, ocean energy, fisheries and aquaculture, recreation and tourism.
The blue economy is projected to soon outpace broader economic growth in Canada by 20 percent. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is galvanizing ocean innovators to achieve a $220 billion ocean economy by 2035.
“The sustainable blue economy’s growth is magnifying the gap between demand and supply when it comes to qualified personnel, enhanced skills, and complementary competencies,” says COAST Executive Director Jason Goldsworthy. “That’s why we developed the Blue Pathways
hub.”
Goldsworthy sees Blue Pathways as a training nexus that brings together traditional and non-traditional training providers, job seekers and employers. ”There’s a shift toward augmenting traditional learning with rapid upskilling, reskilling and co-skilling,” says Goldsworthy. “Blue Pathways will connect workers and businesses to the training they need for a rapidly transforming, technologically-driven industry.”
COAST’s Director of Blue Pathways, Dr. Tom Roemer, has worked to establish an offering that meets employer needs while catering to learner goals—all in service of developing well-rounded, skilled learners ready to accelerate the ocean workforce in BC.
“In our fast-paced world, new disciplines constantly emerge at the interface of existing industry sectors and the blue economy is a prime example. Today, training for applied careers has to be competency-based and modular; credits need to be transferable and stackable towards larger credentials; and delivery must be flexible. The Blue Pathways initiative assembles an increasing portfolio of courses and activities that fulfil these expectations.”
Coast Capital is a Founding Partner of Blue Pathways and has been involved since the ideation and creation of the initiative. “Driven by our purpose to Build Better Futures Together by unlocking financial opportunities, Coast Capital is thrilled to support COAST as a Founding Partner of the Blue Pathways Training Hub,” said Tanya Smith, Senior Manager Social Purpose Ecosystems at Coast Capital. “We’re dedicated to supporting programs that equip individuals and businesses in Canada with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to enhance their earning potential and grow their incomes. We also acknowledge the undeniable impacts of climate change and are committed to being part of the solution. That’s why Coast Capital is proud to support the Blue Pathways Training Hub, which not only fosters economic growth but also promotes the health of our ocean ecosystems.”.
To learn more about Blue Pathways visit canadacoast.ca/blue-pathways.
SubC Imaging Upgrades Tow Camera System
SubC Imaging, a leader in subsea imaging technology, is excited to announce the release of its updated Tow Camera System, offering significant upgrades in both hardware and software to meet the growing demands of underwater surveys and research. This new version builds on the proven success of the original system, incorporating cutting-edge features designed to improve operational efficiency, data quality, and user experience.
Enhanced Hardware for Precision and Ease of Use
The updated Tow Camera System boasts several hardware improvements to achieve more precise and detailed underwater footage. New adjustable LEDs, lasers, and camera settings provide customizable illumination, measurement, and capture options, allowing users to fine-tune the system to their specific needs. These features ensure superior footage quality and accuracy, essential for seafloor mapping, marine observations, and infrastructure inspection.
Safety has been enhanced, making the system even more reliable in demanding subsea environments. User-friendly improvements have been introduced to simplify adjustments in the field, ensuring that the Tow Camera System is easy to deploy and operate.
Software Upgrades for Real-Time Insights 
The Tow Camera System is now powered by Rayfin Single Channel Inspection Software, offering real-time media and data transfer. Users can instantly access and record data topside, without post-mission downloading, drastically reducing post-processing time. Automated organization and embedded metadata streamline the retrieval and analysis of images, videos, and sensor data. At the same time, new capabilities such as Rapid Digital Imaging (RDI) allow for high-resolution stills capture and LED strobing at speeds of up to 2Hz.
Pushing Boundaries in Underwater Technology
The upgraded Tow Camera System can operate at depths up to 380 meters. Built for the most challenging underwater conditions, the system’s rugged stainless steel and epoxy-coated aluminum frame ensures durability, while its neutral buoyancy design provides optimal stability during tow operations.
“The latest version of our Tow Camera System sets a new standard in underwater imaging,” says Chad Collett, CEO of SubC Imaging. “We’ve incorporated feedback from our customers and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in data acquisition, usability, and imaging quality. This system will empower research and inspection professionals to capture the highest-quality visual data in real-time, drastically improving the efficiency of their operations.”
For more information about the Tow Camera System or to schedule a demo, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].