Subsea Europe Services wins six-figure funding to accelerate autonomous survey development
Angel investor supports R&D focus on expanding autonomy from autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the hydroacoustic payloads they carry
A new round of funding has strengthened hydroacoustic technology specialist Subsea Europe Service GmbH’s commitment to taking autonomous technologies to the next level for marine survey applications.
The investment boosts the company’s unique approach which focuses on the integration of new generation smart, A.I. and machine learning enabled hydroacoustic systems with diverse survey platforms including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Surface Vessels, and crewed vessels as survey motherships.
Subsea Europe Services is working with several autonomy-focused partners globally and the first fruits of these collaborations will be shown as early as April 2022, during demonstrations of a new solution created with MARTAC Inc., and based on the high-performance Mantas T12 Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) with a tightly integrated hydrographic survey payload.
The solution is expected to be ready for operation in May, with short, on-demand surveys at offshore wind farms projected to drive demand for the combination of a high-speed USV and increased autonomous payload functionality.
“The autonomous and unmanned platforms available today are incredibly advanced, but survey technology payloads are still complex systems that require an experienced and professional operator to utilise properly,” said Sören Themann, CEO, Subsea Europe Services.
“This investment is a platform for our on-going autonomy R&D, which aims to unlock more agility and efficiency through the seamless integration of survey system and platform to create a single, holistic solution that ultimately, will collect more data, of higher quality and at a faster rate than traditional survey operations,” adds Luis Carlo Soto, Survey Manager, Subsea Europe Services.
Core specifications on the Mantas T12 solution and further information on the Subsea Europe Services GmbH autonomous survey innovation strategy can be found here.
Kraken Awarded $4.8 Million Subsea Battery Contract from Defense Industry Customer
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), Canada’s Ocean Company™, is pleased to announce an order for subsea batteries from a US defense industry customer, for integration on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The order is valued at $4.8 million with deliveries occurring in 2022. For confidentiality reasons, we cannot disclose the customer’s name.
Kraken’s SeaPower® 6000-meter rated pressure tolerant batteries are based on Kraken’s unique pressure tolerant gel encapsulation technology for lithium polymer batteries. This provides an attractively priced, environmentally friendly, and superior energy density alternative to the traditional oil compensated batteries commonly used for deep subsea battery applications.
Kraken’s hot swappable batteries are modular and include an integrated battery management system within each battery module which provides a very high level of redundancy and safety to the vehicle.
Kraken also announces that Cathy Bennett has resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors. Kraken thanks her for her time and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.
Ocean Infinity Broadens Remote Fleet Plans with Order of 85m Robotic Vessels From VARD
Ocean Infinity has contracted VARD for the design and construction of a new series of six multipurpose offshore vessels, all of which will be operated from shore and will eventually utilise green
ammonia as fuel.
This landmark order of six, 85-metre, optionally crewed robotic vessels will take Ocean Infinity’s remote vessel fleet to 23 vessels – the largest in the world.
With Ocean Infinity’s control infrastructure and remote control centre currently undergoing commissioning, transformational low-emission remote operations are becoming a closer reality for the global maritime industry. This new contract between Ocean Infinity and VARD facilitates the next phase of joint development between the two companies, including VARD’s subsidiaries, Vard Design, Vard Electro and Seaonics. VARD’s vessel systems management and automation techniques coupled with Ocean Infinity’s systems integration capability and remote operations infrastructure will enable remote ship operation on a uniquely global scale.
Richard Daltry, Technical Director – Surface Technology at Ocean Infinity said “Armada will play a huge role in enabling the global maritime community to reduce its carbon emissions from operations at sea. These new 85m vessels will be optimised for inspection, maintenance and repair and light construction work to offer remote, ultra-low carbon services to the offshore energy market. Like the 78m series currently under construction, the new design continues to drive minimalised environmental impact with its integration of new fuel-cell and battery technology.”
