Improving sample preservation with OSIL Multiple Corers
Traditional benthic samplers such as box corers must be deployed with sufficient momentum to ensure penetration of the seabed. This creates a bow wave that will disrupt the surface layer of the seabed before the corer is able to collect a full sample.
The Multiple Corers available from world-leading seabed sampling experts Ocean Scientific International Ltd (OSIL) are able to overcome the traditional difficulties associated with benthic sampling and collect truly undisturbed sediment samples. The multiple corers are landed on the seabed at slow speed which, in combination with the minimal footprint of the corer, prevents a bow wave from forming and driving away the delicate flocculant material that forms on the surface layer of the seabed.
The penetration speed is controlled by a hydrostatically damped piston & central weight system which enables up to 12 core tubes to be slowly driven into the seabed at a consistent rate. The core tubes are automatically sealed top and bottom immediately on commencement of the recovery process (using a hydrostatic seal at the top, and a mechanical seal at the bottom), capturing a pristine sediment sample together with the overlying supernatant water, and allowing the corer and samples to be rapidly recovered to the vessel without compromising the integrity of the sample. The transparent cast acrylic core tubes are removed individually and can be subsampled immediately or treated/preserved for later study.
The delicacy of sampling of these corers has meant that their standard use is specified in a number of Environmental Impact Assessment studies, such as the Exploration and Exploitation Licensing procedures for marine mineral extraction, in addition to academic studies of the microbiology and flora/fauna of shelf and deep-sea sediments & analysis of the associated processes.
The Multiple Corers can be configured to accommodate varying numbers of core tubes, and delivery times for the corers and spares kept low, meaning even last-minute cruises are well supported, with systems remaining in constant use for many years.
OSIL have an abundance of global experience in the construction and operation of a wide range of sediment coring equipment, including the industry standard Multi Corer and the unique Giant Piston Corer which is capable of achieving cores up to 60m in length. OSIL also offer a full design, build and implementation service for all of their heavy offshore equipment.
Fluidion Alert-One used to inform the University Boat Race organisers
The New Alert-One portable E.Coli system from Fluidion has been used by the Rivers Action Group to monitor the river Thames in advance of the forthcoming annual university boat race between Oxford and Cambridge on the Thames in London.
Their monitoring over several days showed average E.Coli levels of 2,869 E coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water in 16 tests around Hammersmith Bridge, which is just short of halfway along the 4.25-mile Boat Race course.
The tradition of the winners jumping into the river will probably not be a great idea this year.
The report in the Guardian Newspaper tells the whole story here.
Acquisition of Acteon Group
Acteon Group, the international offshore energy infrastructure services business, has been acquired by private equity investors Buckthorn Partners and One Equity Partners (OEP).
Buckthorn and OEP are making a substantial investment in the business to improve Acteon’s standing with suppliers and customers and enable it to compete even more strongly in its core markets.
The investors’ focus will be on developing Acteon’s capabilities across survey, foundations, moorings, decommissioning and consulting engineering services that support and differentiate the business in the offshore renewable, and offshore oil and gas market sectors.
Brice Bouffard has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Acteon. Brice brings a wealth of business experience highly relevant to Acteon and its key segments.
Rob Willings, Partner at Buckthorn, says, “Acteon’s products and services are key to the energy transition in constructing, maintaining and supporting offshore energy infrastructure. We are very pleased to acquire Acteon and its market-leading capability in managing offshore renewable, and offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Our ownership will bring stability to the business, and investment and expertise to grow and develop the company.”
Acteon provides specialist engineering, services and technology to companies who develop and own offshore energy infrastructure across all phases of the lifecycle. The business was established in 1989 and employs 2,300 staff operating from 58 locations across 14 countries worldwide.
SEA-KIT leads the march on Unmanned Marine Systems certification
In 2021, leading Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) designer and builder, SEA-KIT International, was awarded the first ever Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) certificate by Lloyd’s Register (LR), representing a key milestone for the maritime industry.
