First space weather monitor in the UK for 40 years with a new design led by Lancaster University
Lancaster University has developed and built the first space weather monitor in the UK for 40 years.
The ground-based neutron monitor – installed at a Met Office site in Cornwall – is a new improved design created by Dr Michael Aspinall and a team from the School of Engineering, in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Mirion Technologies (Canberra UK) Ltd and was tested on the ChipIr beamline at STFC’s ISIS neutron and muon source.
The new monitor joins an international network of around forty-five similar sensors worldwide that are continually monitoring changes in neutrons at the Earth’s surface to assess the influence of space weather.
The project also includes a smaller monitor soon to be based at Lancaster University.
Principal Investigator Dr Michael Aspinall said: “This project marks a major milestone for the UK in advancing our space weather monitoring capabilities—something crucial for safeguarding modern infrastructure and daily life.
“Bringing this neutron monitor online in collaboration with the Met Office and other international partners adopting our design strengthens global resilience to space weather risks by providing real-time data and new measurement capabilities. With our new design for an instrument that has not fundamentally changed in six decades, we’re not just building on the past—we’re setting new standards for the future of neutron monitoring.
“The NM-2023 monitor introduces innovations that improve efficiency, sustainability, and affordability, all the while delivering the critical data needed to better understand and mitigate the impacts of space weather."
The monitor will be chiefly looking for spikes in neutrons, called Ground Level Enhancements (GLE), which occur during solar radiation storms that are caused by the acceleration of particles close to the Sun. The new monitoring capability will enable alerts to be issued and validate existing forecasting methods of solar radiation storms, which can disable satellites and cause nationwide power outages on Earth.
Met Office Space Weather Manager Simon Machin said: “The new UK-based neutron monitor will enhance global monitoring of space weather events and will be an important part of our ongoing space weather forecasting and validating service.
“While severe space weather events are rare, this increased capability and resilience will help scientists and industries to manage risks and mitigate impacts where possible.”
The most severe solar radiation storms have the potential to impact aviation, satellites, spacecraft and even some ground-based electronics and can arrive to Earth from the Sun in as little as ten minutes. Enhanced ground-based monitoring can help to understand and mitigate impacts.
The project was funded by the UK Science and Technologies Facilities Council under the Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk (SWIMMR) programme, which aims to improve the UK’s capabilities in space weather monitoring and prediction with a series of projects.
Professor Ian McCrea, SWIMMR Senior Programme Manager at STFC RAL Space, said: “This new monitor will be welcomed by experts across the space weather community, including here at RAL Space. The monitor will support the SWIMMR programme’s goals to advance the UK’s space weather monitoring and prediction capabilities.
“The UK hasn’t hosted one of these monitors since the 1980s, and having access to its measurements will provide essential validation for the radiation modelling and airborne sensor capabilities being developed elsewhere in the SWIMMR programme.”
The installation aligns with the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC) which has forecasted the arrival of thousands of space weather events, helping key industries to take steps to manage the risks posed by the Sun.
In addition to operational forecasting, MOSWOC plays an active role in the international scientific community for the advancement of space weather sciences, helping to develop capability around the world and advance scientific understanding. A recent Value Report suggested the Met Office’s space weather capability is worth £800 million to the UK over the next decade.
Ocean Business announces exhibitor list for 2025 show
As the countdown begins to Ocean Business 2025, more details can be revealed about the line-up of exhibitors at the global technology and science exhibition for marine industries.
More than 350 world leading manufacturers and service providers shaping the future of ocean science and technology have booked space at the sold-out show, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.
The three-day event is open to all visitors for free by registering online at www.oceanbusiness.com.
This year’s Ocean Business, inside the expanded exhibition halls and featuring a programme of training and demonstrations on the dockside, on board vessels and in the classroom, is expected to attract record crowds from around the world.
Visitors will be able to see the latest developments in transformational ocean technology, from autonomous vehicle underwater monitoring, next generation ROVs, ground-breaking advances in sensor technology, and much more.
Among the highlights this year, ecoSUB Robotics, a division of Planet Ocean, will present its range of advanced, affordable, low logistics AUVs, deployed in ocean research, offshore energy and defence markets, and currently supporting the Nippon Foundation’s initiative to map the entire ocean floor by 2030.
Sonardyne will provide insights into its recently launched shallow water dynamic positioning reference system, which joins the SPRINT-Nav family, the standard for underwater vehicle navigation worldwide. 
European leader in naval navigation Exail will highlight its advanced systems offering precise navigation, safe operations, and real-time data acquisition, delivering reliable performance from surface missions to ultra-deep waters.