Dan Hook, Chief Technology Officer at Ocean Infinity said “The team have made significant progress in recent months; commissioning our shore-side remote control infrastructure, running ROVs remotely and developing our fleet management capability. The way in which we will optimise the control and operation of these remote vessels is key. We’re wholeheartedly committed to our goal of transforming operations at sea, to enable people and the planet to thrive, and we’re proud to demonstrate that with the announcement of this next phase of Armada”.
Fredrik Mordal Hessen, General Manager of VARD’s Offshore and Specialized Vessels business area, is impressed with Ocean Infinity’s willingness and ability to take the lead in contributing to a sustainable and future-oriented maritime industry. “This contract addresses the core of VARD’s mission and strategy to enable sustainable maritime operations together with our customers, and further strengthens our partnership with Ocean Infinity. Advanced equipment integration and remote operation is becoming a reality for the maritime industry. Vard Design, Vard Electro, Seaonics and our shipyards have joined forces to enable the required integration, demonstrating the strength of our fully integrated value chain. We are excited to be working with Ocean Infinity on developing and building pioneering vessels backed by a strong business case. It’s a winning team,” he said.
Christian Utvik, VP Sales & Marketing at VARD, said: “It’s a very exciting project that addresses the carbon crisis head-on, leaps in technology with regards to remote control and monitoring, and the integration of tailor-made mission equipment. We have been working together with Ocean Infinity for several years, utilizing all aspects of our expertise and specialist knowledge from our inhouse disciplines and specialized subsidiaries”.
The new vessels of VARD 9 80 design will augment Ocean Infinity’s current Armada fleet of nine 21- metre and 36-metre vessels, plus eight 78-metre vessels which are already in production.
VARD won the contract to design and build the eight highly advanced, 78-meter vessels in November 2020. The first four are underway while steel cutting for the fifth began recently at Vard Vung Tau in
Vietnam. The new series of six vessels are scheduled for delivery from Vard Vung Tau in 2025. The first vessels will have the full suite of new technology and equipment installed and integrated at one of VARD’s
shipyards in Norway utilizing VARD’s global integrated value chain.
Hexagon | VERIPOS expands SPAN GNSS+INS portfolio for dynamic positioning
Ensure safe operations through reliable, robust and continuous positioning with GNSS+INS integration
Hexagon | VERIPOS is proud to expand its proven inertial solution SPAN GNSS+INS technology from NovAtel, also part of Hexagon, to dynamic positioning (DP) applications and vessels. SPAN technology delivers a deeply coupled GNSS and inertial navigation system (INS) that provides robust, reliable and continuous centimetre-level positioning for operators to maintain safety and maximise uptime. With a GNSS+INS solution, DP vessels can bridge outages in GNSS tracking and through short periods of radio frequency interference, jamming or spoofing.
VERIPOS is a leader in offshore high precision positioning, delivering reliable and trustworthy GNSS solutions like the LD900 receiver, PPP correction services and positioning visualisation software. They demonstrate this expertise through SPAN technology’s deep coupling of GNSS and inertial measurements. Deep coupling describes how inertial measurements enhance the signal tracking for GNSS solutions, leading to improved resiliency against GNSS outages and enabling rapid reacquisition in case of interruptions. SPAN technology builds system robustness against potential signal outages, interference or disruptions while optimising operational efficiency.
“The robust positioning, heading, velocity and attitude measurements generated from a deeply coupled GNSS and inertial solution like SPAN technology is a game-changer to dynamic positioning operations,” said Dr. David Russell, marine segment portfolio manager at Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division. “SPAN technology has a proven track record of bridging outages, enabling rapid reacquisition of signals and building a reliable and robust positioning system. It’s the best option for vessels to ensure an added layer of resiliency and achieve continuous centimetre-level accuracy across all conditions.”
SPAN GNSS+INS technology is compatible with commercial inertial measurement units (IMUs) and scalable with your LD900 GNSS receiver, Quantum visualisation software and APEX correction services.
Visit veripos.com/SPAN to explore how SPAN GNSS+INS technology provides robust and reliable positioning for safe, continuous and efficient operations.
Learn more about inertial sensors and the benefits of a deeply coupled system in chapter five of Introduction to GNSS and Beyond.
