6,000m open face rated coax cable assemblies introduced by BIRNS
BIRNS, Inc. is adding impressive new meaning to its tagline of High Performance Under Pressure, with groundbreaking new capabilities for its lines of deep submergence RF connectors and cable assemblies. Recent stringent testing has led to coax “1C” contact configurations of the popular BIRNS Millennium™ connector series to receive certification to open face pressure to 6km.
This is not the first breakthrough in RF technology for BIRNS—the company developed new coax contacts several years ago that were tested to withstand open face hydrostatic pressure to 1,443m. Its RF advancements were already leading the industry in low insertion losses and high frequency capability matched with pressure resistance capabilities—with proprietary technology providing maximum insertion losses of ≤0.7 dB UHF insertion loss and ≤1.7:1 VSWR at 3GHz.
However, the new 40 cycle open face hydrostatic testing protocols yielded even lower insertion losses: at 8800 psi, losses of only -0.35dB at 3.0 GHz with a VSWR of 1.2. The new certification of 6km open faced resistance will provide a wider range of highly advanced connectivity options for developers of subsea systems, according to BIRNS.
delResearch LLC chosen by the Office of Naval Research for advanced underwater communication technology development
delResearch LLC, the innovative creator behind the Popoto Modem brand of acoustic modems, proudly announces its selection by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to contribute to the PHYSICAL AND NETWORKING LAYER PROTOTYPE (PNLP) project, under the Broad Agency Announcement N00014-23-S-BC05 BAA.
This pivotal collaboration marks a significant stride in underwater communication technology, showcasing delResearch LLC's commitment to advancing the field. The company's expertise in acoustic modem technology will play a crucial role in enhancing the United States Navy’s capabilities beneath the waves.
"We are thrilled to be chosen by the ONR and are ready to bring our A-game to the PNLP team," said James DellaMorte, Owner of delResearch LLC. "Our participation in this project is not just a milestone for the company but also a testament to the potential of our technologies to redefine underwater communications."
The partnership with ONR will not only benefit the Navy but is also expected to push the boundaries of what's possible for delResearch LLC, fostering innovation and elevating the state of the art in the field.
"The synergy between our vision for acoustic communication and the Navy's operational needs is clear," added DellaMorte. "We are eager to embark on this journey and see where this collaboration leads us in the realm of underwater communication and beyond."
Teledyne announces the 2023 Marine Photo and Data Contest winners: Celebrating excellence in marine imagery
Teledyne is thrilled to announce the 2023 Marine Photo and Data Contest winners. With an overwhelming response from participants around the world, this year's competition showcased the incredible talent and dedication of marine professionals and enthusiasts.
The Teledyne Marine Photo and Data Contest received an abundance of remarkable entries across five distinct categories, highlighting the diverse and dynamic world of marine exploration, innovation, and challenges.
Selecting the winners from a pool of extraordinary entries was daunting, as the quality and creativity on display were exceptional. The Teledyne judging panel was deeply impressed by all participants' dedication, ingenuity, and artistry.
Each winner has been informed directly and will receive prises recognising their outstanding contributions to the marine photography community.
Teledyne extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the 2023 Marine Photo Contest. Your dedication to capturing the marine world's beauty, challenges, and triumphs inspires us all.
Click here to view the winners.
DimEye Corp introduces the ORPHIE camera to the US
DimEye Corp., a California-based company specializing in high-accuracy 3D underwater inspections, is pleased to introduce the ORPHIE camera to the US market. The ORPHIE camera is a revolutionary camera that improves visibility by a factor of 3 (at least) in real-time.
Developed by the company I2S, the ORPHIE camera is available in several configurations: a version for ROV depth-rated 300 m, another version depth-rated 3000 m, and a mini version for divers or mini-ROV, depth rated
300 m.
DimEye is proud to represent the i2S company in the United States, Japan, and Brazil.
Makai Ocean Engineering Partners with Shell to revolutionise ocean thermal energy conversion
Makai Ocean Engineering is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Shell Technology - Marine Renewable Program to further develop and test potentially transformative proprietary technologies that advance the engineering and economic viability of an offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system.
Makai’s unique concepts for OTEC systems and cutting edge heat exchanger, the Thin Foil Heat Exchanger (TFHX), hold the potential to reduce the capital costs and operating costs of an offshore OTEC system. A key part of this study is to work with Shell to accelerate the timeframe for reaching true economic viability of OTEC systems.
