Special subsea cables for INGV
NOVACAVI take great satisfaction in being able to support the project to consolidate and upgrade the EMSO (European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and Water Column Observatory) infrastructure and its INSEA activities.
A series of special subsea cables have been developed and manufactured for the INGV National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, in close collaboration with the Gibilmanna Geophysical Observatory, to be deployed at 4000m for the study and monitoring of the sea.
These cables enrich the AQUANCABLE® range of special solutions provided to meet the most complex and various needs of marine and underwater technology activities. Find out more here.
Visit NOVACAVI at Ocean Business on stand F12.
Harvest Technology delivers 24/7 live-streamed, deep-sea asset monitoring system using smart buoy
Australian-headquartered Harvest Technology Group Limited has successfully developed a bespoke solution for an oil and gas exploration company, enabling access to real-time data from one of the most remote places on the planet – the sea floor.
The next-generation system uses acoustic transfer technology to securely transmit data 24/7 from a monitoring structure on the sea floor to a “smart buoy” at the surface. The smart buoy acts as a modem to communicate data back onshore via mobile or satellite link – at a fraction of the bandwidth typically required, alleviating the challenge of relying on retrospective data to make critical operational decisions.
“Harvest’s Nodestream™ protocol allows customers to receive a live video feed of their subsea assets from anywhere via any mobile device with Internet access,” says Head of Harvest’s Solution Architecture, Jimmy Dean. "Another important feature is the ability to alert onshore headquarters when there is a major change in sensor readings, so customers can respond quickly in emergencies or monitor until intervention is required,” he explains.
The technology is self-powered so it can operate for several years without the need for in-person inspection and maintenance, removing people from unsafe environments, reducing carbon emissions and eliminating the high costs associated with traditional subsea monitoring.
“Leading operators are adopting technology to gain a competitive edge,” says Harvest's Product Design and Delivery Lead, Jason King. “Shipping, ports, oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, offshore wind farms, aquaculture, and environmental researchers know you need the best data to help make decisions, and the best data isn’t yesterday’s data, it’s live-streamed data.”
Harvest's research and development (R&D) is conducted in-house by its 20 developers. Many have first-hand experience working in remote offshore operations, away from loved ones and onshore expertise. This drives them to solve challenges when operating remotely.
Last year, Harvest invested nearly $5 million in R&D, plus $1 million to purpose-build its innovation hub in Perth’s Technology Park.
Job Advert: Swale Technologies hiring Sales Support Specialist
Swale Technologies are looking for a Sales Support Specialist to respond to enquiries, support customers and promote suppliers.
Applicants should have a desire to learn, curiosity about Swale Technology customers' activities and enthusiasm to help.
Scientific, Technical or Practical qualifications and/or experience is desirable, sales experience is a bonus.
Come to stand P6 at Ocean Business 2023 to find out more about this Oxfordshire based role. (or email [email protected]).
BIRNS introduces breakthrough new subsea cable assembly data rates of 9+Gbits/Sec
The BIRNS team has recently developed exclusive deep submergence cable constructed for Cat 8.2 use, and deep submergence cable assemblies with data transfer rates of 9.4+/- 0.1 Gigabits per second. Performance testing proved that data consistently transmitted at this rate over the entire range of pressures from 0 to 8700 PSI/600 bar (6000m equivalent depth). The initial pin configuration in the 6km-rated BIRNS Millennium™ connector series tested for the capability is the BIRNS 3M-16, a configuration with twelve 22-AWG data contacts and four 16 AWG contacts for power. Additional high data-rate configurations in the series are expected to be introduced soon, using the exclusive BIRNS 52A-278 cable.
The team at BIRNS developed the revolutionary new ultra-high speed cable assembly capability in answer to industry demands for true Gigabit data transfer for advanced subsea vehicles. “We were recently asked by a customer if it was possible to develop a system with transfer rates up to 10Gb/s,” said Eric Birns, President and CEO of BIRNS. “After exhaustive testing, we believe our new cable assembly technology actually exceeds that rate—however, existing computer technology limits accurately testing anything above 9.4Gb/s. We are thrilled to be leading the industry with these new proven data transfer speeds, and look forward to expanding upon it.”
Vitis BIRNS at Ocean Business 2023 on stand C3.
Controlling the future of maritime operations
As maritime stakeholders increasingly look to uncrewed vessel technology to complete a wider range of offshore survey, surveillance and inspection tasks, the systems that are used to control these flexible platforms are developing apace.
Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) offer a low impact, non-invasive and cost-effective solution for an industry that has set itself ambitious net zero emission goals, and the technology is now established on numerous commercial projects around the world.
Designing and building uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) is complex and challenging. Hundreds of decisions relating to mission goals, payload requirements, power budget, hull design, communication systems and propulsion control and management need to be made, analysed and implemented.