For further information, please contact:
Product Inquiries: Media Inquiries:
Dr. David Russell Jessica Fielding
Marine segment portfolio manager Senior manager, global marketing
Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division Hexagon's Autonomy & Positioning division
T: +44 1224 965874 T: +1 403 919 3388
Click here to Email Click here to Email
Fugro USV Project Team wins Energy Industry Game Changer Award
Fugro’s Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessel (USV) has been awarded the Energy Industry Game Changer Award at the 2021 Energy Club WA Award, an initiative of the Australian Institute of Energy (AIE). The award is presented to an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to the energy industry resulting in significant advancement of the industry’s knowledge and capability.
The Fugro and Woodside teams were presented with the award following the successful completion of the first entirely remote inspection project on 125 km of Woodside's gas trunklines, utilising the new Blue Essence 12 m USV, Fugro Maali in 2021.
Fugro’s USV offers a unique solution for subsea inspection that requires no offshore crew and demonstrates the many benefits of remote operations such as a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 97% when compared to a traditional vessel solution, and the ability to remove personnel from high-risk environments. The USV and e-ROV conducted successful over-the-horizon operations during the project, further demonstrating the capabilities of this technology.
Paul Mullins, Director of Remote Operations for APAC said: “Fugro’s USVs and remote operations are changing the way the industry carries out subsea inspection operations and over the coming year the team will be pushing the boundaries on additional USV capabilities.”
Intelligent cougar for Japan's offshore renewables
Japan’s growing offshore wind industry is gaining a Saab Seaeye Cougar XTi underwater robotic vehicle for cable burial inspection and other roles.
Kaiyo Engineering has acquired the 2000m rated Cougar, incorporating intelligent control architecture, for deployment from a 250ton mother ship, the Kaiyo Maru.
The ship is one of a fleet of vessels belonging to Kaiyo Engineering, the only privately owned research and observation company in Japan.
The Cougar XTi adds to Kaiyo’s portfolio of Saab Seaeye robots that include a Leopard and a Falcon.
In addition to its cable inspection role, the Cougar will also be used by Kaiyo Engineering to cover additional Leopard work.
Worldwide, Saab Seaeye robots play a dominant role in offshore renewables, as they are technologically suited for the challenges involved in building and maintaining structures and interconnections.
The Cougar XTi is a particular favourite. With its six powerful thrusters it can hold steady in cross currents and operate with precise manoeuvrability whilst fitted with a wide array of equipment.
Kaiyo’s Cougar comes with four Imenco cameras, a Tritech SeaKing sonar, Nortek DVL and station-keeping software, and a five-function heavy duty manipulator with camera.
Its intelligent iCON™ behaviour-based ecosystem endows each device with its own microprocessor for individual control and real-time feedback, in a modular future-flexible system that allows for further development and innovation.
The entire Kaiyo Cougar XTi operational configuration includes a launch and recovery system (LARS), tether management system (TMS) and 20ft control cabin and workshop.
Supporting the successful acquisition of the Cougar and other robotic systems is Saab Seaeye’s distributor in Japan, Marimex Japan K.K.
The Saab Seaeye Cougar XTi for Kayo Engineering can operate precisely in strong currents whilst fitted with cameras, sonars and tools.
Investment Opportunity in Resen Waves
Resen Waves has reached an important milestone in its efforts to develop a commercial platform to grow internationally. The focus is on small-scale commercial 300W to 3kW Smart Power Buoys which provide autonomous power in the sea and instant data communication with instruments or AUV docking stations on the seabed, no matter where they are in the oceans.
The solutions can replace traditional ship operation for survey work in the offshore industry as well as in the fast-growing offshore wind industry. It is CO2 neutral; reduces operational survey cost by up to 90% and improves human safety in the sea. Every ship taken out of operation saves 10.000 tons of CO2 per year.
We are proud to announce our technology will be used for monitoring the first large-scale CCS “Project Greensand” in the Danish sector of the North Sea which begins this year (2022).