"Makai's legacy with OTEC R&D spans nearly half a century. As we look ahead, our enthusiasm only grows. Partnering with Shell Technology - Marine Renewable Program provides an avenue to translate our research into actionable and commercially viable solutions," says Richard Argall, Ocean Energy Division Head at Makai. "Makai’s and Shell’s shared vision is to harness marine energy sustainably, and together, we are poised to make that vision a reality."
“We congratulate the exceptional team at Makai for pursuing innovation in OTEC technologies and establishing themselves as a leader in the industry. As we continue to explore how to achieve more value with lower emissions through promising marine renewable energy systems, we are excited that Makai is one of our first major partners in the OTEC space,” Dr. Pak Leung, Marine Renewable Program Manager, Shell Technology.
Makai Ocean Engineering was founded in 1973 as a diversified ocean engineering company focused on providing innovative solutions to its clients’ most challenging problems in the ocean world. Makai’s commitment to R&D in ocean-based renewable energy is unwavering. As early adopters of OTEC technology since the 1970s, Makai continues its mission to exploit practical applications of both existing and emerging technologies to unlock the vast energy potential of our oceans. The development of Makai’s critical heat exchanger technologies was made possible with the support of United States Office of Naval Research.
Shell Technology - Marine Renewable Program is pursuing the mission of finding, screening, testing, and developing marine renewable energy technologies to achieve more value with lower emissions and help build the critical energy infrastructure for the Blue Economy to grow and thrive.
This partnership not only signifies progress in marine renewable energy but also stands as a testament to the future of sustainable ocean solutions.
Elevate Offshore appoints Alex Natale, Geotechnical Engineering specialist, bolstering a new era of growth
levate Offshore, a prominent provider of survey, ROV, and inspection personnel serving the offshore oil and gas, renewable energy, telecoms, and power sectors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Natale, an experienced Geotechnical Consultant in the offshore industry.
With a diverse career encompassing both onshore and offshore projects, Alex brings a distinctive combination of expertise and forward-thinking to Elevate Offshore’s geotechnical engineering discipline. His insights and passion for this specialised field are poised to enrich Elevate Offshore’s services and how it caters to the offshore industry.
Andrew Blears, Managing Director of Elevate Offshore, commented, “When we decided to expand our presence in the Geotechnical sector to complement our existing site characterisation business line, we recognised the importance of bringing in an industry expert to enhance our service offerings to our clients and offshore teams. In this regard, collaborating with Alex was a natural and straightforward decision. I had previously represented Alex years ago and was well-acquainted with his expertise and work approach, which seamlessly aligned with ours.
Together, we share a common vision: to bring value to our clients by ensuring that we possess the in-depth knowledge required for the successful and safe execution of projects, while also providing unwavering support to our offshore teams. With Alex’s invaluable expertise bolstering our efforts, we are poised to deliver personnel solutions our clients can always rely on, without fail. Our ambition is not to be the largest supplier in the industry; instead, we aim to be the one that consistently delivers outstanding results, without incident.”
Background
Alex’s journey in geotechnical engineering commenced with onshore and offshore geotechnical drilling projects, where he honed his skills in ground investigation and data collection. He then transitioned to vessel and office-based management roles, subsequently becoming the general manager of a survey company. His extensive experience was further boosted as he ventured into the oil and gas sector, serving as a site characterisation and package manager before working on a freelance basis as a geotechnical and foundation installation consultant.
This extensive and diverse experience has equipped Alex with a profound understanding of geotechnical requirements, underscored by a commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and technical precision in offshore projects. He remains firmly attuned to the latest advancements in the field through his active involvement in geotechnical client representation projects.
For Alex, the geotechnical industry isn’t just a job; it’s a community with a shared passion for tackling unique challenges. He notes, “Being part of such a niche and highly technical field feels like being a member of an extended family, where innovation and expertise thrive.”
The vital role of geotechnical engineering in offshore projects
Geotechnical engineering constitutes a pivotal phase preceding the initiation of any offshore project. It encompasses a series of rigorous processes designed to ensure that manmade structures positioned on the seabed are resilient against the formidable forces of nature throughout their intended design life and decommissioning. This discipline assumes an irreplaceable role in upholding the safety and longevity of offshore structures.