Dynautics provides Vessel Control System (VCS) and autopilot technology that seamlessly integrates into third party drive and motor control systems. It work closely with USV manufacturers to ensure that onboard control systems and their complex integration protocols are robust, efficient and above all provide optimal functionality and redundancy.
A selection of Dynautics' recent MK4 (SPECTRE) and VCS (SPECTRE Plus) projects are outlined below.
Triple engine control for Singapore Navy
In 2021 Dynautics became a Mercury Marine dealer, giving it direct access to the company’s G3 engine set up software which is a critical factor in calibrating and optimising engine performance. This was quickly followed by an opportunity to work on a triple Mercury engine (900hp) VCS for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s uncrewed security and surveillance craft.
It was a challenging project with a tight timeframe, but by leveraging Dynautics' experience with Mercury’s control protocol it was able to deliver its MK4 autopilot with Mercury interface module, remote control handset, wiring harness and Dynautics Remote Control Windows (RCW) application for remote route planning. All equipment was fully installed, calibrated and subject to sea trials in time for the Navy’s mission.
From clouds to waves with SPECTRE
ALTI, a world-leading provider of VTOL aircraft based in South Africa, serves the civil and military sectors with UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for commercial and industrial applications. In 2022, the ALTI team embarked on a mission to bring their 10 years of experience and hard-won expertise on unmanned aircraft operations around the world to the design of a marine USV.
Due to the ambitious timeline of the project, the team needed a control solution that they could fit themselves. Dynautics delivered a SPECTRE MK4 VCS, complete with wiring harness, interfaces and all necessary components that was ready to install. This plug and play solution dovetailed into ALTI’s existing communications system, giving the team a clear development and delivery path. Diagnostics took place remotely to progress the retrofit installation.
Despite ALTI not having first-hand experience of working on the water, any installation challenges were quickly solved with Dynautics remote support.
Royal Navy vessel conversions
In its drive to leverage autonomous technology in the future of naval operations, the UK’s Royal Navy is converting some of its vessels to have unmanned functionality. This cost-effective development approach allows them to make use of commercial electronics and low NRE (non-recurring engineering) costs, speeding up the time it takes to get uncrewed craft operational.
The Royal Navy has, to date, placed two VCS orders with Dynautics. Dr Alison Little, senior project engineer at Dynautics, developed custom vessel control firmware for their unique behaviour requirements.
“Customers who have very specific operational needs make my job incredibly interesting. The team here thrives on solving technically demanding control problems. The Royal Navy needed very specific behaviour and I was able to simulate their requirement and code it quickly, which was incredibly satisfying.” Dr Alison Little, Dynautics
Precise drive control for 12m cat
A Netherlands-based bespoke catamaran designer and builder recently enlisted Dynautics for the remote control of a 12m catamaran vessel with azimuth thrusters and twin water jets. As well as designing the VCS, Dynautics also advised on overall system architecture, design and the purchase of ancillary parts. Dynautics developed custom CAN communication firmware to provide precise control of the drive system and collision avoidance software was optimised with radar partners Simrad and Cambridge Pixel.
With the client’s new hull design, transmission and power management arrangement, agility and collaboration were key on this project. Teamwork and strong partnerships are hard-wired into Dynautics’ culture and this was a great example of those values at work.
“Routes for innovation in the Defence Market” showcase at Ocean Business 2023
20 April – 11.30 to 15.00
Ocean Business 2023, Conference Room 344 / 32, The NOC, Southampton
The SUT is hosting a “Routes for innovation in the Defence Market” showcase at Ocean Business. You must pre-register to attend Ocean Business here.
This event will include a free networking buffet lunch.
This is an SUT member-only event. If you are not a member of SUT, you can become a member please click here to join.
The event will showcase organisations that aid the development and exploitation of innovation and technology in the defence market. This includes government organisations that have funding available for innovative projects and organisations that collaborate with non-defence companies to develop capabilities that address defence requirements.
This showcase will present potential funding routes and access to the defence market. Hear from:
Defence and Security Accelerator – The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and funds exploitable innovation for a safer future. DASA is part of the Ministry of Defence
DASA Case Study – A case study of how DASA has enabled innovation in the marine domain
NATO DIANA programme – NATO’s new innovation accelerator fund. The Fund will invest 1 billion euros in early-stage start-ups and other venture capital funds developing dual-use emerging technologies of priority to NATO
Plougshare – Ensuring UK government innovations deliver real prosperity to the economy, our society, people’s lives, and the environment
FutureLabs – An introduction to the Futures Lab service operated on behalf of the DE&S Future Capability Group. Futures Lab helps solve our front line clients’ near-future challenges through the provision of impartial insights and decision support delivered by collaborative industry and academic teams
MOD Commercial Team – An overview from the MOD commercial team on how to contract with the MOD
Maritime Enterprise – The Maritime Enterprise consortium connects networks regionally and nationally, and collaborates on key maritime initiatives to support the maritime sector in its broadest sense.