Norwegian underwater instrumentation pioneer Norbit Subsea, meanwhile, will introduce the WBMS X, the latest addition to its innovative multibeam sonar family, designed with ultimate flexibility to tackle the most complex survey challenges.
And from the US, Greensea IQ, a leader in subsea robotics and defence solutions, is showcasing its Bayonet 250 amphibious underwater ground vehicle, deployed by the US Marine Corps for safer and more effective explosive ordnance disposal operations.
Other familiar big-name suppliers, including Teledyne Marine, Kongsberg Discovery and Nortek, will be out in force alongside newer entrants to the industry to preview emerging technologies in this fast-changing space.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Ocean Business 2025 will bring together ocean technology trailblazers from across the world for three days of exciting product launches, innovation and ideas.
‘We look forward to welcoming both Ocean Business regulars and first-time show goers for what promises to be a bumper exhibition, with unbeatable opportunities for doing new business, sealing deals, networking and hearing industry updates. See you there!’
To see the full exhibitor list, please visit: https://exhibitormanual.oceanbusiness.com/exhibitor-list-search/
Ocean Business announces exhibitor list for 2025 show
As the countdown begins to Ocean Business 2025, more details can be revealed about the line-up of exhibitors at the global technology and science exhibition for marine industries.
More than 350 world leading manufacturers and service providers shaping the future of ocean science and technology have booked space at the sold-out show, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.
The three-day event is open to all visitors for free by registering online at www.oceanbusiness.com.
This year’s Ocean Business, inside the expanded exhibition halls and featuring a programme of training and demonstrations on the dockside, on board vessels and in the classroom, is expected to attract record crowds from around the world.
Visitors will be able to see the latest developments in transformational ocean technology, from autonomous vehicle underwater monitoring, next generation ROVs, ground-breaking advances in sensor technology, and much more.
Among the highlights this year, ecoSUB Robotics, a division of Planet Ocean, will present its range of advanced, affordable, low logistics AUVs, deployed in ocean research, offshore energy and defence markets, and currently supporting the Nippon Foundation’s initiative to map the entire ocean floor by 2030.
Sonardyne will provide insights into its recently launched shallow water dynamic positioning reference system, which joins the SPRINT-Nav family, the standard for underwater vehicle navigation worldwide.
European leader in naval navigation Exail will highlight its advanced systems offering precise navigation, safe operations, and real-time data acquisition, delivering reliable performance from surface missions to ultra-deep waters.
Norwegian underwater instrumentation pioneer Norbit Subsea, meanwhile, will introduce the WBMS X, the latest addition to its innovative multibeam sonar family, designed with ultimate flexibility to tackle the most complex survey challenges.
And from the US, Greensea IQ, a leader in subsea robotics and defence solutions, is showcasing its Bayonet 250 amphibious underwater ground vehicle, deployed by the US Marine Corps for safer and more effective explosive ordnance disposal operations.
Other familiar big-name suppliers, including Teledyne Marine, Kongsberg Discovery and Nortek, will be out in force alongside newer entrants to the industry to preview emerging technologies in this fast-changing space.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Ocean Business 2025 will bring together ocean technology trailblazers from across the world for three days of exciting product launches, innovation and ideas.
‘We look forward to welcoming both Ocean Business regulars and first-time show goers for what promises to be a bumper exhibition, with unbeatable opportunities for doing new business, sealing deals, networking and hearing industry updates. See you there!’
Fugro acquires EOMAP, adding unique satellite analytics to its water market solutions
Fugro has acquired EOMAP GmbH & Co. KG (EOMAP), market leader in mapping and monitoring of marine and freshwater environments through satellite Earth Observation (EO). Adding EO technology to Fugro’s existing mapping solutions is a key step in the company’s strategy to further expand into the water market.
EOMAP has been pioneering EO technology since 2006, holding several patented algorithms. The market for EO solutions is growing due to increasing environmental regulations, the need to address climate change impacts, and the recognition of marine ecosystems’ vital role in our planet’s health.
Over the years, EOMAP has been a key partner in many of Fugro’s climate adaptation and nature conservation projects, including the ISPRA Seagrass Coastal Restoration project, in which Fugro is mapping the entire coastline of Italy. EOMAP and Fugro also collaborated in the recent COASTS project, which advances integration of data and modelling of coastal processes and blue carbon ecosystems with pilots in Europe and the Maldives.