In today’s dynamic landscape, the field grapples with unique challenges, notably identifying and deploying suitably qualified and experienced personnel. As a specialised personnel agency, Elevate Offshore is dedicated to assembling a team comprising individuals with hands-on field experience, enhancing and differentiating the way we work compared to conventional recruitment efforts. Herein lies the significance of Alex’s first-hand expertise, which is instrumental in mitigating the challenges clients face when seeking experienced geotechnical professionals for their projects. Alex emphasises, “To excel as a Geotechnical Engineer in the offshore industry, effective one-to-one communication is paramount. Elevate Offshore ensures clients access these vital skills by investing in personalised interactions and cultivating a team culture that values transparent communication. Our approach to vetting geotechnical candidates is centred on individual meetings and collaborative conference calls. This meticulous selection process guarantees that only the most proficient and seasoned professionals become part of our team.”
To stay abreast of the latest industry standards, regulatory developments, and best practices, Alex participates in conferences hosted by renowned organisations such as the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Offshore Site Investigation and Geotechnics (OSIG). These gatherings serve as essential platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and maintaining a competitive edge in a field characterised by rapid evolution.
A glance into the future
“As offshore projects grow in scale and complexity, dealing with various seabed conditions becomes an ongoing challenge. Ground conditions inherently carry risks that can often lead to project delays and increased costs when not managed effectively throughout the supply chain,’ Alex explains. To mitigate these challenges, Alex emphasises the importance of implementing correct scheduling, rigorous quality control and quality assurance processes at each project stage, and open contracts that account for all likely situations that can arise during a project.
In light of the difficulty in finding experienced geotechnical personnel capable of tackling these challenges, Alex underscores the significance of recruiting individuals who are not only highly skilled but also adaptable, ready to embrace challenges, and committed to continuous self-training and personal development.
In looking ahead to Elevate Offshore’s future, Managing Director Andrew Blears articulates the company’s strategic vision: ‘As we move forward, we are enthusiastic about expanding our offshore personnel services across various sectors, always with our collective expertise working behind the scenes to ensure the success of every endeavour.”
FET to supply work-class ROV to UK Ministry of Defence
The subsea product line of Forum Energy Technologies has secured a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) team to supply a work class remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
The system has been acquired by SALMO following an Urgent Capability Requirement (UCR) from its customer, which was announced in May. The ROV will complement and increase the existing UK Defence salvage capabilities managed by SALMO and will be used to support salvage and wreck surveys.
The XLX-C Work class ROV was manufactured at FET’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, and will be delivered this year.
The contract includes a two-year support solution, warranty and spares package, vessel integration and sea trials support, a training package and the potential for upgrades and additions.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President Operations - Subsea, said: “We are extremely pleased that our XLX-C ROV has been chosen to support the SALMO team’s customer. The ROV is one of the most versatile models on the market and has the capabilities required for the tasks that it will undertake for the SALMO team. We look forward to delivering the system on time later this year.”
Kristin Pearson, SALMO Project Manager, said: “A momentous amount of work has gone into preparing what has been a complex contract in a very short time. The project team have pulled together and demonstrated a holistic and agile route to procurement. It was a great feeling to sign the contract and move us into the next stage”.
FET has previously supplied ROVs and submarine rescue vehicles to major Asian navies and built emergency life support store (ELSS) pods for the Hellenic Navy. Its products are suited across the underwater industry applications, including in defence, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.
ECHO81 expands rental portfolio with acquisition of Exail Gaps USBL positioning systems
ECHO81, a US-based distributor specialising in hydrographic survey equipment and marine instrumentation, has expanded its rental equipment portfolio with the acquisition of three Gaps M5 and three Gaps M7 USBL positioning systems from Exail. This strategic move underscores ECHO81's commitment to delivering comprehensive positioning and navigation solutions to clients operating in diverse sectors, including offshore wind farms, oil and gas, marine construction, port and harbor security, and research.
The addition of Exail compact and pre-calibrated Gaps USBL systems will empower ECHO81's clients to streamline operations with quick and straightforward deployment, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Additionally, these systems offer precise horisontal tracking of diverse subsea assets and seamlessly integrate into various platforms and vehicles, including AUVs and tow-fish. This versatility enables Echo81 to effectively address the multiple challenges faced by its clients and to expand its reach to a broader customer base.
“These equipment purchases continue to solidify ECHO81’s position as a key player in hydrographic and geophysical surveying rental market. We acquire top-tier technologies from industry-leading manufacturers, such as Exail, enabling us to offer our customers state-of-the-art technology solutions that enhance precision and efficiency in their underwater operations” said Damon Wolfe, President of ECHO81.
“We would like to thank ECHO81 for putting their trust in our subsea navigation and positioning technology and solutions. We are confident that the very high performance of the Gaps Series will meet their customers' expectations and overcome even the most demanding challenges. We look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership in the years to come." Says Shayan Haque, Business Development Manager at Exail.