Networking Lunch
Questions and answer sessions
Job Advert: EGS Survey Australia hiring Hydrographic Surveyor
EGS Survey Australia is hiring Hydrographic Surveyors for their Western Australia office. The position will be based out of the newly refurbished, centrally located Fremantle offices close to beautiful South Beach, marina, and town centre. The role entails 90-120 days of on-site work annually, with the rest based from the office. Leave accrues during on-site work. Surveys include 40% offshore and 60% inshore across Australia and occasionally overseas, with multibeam work comprising over half of the workload, and UXO, Geophysics, ROV Support, and Geotech Support making up the rest.
Cutting-edge equipment from brands like Applanix, Kongsberg, Reson, and Edgetech is used, with opportunities to branch into Project Management, Survey Engineering, or Geosciences. The office environment is relaxed, with flexible hours and partial remote work options. The Fremantle office is centrally located, close to public transport and local amenities. EGS will provide visa assistance however for this purpose, the applicant must have a related degree and be under 45 years old.
Surveyors will work on global inshore and offshore projects, handling all aspects from tendering to final reporting. They'll be responsible for acquiring high-quality MBES bathymetric data and other geophysical equipment, surface and subsea positioning, and assisting the engineering department in troubleshooting. Responsibilities may include Coxswain's training, UAV training, CPD opportunities, and attending industry events.
Requirements include a university degree in Hydrography or a related field, experience with software and equipment such as QINSY, Qimera, Caris, Kongsberg/Reson MBES, RTK, Total Station, and USBL. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Fremantle and on site for up to weeks and in the office.
If you are interested in a change of scene and weather, please contact [email protected].
The IMarEST’s 120th President says: “The path to the future is through the present.”
Martin Shaw has become the 120th President of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Martin’s priorities for his presidential year include engaging with seafarers and the shipping industry, working to further build the IMarEST’s global reach, and acting on inclusion and diversity.
Martin says “I am honoured to be the President of the IMarEST. Over the next year, there is much to be excited about and I am looking forward to working with the wide range of talented marine professionals who make up our membership.”
Speaking of the challenges faced by the marine sector, Martin adds: “The headline issue is climate change and how we ensure that the engineering of the required technology works. It has been quoted that this will cost $3.4 trillion, so it is vital that the equipment does not fail. The expertise of our membership, which includes engineers, scientists and technologists, is central to this challenge. We need to make sure that equipment is designed to operate and operated to design. We also need to remember that the current fleet needs to continue to operate safely.”
Martin succeeds 119th President, Alastair Fischbacher, and will hold the position of the IMarEST President for one year. Yves De Leeneer, a Board Trustee and Council member of the IMarEST, is the new President Elect, he is based in Singapore.
The Glasgow-born 120th President began his career as an engineer officer where his love of being at sea blossomed. After 13 years at sea and with a growing family, Martin moved his career ashore, with positions as a fleet safety officer, engineer superintendent, and senior management roles.
Whilst learning to fly, Martin developed an enthusiasm for human factors and improving safety. He was awarded a Merchant Navy Medal presented by HRH Princess Royal for his contribution to marine safety. This passion and expertise saw him become Chair of the IMarEST’s Human Element working group and representing the IMarEST in the Human Element Industry Group. He was also involved in setting up the Institute’s Ship Repair, Maintenance and Safety Special Interest Group (RAMSIG).
Martin concludes: “As I begin my year as President, I would like to encourage individuals to get involved with the Institute, whether that is by joining, volunteering, or becoming active in our Special Interest Groups and local branches. By collaborating with other professionals both locally and internationally, we will be able to accelerate progress to overcome the vast challenges that the marine industry faces.”
Innovate UK Edge at Ocean Business 2023
Meet Innovate UK EDGE!
Innovate UK EDGE, will be hosting the b2b matchmaking event at Ocean Business 2023. Here's what they have to say about it!
Tell us a bit about the b2b matchmaking event you’re hosting
It’s a whole day of pre-arranged 20 minute meetings, held in a dedicated conference room within Ocean Business.
What can visitors expect from the event?
It’s a chance to have focussed time with a business or technology partner that you’ve chosen to meet with from the online profiles and opportunities at the b2match website. The room is always buzzing and frenetic, with dozens of meetings held every 20 minutes. And this year we’re also escorting meeting partners to exhibitor stalls (on request) if they don’t want to leave their stand unattended. It’s a crazy day but very satisfying.
Why is networking so vital to doing business these days?