For 2022 and 2023 we will be a profitable business - probably the first dedicated wave energy company in the world to achieve this.
Per Resen Steenstrup, Founder and CEO stated: “We would like to meet with like-minded investors to support our growth and agree how to take Resen Waves to the next level, he continued “this could be via a change in ownership or shared investment in the region of 3- 4M€ - I look forward to sharing further information on our plans and finances.”
Innovations that power your operations headline Sonardyne’s theme for Oi2022
Marine technology company Sonardyne will use next week’s Oceanology International exhibition and conference in London to present the first of its new products and services for 2022 targeted at answering operational challenges across energy, defence and science.
On Sonardyne’s stand, F300, and as part of the daily in-water programme, visitors will be able to experience innovations for crewed and uncrewed vehicle platforms, seafloor and structure surveillance, and remotely connected, over-the-horizon missions.
Making its global tradeshow debut is Initiation Transponder 6 (IT 6), an entirely new way to remotely and securely activate mine neutralisers used in unexploded ordnance (UXO) and mine countermeasures (MCM) clearance operations. It can be placed by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or diver and is suitable for both high order detonation and low order deflagration methods.
IT 6s are controlled using Deck Topside, Sonardyne’s new portable control unit that can be used all day, in any weather, and from any size of boat. Sonardyne is using Oi2022 to show how Deck Topside is the future of its back-deck command, control and communications offering with the first look at a valuable functionality addition.
With Deck Topside, users can now acoustically test, load, interrogate and activate their Sonardyne RT 6 acoustic release transponders, as well as IT 6s, simplifying the topside choices on offer.
On start-up, users simply decide which mode they want Deck Topside to operate in; RT 6 or IT 6, with the 7-inch touchscreen displaying a bespoke user interface configured for that particular operation.
Oceanology also sees the arrival of the latest release of Fusion 2, Sonardyne’s LBL and INS software package. The latest release includes boosting Fusion 2 to 64-bit capability. The increased program performance this provides has resulted in faster processing and the most stable version of Fusion 2 ever.
GNSS signal loss when operating in built-up inland waterways and near large offshore structures, such as wind turbines, is a problem Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav family will address during its two daily in-water demonstrations at the show. SPRINT-Nav combines DVL, INS, AHRS and depth sensing in one easy to integrate instrument. Sonardyne will show how, with SPRINT-Nav fitted to any inshore, uncrewed or shallow-water DP vessel, independent, high-grade navigation can be continually available.
Staying with challenging operational environments, Sonardyne’s has brought a Mini-Ranger 2-enabled USV to the dockside to highlight the features that make this USBL system a great choice for high elevation underwater tracking, the ultimate test for any underwater positioning system.
Back inside, on stand F300, experts from the company’s Technology Services and Custom Projects groups will be on hand in a dedicated consultation zone, figuring out the subsea engineering challenges visitors are encouraged to present the team with.
Steve Martin, Sales Director at Sonardyne said: “Whilst the specific application challenges our clients face vary from renewables to underwater security, the need for marine technology which enables operations to be carried out responsibly, safely and efficiently is common. These needs are front and centre of our technology roadmap. Oceanology represents our first opportunity for what will be several product announcements that we have lined up over the course of this year.”
He added: “After two years of not being able to connect in person, we’re thrilled to welcome our industry back together again face-to-face to experience the latest innovation at Oi 2022."
Image Caption: At Oi2022, Sonardyne’s will use a USV to demonstrate its innovations for uncrewed, remote and navigation denied operations across the marine space.
Senior Hydrographic Surveyor - EGS Australia Office
CAT A / Senior Hydrographic Surveyor – Base Salary 120-150 AUD p.a. depending on experience plus uplifts.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Surveyor to join our dynamic team in Henderson, WA.
AHSCP Level 1 is preferred and be willing to relocate our head office. Typically work would be onsite for 90-120 days a year and in the office. Site work is currently 40% offshore and 60 % inshore all-around Australia and occasionally overseas. Multibeam work accounts for over half of our surveyors workload with UXO, Geophysics, ROV Support and Geotech Support making up the remainder.