Robert Hoddenbach, Fugro’s Global Director Climate & Nature, commented, “This acquisition is a big step forward, enhancing our capabilities in the water market and allowing us to better serve our clients with satellite EO technology. We welcome the EOMAP team to Fugro.”
Thomas Heege, Managing Director of EOMAP, added, “We are excited to join forces with Fugro, a company that shares our values and commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for a safe and liveable world. Together, we will create unparalleled value for clients and contribute to addressing global challenges in the aquatic environment.”
EOMAP recorded a revenue of around EUR 5 million for 2024.
OSIL Photo Competition
Ocean Scientific International Ltd (OSIL) have announced the launch of a Photo Contest to showcase the best images of their equipment in the field.
The competition is open to all entrants. Participants are invited to demonstrate their creativity and unique perspectives of the equipment by submitting images to the competition page, with a prize offered for the best image.
Images must feature one or more items of OSIL equipment and should be of good quality (ideally 300 PPI, JPEG, PNG or TIFF format). Images must be uploaded via the competition portal on the OSIL website, and if tagged with @oceanscientific or #OSIL on LinkedIn, X, Instagram or Bluesky we will repost these to our followers to increase exposure!
The winning image will be chosen by a panel of judges from the entries, with a GoPro HERO13 Black (with accessories bundle) available as the prize.
The competition will be open from 10th February 2025 until 4th April 2025, with the winner to be announced at the Ocean Business show in Southampton. For more information on the competition please visit www.osil.com/photography-competition-2025/.
For further information or sales enquiries please contact: [email protected] or call +44 (0) 2392 488 240.
Kongsberg Maritime unveils innovative solutions to industrialise floating offshore wind turbine installation
Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled a range of innovative methods designed to transform and industrialise the transportation and installation (T&I), of floating offshore wind turbines.
These new solutions promise to streamline the entire process, from anchor and mooring installation through to electrical cable pull-in, ensuring that turbines are ready to be connected to energy grids, and offer a comprehensive solution for the floating offshore wind market. The solutions are part of a broader strategic effort that Kongsberg Maritime has put in to contribute towards the emerging floating offshore wind market, with more initiatives in the works.
Gunnar Thorsen, Senior Vice President of Business Concepts at Kongsberg Maritime, highlights the significance of these innovations: "We aim to offer a full package of equipment and technology, from the point the floating turbines leave their assembly site to the moment they are connected to the power grid. Our new methods for anchor tensioning, mooring installation, tow-out, and cable pull-in will represent a big leap forward in the industrialisation of floating wind installation. They are also applicable to other offshore energy structures, so our investment in these novel solutions will also be relevant and benefit oil and gas related operations."
Four of the elements highlighted in this new, offshore floating wind approach, are: new vessel designs and methodology for anchor and mooring installation; a new approach for towing turbines to site; a new integrated tensioning concept for mooring lines; and an innovative cable pull-in system.
Innovative vessel designs for efficient anchor and mooring and installation
Two new vessel concepts, specifically designed for large-scale mooring and installation operations, are a key element in the new novel solutions. The Floating Wind Installation Vessels (FWIVs) are designed to handle the unique challenges of transport and installation of floating wind turbines, as well as other offshore and subsea structures.
The anchor handling version (UT 7900 FWIV AH) features a triple cross-tensioning winch system capable of tensioning and proof-loading up to three mooring lines simultaneously with significant reduction in bollard pull requirements. This vessel can pull up to 900 tonnes in a single fall configuration, ensuring efficient and safe anchor handling, with reduced energy consumption.
“This vessel offers a new approach, and because of the high volume and repetitive nature of the operations, we’ve built in additional rope and chain storage. The whole point behind this new set-up is that you deploy the rope, while preparing the next one, and do it in a safe environment, which you can’t do on a normal anchor handler,” says Gunnar.
The subsea construction vessel design concept, (UT 7600 FWIV Subsea), is equipped with advanced systems for handling, storing, and deploying mooring elements, making it ideal for high-volume floating wind installations.
Tow Assist - Empowering safe and efficient towing operations
To address the challenges of transporting giant turbines to offshore fields, Kongsberg Maritime has developed Tow Assist. This innovative approach combines Kongsberg Maritime’s leading edge Dynamic Positioning (DP) technology with operational analysis to improve situational awareness, safety and efficiency throughout all stages of the towing operation.
Tow Assist builds on the K-Pos DP system, enabling unpowered floating structures to become DP-enabled during complex towing operations by calculating and distributing the optimal allocation of the connected vessels.