There’s nothing quite like doing business face-to-face. It’s not just about establishing a rapport and trust, it’s also means getting to the heart of the matter with more speed and efficiency than over an email discussion, for example. And after a number of years of imposed Teams and Zoom chats, it’s been a relief for businesses to shake hands and talk in a more human way.
Why is a visit to the matchmaking unmissable for visitors?
Ocean Business is always really impressive, and there are many great opportunities to meet partners via their exhibits or demonstrations. The b2match is just one more tool to help companies succeed. Having a schedule of pre-arranged meetings means you can have a detailed discussion, and reduces the risk of missing out on meeting the right contact on the conference floor. There’s definitely value to all different types of networking, from chatting over wine or meeting at an exhibit – our event within Ocean Business means that visitors have an additional way of achieving their aims.
What are your top tips to make the most of the b2match?
Register early and don’t be shy about requesting meetings (and accepting meeting requests). You can’t just turn up to the b2match and expect to meet partners – bookings close a few days before so we can email everyone with their agendas. And check back to see which new people have signed up since you last explored the profiles.
Ocean Business 2023 jam-packed with networking opportunities
In just over two weeks Ocean Business 2023 will open its doors to a world-class showcase of marine technology, live-action demonstrations, a packed conference programme and unbeatable networking opportunities.
With more than 300 manufacturers and service providers booked for the sold-out exhibition, this year’s edition of the global technology and science show for marine industries promises to attract record crowds.
The three-day event, which runs from April 18-20 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is open to all visitors for free by registering online at www.oceanbusiness.com.
Ocean Business not only provides unrivalled access to today’s transformational ocean technology, but facilitates business to business get-togethers. Both inside and outside the expansive exhibition halls, a variety of social events will ensure exhibitors and visitors can network around the clock.
Ocean Business regulars have described the biennial show as pivotal in the ocean industry calendar and ‘more than just a 9 to 5 exhibition’, and for exhibitors, the first day will be topped with free to attend drinks, from 5-6.30pm, run in partnership with SMI.
In a pre-show gathering, Ocean Business will be hosting the Racal Survey Reunion, on Monday, April 17, from 6.30-8pm, in the Pitcher and Piano, Southampton. Open to Racal Survey, Racal Positioning, Thales GeoSolutions and Decca ex-employees, the reception is a show highlight, reconnecting friends and colleagues scattered across the globe.
The popular Wine Trail, on Wednesday, April 19, offers further networking, accompanied by fabulous wines from around the world. Guests can follow the trail to sample a different wine at more than 25 sponsor stands and collect ‘passport’ stamps, and new acquaintances, along the way.
Also on Wednesday, the International B2B Matchmaking offers a chance to meet potential business and technology partners in one day. Organised by Innovate UK EDGE, the event (from 11am to 5pm in Conference Room 344/32, Level 4) involves pre-arranged 20-minute meetings, creating business development opportunities with exhibitors and visitors active in the maritime sector. Register, up until April 17, here.
Ocean Business 2023 will also host a one-day, free-to-attend conference on Tuesday, April 18 - on top of a series of associated, on-site meetings - with a line-up of sector experts addressing the key issues of the day.
And, for the first time, the world’s only conference dedicated to marine electromagnetics – MARELEC - will run alongside Ocean Business. Delegates will hear from eminent scientists, engineers and academics of the advances made in the past four years in the fields of geophysics, geotechnical engineering, oceanography and naval warfare.
Outside, there will be a range of vessels and exhibits to explore, including demonstrations of NORBIT Subsea’s latest sonar technology on the Fugro vessel Xplorer; joint demonstrations by Applied Acoustic Engineering and Klein Marine, with the official launch of Klein’s 4K-UHR side scan sonar, on board Briggs Marine’s Solent Guardian; plus live equipment demonstrations from Sonardyne and Voyis aboard SubSea Co’s vessel, and new products and innovations from Teledyne, Nortek, Digital Edge Subsea, Bayonet Ocean Vehicles , and more.
And the Ocean Business Training and Demonstration programme, full details of which can be found here, will mark a year of exciting progress in ocean data gathering sensors, autonomous vehicles and their payloads all being demonstrated in the dockside waters, onboard vessels and in the classrooms.
For students, the Ocean Careers programme runs alongside the three days of Ocean Business 2023, with free to attend events. Leading lights from the industry and research institutes will share their expertise and insights during presentations and one-on-one sessions. See here for more details.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at exhibition organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Show time is almost upon us again and we can’t wait to welcome ocean technologists from around the world to this year’s event.
‘There will be something for everyone, with exciting product launches, hands-on demonstrations, scientific and engineering advances, and a wealth of sector innovators and leaders bringing their expertise to Southampton.
‘Ocean Business operates as a business hub, a forum for the exchange of ideas, a testbed for new concepts, and is usually a veritable social whirl too! See you there.’