Since then, SEA-KIT has continued to work closely with LR to achieve the highest standards for the USV sector. The company’s latest 12 metre SEA-KIT X-Class USV, Fugro Blue Essence®, was recently also awarded LR UMS certification, marking the company’s 5th certificate and the first LR UMS certificate for a Category 0 certified vessel.
Mathew Palmer, LR Global Naval Business Lead – Submarines and Uncrewed Systems commented: “Lloyd’s Register is delighted to award UMS certification to this SEA-KIT X-Class Fugro Blue Essence®. The USV’s state-of-the-art design and capabilities demonstrate the future of marine technology, and this certification underscores the vessel's readiness for remote operation in challenging maritime environments.”
Category 0 approval, the highest level of approval for workboats, was awarded to the vessel by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency in January 2024. It is now the largest Cat 0 certified USV to operate fully remotely and with unrestricted service to support marine projects further offshore while enhancing safety and environmental performance.
Doug Graham, SEA-KIT MD, said: “We continue to push boundaries with the design and construction of our USVs. Certification is essential for the industry to provide a safety assurance framework and it is testament to the team’s hard work that SEA-KIT now holds the most UMS certificates awarded to any company. We will strive to maintain this leadership stance and our long-standing relationship with Lloyd’s Register, so that we can continue to support the sector in achieving ambitious net zero targets.”
SEA-KIT USVs are at work on commercial projects around the world. The company has several vessels in build and on order, including the next-generation, 18 metre, SEA-KIT XL-Class USV, which will also be certified against LR’s UMS Code. The vessel is currently preparing to start sea trials in Ipswich, Essex.
MUKSW Ocean Tech Expo June 26th – 27th, University of Plymouth
Ocean Tech Expo will bring 70+ ocean technology speakers to the city with two days of sessions running across two seminar rooms. The event is designed to showcase the best at or near market commercially viable ocean innovations. If that wasn’t enough to get your maritime juices flowing there will also be a networking boat cruise around Plymouth Sound on the first night. All proceeds from the event will be reinvested into achieving the MUKSW 2024 workplan.
Seminars will cover:
• Offshore Wind critical innovation needs
• Meet the Defence Buyers
• Applications of Marine Autonomy
• Commercial spin outs of SW universities
• Maritime Decarbonisation
• Innovation in Maritime digitisation
• Attracting and training the right talent
• Investment opportunities in: Cornwall, N. Devon, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and Dorset
And business support sessions covering:
• MUKSW Research Partners – highest output of highly cited marine maritime research in the world
• Putting a funded PHD in your business via Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Support for innovation via IUK Edge and The Enterprise Europe Network
• Investment Readiness
• Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme
• Foot Anstey – High Growth Accelerator
• Protecting and exploiting your IP
• How to access Horizon Europe funding.
• R&D tax credit
• The latest UK Government funding and strategy
Speakers already confirmed include:
• Steve Wyatt, Director, Strategy & Emerging Technology, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
• Prof Deborah Greaves OBE, University of Plymouth
• Vice Admiral Tex Marshall, DE&S DG Ships
• Richard Powell, Director Strategic Engagement (Maritime), Qinetiq
• Prof Chris Smith, Director of the Centre for Future Clean Mobility, University of Exeter
• Eugene Bari, Chief Executive Officer, Ecomar Propulsion
• David Cooper, Regional Partnership Manager for Clean Maritime, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
• Jake Rigby, Head of Innovation and Research. BMT
• Matt Bolton, Chief Executive, UKNEST
• Emma Johnson, Director of Marine Science & Technology Group (MSTG), Maritime Autonomous Systems Group (MASG) and SMIFutures
• John Chudley, Rector, MLA College
Delegate tickets, exhibition space and sponsorship offers are launched today so take a look and get involved.