Equipment we use is cutting edge with Applanix, Kongsberg, Reson, Edgetech etc. Opportunities are available to branch out into Project Management, Survey Engineering or Geosciences. The office environment is relaxed, with flexible start/end times available. The role will also potentially include: Coxswain’s training/sea time on EGS Survey Launch, UAV training/certification, CPD opportunities, networking, attendance to Hydro and Subsea events is actively encouraged.
More details below:
EGS Survey Pty Ltd are searching for experienced hydrographic surveyors to join the team. The successful candidate will be involved with both site and office work working
on projects globally in both the inshore and offshore environment. The surveyor is primarily responsible for the quality control in computation and logging of geospatial data and subsequent processing and reporting. As an experienced surveyor, you will be involved with all aspects of a project to include; tendering, survey planning, vessel mobilisation, equipment calibration/verification, survey acquisition, data QC, data processing, processing QC and final reporting. Working in small survey teams on complex projects, surveyors will:
• be responsible for acquisition of high quality MBES bathymetric data
• involved in acquisition of other geophysical equipment (side scan sonar, subbottom profiler, magnetometer, multi-channel seismic, CPT, Vibrocore and grab
sampling)
• Surface and Subsea Positioning (USBL)
• work closely with the engineering department to assist in troubleshooting of any equipment related issues.
Experience in online QC to ensure that the data is meeting client specifications is essential.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
• A commitment to safe work practices and is willing to embrace the EGS
Management System and policies.
• Able to operate as the onboard lead surveyor
• Be able to plan and organise daily survey activities onboard the survey vessel
• Calibrating and operating of all survey equipment.
• Processing and reporting activities for the projects they undertake.
• Project coordination to assist management.
Authorities
· Instruct all EGS junior personnel in operations and Management System application.
Practical Skills:
• Sound experience in hydrographic surveying in support of the EGS business line.
• Demonstrate competence developing and maintaining sound co-worker relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Requirements
• University degree in Hydrography or a closely related marine/survey discipline.
• Experience with following software: QINSY, Qimera, Caris,
• Experience with following Equipment: Kongsberg/Reson MBES, RTK, Total Station, Sonardyne/Kongsberg USBL
• Willing to relocate to EGS office in Henderson, WA
• Site work rotations can be as short as a few days but also up to 6 weeks, therefore the ability to work away from home for long periods is essential.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work well under pressure in a team environment.
• Current medical, BOSIET/FOET certificates are an advantage.
Please send your CV and covering letter to email: [email protected]
Senior Geodesy Specialist - UK Hydrographic Office
Location: Taunton, South West
Salary: £33,287 pa
Hours: Full time, part time, job share, flexible working
Contract: Permanent
Does the process of making hydrographic data useable and accessible to a wide range of maritime customers interest you?
Do you have the expertise to deliver technical geodetic advice to a range of stakeholders and members of the maritime community?
About UKHO
The UKHO is a leading centre for hydrography, providing marine geospatial data to inform maritime decisions. We work with a wide range of data suppliers and partners to support maritime navigation, safety, security and marine development around the UK and worldwide.
The role
You will join the Geodesy & Tides section of the Terrestrial Science Team, within the Scientific Analysis Group; a centre of excellence, responsible for the provision of advice to UKHO, the MOD and the maritime community on matters relating to tides and geodesy. The geodesy and tides databases are used across the UKHO and the data is used in a variety of UKHO products.
We are looking for a supportive team player who is also able to work with a high level of autonomy and responsibility. You will have strong analytical skills and the ability to work methodically in order to solve technical issues. You will also have the confidence to engage with a range of customers and stakeholders. An in-depth knowledge of geodesy, geodetic reference systems, map projections and geodetic theory is equally important.
To find out more and apply please click on this link.
Closing date: 4:55 pm on Sunday 13th February 2022.
UKHO embraces diversity and promotes inclusion and equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident employer, which includes offering a guaranteed interview to candidates with disabilities, providing they meet the minimum selection criteria.