Successfully trialled in the North Sea last year, the Tow Assist system provides real-time situational awareness through graphical guidance for precise and efficient positioning, transforming the way floating offshore structures are moved and positioned.
Integrated Tensioning for simpler operations
The Integrated Tensioning Concept is a solution designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of mooring line hook-up operations. This system compensates for relative movements between the floater and the vessel, significantly increasing the operational weather window and ensuring smoother operations.
The new concept utilises Kongsberg Maritime's advanced Permanent Magnet (PM) winches, known for their high torque and dynamic capabilities. These winches are a key component of the system, providing the responsiveness and motion compensation necessary for precise and efficient tensioning of mooring lines. The PM winches' ability to handle large loads with rapid response makes them ideal for the challenging conditions of offshore operations.
Runar Hjelle, Sales Director Offshore Construction & Support at Kongsberg Maritime, explains: "The Integrated Tensioning Concept monitors the motion of the floater, allowing the vessel winch to compensate, removing peak loads and hazardous situations. This results in a much smoother hook-up process and significantly increases the operational weather window."
Innovative cable pull-in for year-round operations
A new method for cable pull-in operations, is a key element of Kongsberg Maritime’s end-to-end process by reducing requirements for equipment and people on the floater, enhancing safety and speeding up the overall rate of installation of the wind farm array.
Gunnar Thorsen, adds: “At present, cable pull-in operations require mobilising equipment such as winches, power packs and fuel tanks on the floating turbine. Personnel must be on board the floater after it has been hooked up to perform the cable pull-in. However, with the new, patented method, all necessary equipment is placed on the vessel, significantly reducing the complexity and risk associated with the operation.
“This new approach offers several advantages, including enhanced safety by reducing the number of people onboard the floater, to a minimum during the pull-in operation. Equipment lifting operations and personnel transfer are minimised which allows operations to continue in harsher weather conditions. This is crucial for maintaining year-round productivity and speeds up the overall rate of installation of the wind farm array.”
Scientists to “break waves” in climate modelling
Breaking waves on the world’s coastlines can be a magnet for surfers and a headache for coastal defences.
Now, leading UK and French scientists want to find out more about the impacts of coastal wave breaking on our climate system to plug a gap in current climate models.
Through an ambitious project led by scientists at University College London (UCL), the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay in France, scientists will use novel observations of coastal wave breaking with advanced modelling and machine learning to work out the importance of this notoriously complex and hard to measure phenomenon.
Specifically, the project, called WAVECLIM, will look to fill a gap in understanding about the role these often-dramatic coastal processes play in global climate modelling.
This innovative project is one of the first opportunity seeds in the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency's (ARIA) Scoping Our Planet opportunity space, announced in October last year. ARIA’s seed funding supports ambitious research that can challenge assumptions, open up new research paths and provide steps towards new capabilities.
“It is well known that ocean wave breaking at the coast plays a big role in air-sea exchanges, sediment transport and coastal erosion”, explains Professor Christine Gommenginger, who leads the project at NOC. “But these complex coastal processes are largely absent from current climate models.”
“While waves in the open ocean are starting to be included in some climate models, coastal wave breaking is still disregarded”, adds Frederic Dias from ENS Paris-Saclay. “This is a critical gap in our understanding of how coastal seas influence and impact the global climate system.”
The WAVECLIM project will change this using advanced sensor technology and machine learning to capture and integrate coastal wave-breaking dynamics into predictive models.
State-of-the-art monitoring equipment, including LIDAR, drones and stereoscopic cameras, will be deployed to provide unprecedented data on coastal wave breaking under diverse conditions.
Machine learning models trained on these observations will be integrated into climate models, addressing biases and enhancing the accuracy of future climate predictions.
“This pioneering approach builds on recent successes in embedding machine learning into climate modelling, promising more realistic projections at a fraction of the computational cost,” says Serge Guillas, principal investigator for WAVECLIM, from UCL.
“The work is expected to yield transformative insights into how coastal processes influence global climate systems, especially in the face of rising sea levels and increased storm activity.”
Through this collaboration, the partners hope to address critical knowledge gaps, paving the way for improved representation of coastal seas complexities in the next generation of climate models.
Greensea IQ Secures $5.36M Contract for Bayonet 250 Surf Zone Crawlers to Support U.S. Marine Corps
Greensea IQ, a leader in subsea robotics and defense solutions, was awarded a $5.36 million contract through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Darley of Itasca, IL for the delivery of customized Bayonet 250 Amphibious Underwater Ground Vehicle (AUGV) for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) project.