Argeo signs “Certificate of Delivery and Acceptance” with CSI for second Kongsberg Discovery HUGIN Superior AUV
Ocean surveying and inspection specialist Argeo Subsea, CSI Nordics and Kongsberg Discovery have signed a three-party Certificate of Delivery and Acceptance for a new HUGIN Superior AUV. The agreement, confirmed at Oceanology International in London, supports Argeo’s ambitious fleet expansion plans, as the firm looks to build the world’s most advanced AUV fleet, with seven high specification units. Argeo already has one HUGIN Superior in service.
CSI Nordics, a subsidiary of CSI Leasing, one of the largest independent equipment leasing companies in the world, will purchase the unit from Kongsberg Discovery, entering into a long-term leasing agreement with Argeo.
Integrated excellence
Argeo CEO Trond Crantz says the deal will amplify the company’s operational capacity, putting it in “a unique position within both the marine minerals, oil and gas and the renewables segment, increasing efficiency and productivity substantially.”
He comments: “Our expansion plans will establish us as the premier authority in AUV technology worldwide. The strategic combination of Kongsberg's highly advanced AUVs with Argeo’s proprietary cutting-edge electromagnetic sensor system, Argeo LISTEN, propels us ahead of competitors.
“Argeo LISTEN allows for efficient inspection of cables and pipelines, both buried and on the seafloor, as well as rapid estimation of cathodic protection status and remaining lifetime. By integrating this state-of-the-art system into the Hugin Superior, our clients can expect expedited project completion and access to comprehensive data derived from multiple sensors concurrently, ensuring unparalleled quality and efficiency.”
Partnering for success
Speaking on behalf of CSI, Kenneth Mitsem, General Manager at CSI Nordics, adds: “We specialize in crafting leasing solutions that are both flexible and sustainable, designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of the modern market. Our strategic approach focuses on making advanced technology readily accessible, enabling businesses to quickly respond to new challenges and maintain a competitive edge.
“We're proud to collaborate with Kongsberg and Argeo to develop smart leasing options, facilitating easier access to innovations like the HUGIN Superior from Kongsberg Discovery. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the acquisition of technology critical for thriving."
Raising the bar
The Superior sits at the top of Kongsberg Discovery’s HUGIN AUV family of products, which, after 30 years of developmental milestones, is the world’s most commercially successful range of AUVs.
The unit’s standard specifications are second to none. It includes a HISAS 1032 dual receiver, EM2040 Mk2 Multibeam Echosounder, a UHD still image camera, laser profiler, sub-bottom profiler, magnetometer, in addition to sensors for methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and more. Combined with the latest in navigation technology, including MicroNavigation systems for enhanced accuracy, the Superior raises the bar for AUV capability.
Competitive advantage
Stene Førsund, EVP, Kongsberg Discovery, says: “We’re delighted to be consolidating our relationship with Argeo and CSI, with the leasing of this advanced, high specification technology.
“With their second HUGIN Superior onboard they’ll be able to offer clients excellence in high-resolution seabed mapping and imaging, with the functionality needed for a broad range of applications, and the precision and reliability to go further, deeper and into more detail on missions, delivering powerful competitive advantage. Argeo can look forward to achieving some Superior results in the very near future.”
In addition to the Superior, the HUGIN family of AUVs includes a variety of models customised to meet diverse markets, budgets and operational flexibility. This includes the HUGIN Endurance, capable of conducting missions over a range of 1,200 nautical miles, and the soon-to-launch HUGIN Edge, weighing only 300kg and less than 4m in length.
Kongsberg Discovery is a standalone business within the KONGSBERG Group, focusing exclusively on cutting-edge underwater robotics and sensor technology innovations.
Job Advert: EGS International Ltd hiring for two positions Head of Geoscience & Reporting Manager
Location: Bordon, Hampshire - Flexible working considered.
Position: Full time
Salary: Competitive, accompanied by an attractive package
HEAD OF GEOSCIENCE
EGS is seeking a dynamic individual to manage and lead the geophysics department in the processes of data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and presentation at consistently high standards that meet or exceed client technical specifications and adhere to each project’s time schedules.
Manage support of site activities, focusing on successful delivery of data deliverables; this may be by joining the team on site or by offering remote support. As such, this position includes both site and office-based work.