This acquisition marks a significant step in ECHO81's mission to provide cutting-edge solutions, positioning them as a reliable partner in the rental industry for enhanced precision and capabilities in underwater operations.
Kraken receives Synthetic Aperture Sonar order from HII
Kraken Robotics Inc. is pleased to announce an initial order of its AquaPix® Miniature Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MINSAS) System for HII’s new REMUS 620 Medium Class UUV. Synthetic Aperture Sonar is quickly becoming the tool of choice for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations due to its significantly increased resolution and higher area coverage rates compared to legacy side scan sonar. This order is valued at $1 million and will be fulfilled in 2024.
The end users of these new REMUS 620 systems with Kraken MINSAS are teams led by NOAA working to identify areas of deep water corals and other sensitive habitats for restoration activities following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Over the last year, Kraken has been working with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to integrate and deploy a MINSAS 120 system on a legacy REMUS 600 and to conduct high-resolution habitat mapping. Mapping these habitats directly through the high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) data greatly increases efficiency over traditional ROV surveys. Kraken is looking forward to supporting NOAA with their cutting-edge survey technology and methods.
This order follows Kraken’s recent onsite support team throughout the NATO REPMUS exercise in Portugal, where Kraken worked closely with three NATO navy teams (the US, UK, and Netherlands) utilizing three generations of HII’s REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These three generations of HII UUVs were retrofitted with Kraken’s Man-Portable Synthetic Aperture Sonar (MP-SAS). The UUVs included MK18 Mod 1, REMUS 100 NGR, and REMUS 300 underwater vehicles, showing the versatility of MP-SAS and its capability to be used across multiple platforms.
Higher resolution imagery directly correlates to the reduction of false positives by both human operators and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software, which through advanced capabilities provided by the collaboration of the REMUS 620 and MINSAS Synthetic Aperture Sonar reduces the number of contacts required to be verified. The result is the potential for a significantly reduced MCM timeline.
Kraken’s SAS products have been integrated into HII Unmanned Systems range of small, medium, and large AUVs, offering many opportunities to increase the Mine Hunting and MCM Capabilities of many NATO nations.
The unique system design of the MINSAS makes it an ideal match for the REMUS 620's modular payload and battery architecture as it can provide both 60 cm and 120 cm array offerings based on the customer's requirements, making room for additional sensor or battery payloads as needed. Kraken's MINSAS provides out-of-the-box high-resolution, real-time onboard beamforming which supports embedded ATR, enabling smart autonomy features such as dynamic mission re-tasking based on contacts identified.
Miros expands ocean insights offering to offshore sectors
Global ocean insights specialist Miros has advanced its offering to the maritime sector by integrating weather forecast layers into its Miros Cloud Home solution (miros.app).
The new version of Miros Cloud Home incorporates popular weather forecasting conditions from Windy with its proprietary accurate real-time wave, current, and weather measurements - bridging the gap between actual measurements and weather projections. The innovative solution offers maritime professionals access to an extensive range of forecast map layers visually animated on a global scale to customise their user experience and receive valuable insights into current and future weather conditions.
Weather conditions significantly impact the daily operations at sea and maintenance of the offshore equipment. By integrating forecast data with real-time measurements in one single application, maritime professionals can make decisions based on a holistic understanding of the situation without switching between many applications. This results in the optimisation of offshore activities, increased safety, and an improvement in project efficiency.
The platform provides 17 interactive map layers that allow users to visualise factors such as wind, waves, and currents, utilising various forecast models. Using an interactive menu, users can access short-term or long-term predictions up to 10 days of future conditions to explore how these are likely to evolve.
Aurelia Paraschiv, Miros’ IoT product manager, said: “The update to our offering in Miros Cloud Home supports daily offshore operations because it empowers users not only to plan ahead based on forecast predictions but also to make timely decisions by staying informed with the real-time sea state and weather conditions. With both datasets now under one umbrella, decision-makers are instantly granted a holistic view of offshore conditions.
“This synergy to weather visualisation data ensures that planning for activities can be conducted safely and efficiently, facilitating a reduction in maintenance time and cancelled trips.”
Miros is continuing to support operators by developing increasingly sophisticated technologies that navigate challenges, optimise operations, and prioritise safety in the offshore environment.
The Miros Cloud Home provides decision-makers across offshore operations, offshore wind, oil and gas, ports, and coastal and shipping sectors with powerful and intuitive applications to make informed decisions and revolutionise how people interact with wave and weather information.