The Bayonet 250, part of Greensea IQ’s Bayonet series of amphibious underwater ground vehicles, exceeds the stringent mission criteria of the LEON project, which focuses on advanced explosive ordnance disposal capabilities in littoral environments. Designed for robust operations in both shallow water and surf zones, the Bayonet 250 provides autonomous capabilities for mine and explosive threat neutralization, supporting the Marine Corps’ modernization efforts for safer and more effective EOD operations.
The Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization project is a critical component of the Marine Corps’ robotic revolution strategy for operating in global littorals, enhancing safety for personnel while increasing operational efficiency.
“This award reinforces Greensea IQ’s commitment to supporting the U.S. Marine Corps with cutting-edge robotic solutions for complex and hazardous environments,” said Paco Santana, VP of Business Development, Defense of Greensea IQ. “The customized Bayonet 250 will provide a versatile, autonomous platform for explosive ordnance disposal in challenging littoral zones.”
The contract was awarded under the Defense Logistics Agency’s procurement framework and facilitated by Darley, a trusted supplier for defense solutions. Greensea IQ continues to expand its portfolio of autonomous technologies designed to support defense, maritime, and commercial applications.
Saab’s advanced UK manufacturing facility opened by Secretary of State
Saab UK celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art, three-building campus on 4th February, 2025. The site is developing, manufacturing, and supporting Saab's radar systems and market-leading Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio. This includes the 3D multi-mission radar, Giraffe 1X, and the all-electric subsea remotely operated vehicle, Seaeye SR20.
The opening marks the conclusion of the investment pledged by Saab in 2023. The site supports up to 400 jobs and provides local opportunities for apprenticeships. It enhances the UK's sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities, serving both domestic customers and international export markets, with capacity for further growth.
Saab’s new campus is expected to significantly benefit the UK Ministry of Defence. The site is a centre of excellence ready to meet future customer radar requirements and servicing, in addition to supporting in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces; the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defence radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said:
“This new campus is testament to Saab’s growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s defence. Thanks to our investment here we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers. We are pleased to have the Secretary of State for Business and Trade join us today to mark this important occasion and to underline the important relationship between Saab and the UK.”
Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said:
“Following the Government’s pledge to go further and faster to grow the economy, this is another vote of confidence in the UK, our world-class defence sector, and our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Saab’s investment in Hampshire has brought a major boost to local communities with hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs, and is exactly the sort of growth our pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy will support.”
Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, said:
“This major investment has demonstrated how defence is an engine for growth. Saab’s new facility strengthens manufacturing and support for the radars that help protect our Armed Forces, having created highly skilled jobs while driving innovation. With promising apprenticeship opportunities, this site is helping to drive the jobs of the future – ensuring the next generation has the expertise to keep Britain at the forefront of defence technology.”
Sonardyne launches SPRINT-Nav DP: revolutionising shallow water dynamic positioning technology
Sonardyne, a leading provider of pioneering marine technology, today announced the launch of its new shallow water dynamic positioning (DP) reference system.
Building on the company’s decade-long expertise in hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation systems, SPRINT-Nav DP integrates high-grade inertial navigation with doppler velocity log (DVL) technology in a single, pre-calibrated unit. The system joins Sonardyne's renowned SPRINT-Nav family, which has become the standard for underwater vehicle navigation worldwide.
Developed in response to SPRINT-Nav customer’s requests and an increasing demand for shallow water DP operations from the offshore wind farm sector, SPRINT-Nav DP has undergone extensive trials and validation tests to ensure it maintains the mandatory class requirements as an alternative position reference into a vessel’s DP system.
SPRINT-Nav DP provides accurate and reliable positioning without the need for a GNSS signal. This makes it ideal for a wide range of shallow water operations, including offshore renewable energy and nearshore work where GNSS signals are often spoofed, blocked or distorted by nearby structures.
This latest addition to the SPRINT-Nav family also saves DP vessel operators both time and money. The DVL bottom-lock technology, effective up to 230m depth, means there is no need to deploy sensors or other equipment as the seabed itself is used as the positioning reference. Factory pre-calibration means that SPRINT-Nav DP is operational as soon as the vessel arrives on site.
"SPRINT-Nav DP represents a leap forward in shallow water vessel positioning," said Duncan Rigg, Business Development Manager – Vessel Systems, at Sonardyne. "By removing GNSS dependencies, we're enabling operators to work more efficiently and dependably in challenging environments. Many existing customers had asked about using their SPRINT-Nav’s for dynamic positioning and we are delighted to introduce SPRINT-Nav DP to enhance their operations."