Develop values which support a culture of teamwork and commitment to continuous improvement of methods which improve quality and eliminate redundancy in geoscience methodologies.
Plan and deliver training and mentoring as required within the departments to build internal capability to meet contracted deliverables and technical standards.
The Head of Geoscience will provide leadership and technical expertise to the Geoscience Team, contribute to strategic decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
REPORTING MANAGER
EGS are looking for a Senior Geophysicist / Report Writer, who is passionate about offshore survey report writing to join the EGS International team. The Reporting Manager will be covering all aspects of technical report preparation and submission, including the collation of all supporting electronic data deliverables. You will be part of a hard-working and dedicated team, working on a wide range of marine survey projects.
The successful candidate will be a meticulous, organised, with the ability to work under their own initiative to tight deadlines.
Both positions require applicants to possess a relevant BSc degree and have minimum 3 - 5 years' experience in the marine survey industry.
To apply send a CV and covering email to [email protected] by 14th April 2024.
Elevate Offshore announces scholarship opportunity for MSc in hydrography at the University Of Plymouth
Elevate Offshore, a prominent provider of survey, ROV, geotechnical, and inspection personnel serving the offshore oil and gas, renewable energy, telecoms, and power sectors, is pleased to introduce a notable scholarship initiative in collaboration with the University of Plymouth. The scholarship aims to afford aspiring hydrographers a significant opportunity by fully covering the tuition fees for the MSc in Hydrography program, beginning in September 2024.
In addition to covering the degree fees, Elevate Offshore will offer mentorship from their experienced staff surveyors. This mentorship program aims to provide the recipient with invaluable guidance and insight into the industry, facilitating a trajectory towards a successful career in hydrography. Furthermore, the recipient will be able to participate in networking events hosted by Elevate Offshore, enabling them to cultivate meaningful connections within the industry. While the scholarship recipient stands to gain financial support and access to Elevate Offshore’s mentorship program, it will be tailored to provide guidance throughout their academic journey. Additionally, they will be expected to present their findings at industry events and accompany Elevate Offshore to networking opportunities, further enhancing their professional development.
Andrew Blears, Managing Director of Elevate Offshore, conveyed his enthusiasm for the scholarship, remarking,
“Elevate Offshore recognises the burgeoning demand for adept personnel in hydrographic surveying and remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing talent within the field. Through this scholarship collaboration with the University of Plymouth, we endeavour to attract individuals who may not have previously contemplated a career in hydrography, thereby propelling the advancement of this discipline within the offshore industry.”
Dr Tim Scott, Associate Professor in Ocean Exploration and Programme Lead for MSc Hydrography, commented, “This wonderful scholarship opportunity, offered by Elevate Offshore, removes one of the greatest barriers to study for those interested in a career in Hydrography. Our team at the University of Plymouth offers master’s-level scientific and technical education in Hydrography, facilitating specialist training to graduates to accelerate their careers in the marine sector, at a time when there is a national and international shortage of highly skilled personnel.”
Applications for the scholarship must be submitted by 31st July 2024 through the University of Plymouth website. Eligible applicants must be UK-domiciled and have received an offer for a full-time place in the MSc Hydrography program at the University of Plymouth starting in September 2024.
Elevate Offshore intends to grant one scholarship annually to The University of Plymouth’s MSc in Hydrography program. The university will select successful applicants based on their funding application.
Unique Group invests in Kongsberg Discovery to manage surge in customer demand
Unique Group, global innovators in subsea technologies and engineering, have signed a contract with Kongsberg Discovery for USD 1.7million of advanced seabed mapping and compact acoustic positioning technology for the APAC region.
The agreement, for the delivery of cNODE Transponders, µPAP SSBL systems and the recently launched EM2042 multibeam echo sounder (MBES), allows Unique to boost its state-of-the-art subsea equipment rental pool, satisfying increasing market demand for innovations capable of unlocking the secrets of the seafloor.
Empowering success
Unique Group, an industry leader in subsea technology rental, sales and services, has an established relationship with Kongsberg Discovery, stocking a broad range of the Norwegian-headquartered company’s proven oceanographic equipment.
The latest order, confirmed at Oceanology International in London, will swell the capacity of Unique’s Singapore base, giving customers in South East Asia fresh access to the calibration free µPAP SSBL systems and the lightweight, robust and user-friendly EM2042, launched in September 2023.
As Sahil Gandhi, CEO, Unique Group, explains, the breakthrough MBES, created to deliver optimal seabed data gathering in remote, challenging environments, is exactly the kind of technology Unique’s ambitious customers require.
Quality counts
He comments: “The EM2042 multibeam systems will support the demand for both standalone rental and for installation on Unique’s Uni-Max USV for seabed mapping and hydrographic surveys. The EM2042 offers a quad-swathe high ping rate and predictive pitch for beam steering, allowing for increased productivity as higher survey speeds can be achieved without reducing data quality.
“This combination of the Kongsberg EM2042 and Uni-Max USV provides the absolutely highest quality data, with great operational functionality and efficiency for our growing customer base.”
Ocean intelligence
Spencer Collins, VP Sales, Kongsberg Discovery, adds: “The demand for high-specification underwater positioning and mapping technology reflects a burgeoning market, with a range of segments eager to enable the sustainable management, monitoring and development of the ocean space.
“With Unique’s track record of domain success, they’re often the first call for customers eager to utilise cutting edge technology, helping them achieve the highest quality data and powerful operational efficiencies. We’re delighted to support them in this mission with the latest acoustic positioning and mapping systems.”
Proven results
Kongsberg Digital’s cNODE family of transponders are market proven medium frequency units for highly accurate underwater acoustic positioning and data links, while µPAP is a small and compact acoustic positioning system for tracking ROV's, tow fish, divers and any other subsea target at ranges up to several thousand metres.
The EM2042 has made a significant market impact since launch, winning praise for its lightweight construction (60% lighter than the EM 2040), easy handling, efficiency, durability, and excellent ‘clean’ data acquisition.
Exail introduces new transoceanic Uncrewed Surface Vessel with multi-robot deployment capabilities
Exail, a leading provider of maritime autonomy solutions, has unveiled its new transoceanic Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), the DriX O-16. Benefitting from an autonomy of 2,500 Nm and a unique naval architecture that enables the USV to withstand the most severe ocean conditions, the new DriX O-16 has been designed for long-duration operations (up to 30 days) and can deploy multiple payloads and subsea assets.
The new USV leverages the successful track record of the already existing DriX USV, launched back in 2017 and that accumulates over 150,000 hours of operations at sea in more than 19 countries. The new DriX O-16 benefits from a hybrid propulsion, redundant architecture, advanced communication systems, as well as AI powered obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities. It offers a high level of reliability and operational efficiency, and new multi-mission capabilities, for enhanced autonomous operations at sea.
A versatile platform, Exail new transoceanic USV allows to launch and recover a wide range of subsea assets such as Remotely Operated Towed Vehicles (ROTVs), inspection-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), as well as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Its gondola, located below the surface, can further host a wide range of payloads such as deep-water Multibeam Echosounders (MBES), Sub-Bottom Profilers (SBP), or acoustic subsea positioning and communication systems (USBL). This makes the new DriX O-16 especially suited for full ocean depth scientific and hydrographic surveys, geophysical and UXO surveys, as well as subsea infrastructures inspection and surveys that might require the deployment of multiple robots.
"With this next-generation transoceanic low-carbon USV, we are pushing back the limits of ocean exploration, empowering collaborative autonomy between surface and subsea drones, while minimizing human exposure at sea,” explains Olivier Cervantes, VP Maritime Autonomy Solutions at Exail. “The introduction of our new DriX O-16 truly marks a significant stride in autonomous maritime operations, as multi-robot missions are definitely where we see the maritime industry and our own developments leaning in the coming years.”