A legend leaves Oceanwise
In December OceanWise said a huge fond farewell to a legend of the industry: John Pepper who took the final leap to retirement and stepped down from his post as OceanWise Chairman.
John has 50 years’ experience working in the Geospatial Information industry, joining Ordnance Survey from school where he first trained as a land surveyor, and then transferring to the UK
Hydrographic Office, before joining Mark, Caroline and Mike at OceanWise just after the company was founded almost 12 years ago. John has been a key figure in promoting the need for the OceanWise marine mapping products, having helped establish, and then chairing the IHO’s Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure working group from 2008 – 2014.
In parallel, John drove forth the OceanWise business development and marketing portfolio and helped create and deliver the world-renowned Marine Data Management training courses and free annual workshops. John leaves OceanWise to pursue his passions in travel, sports and food and wine and spend more time with his wonderful family.
John will be sorely missed by all the team at OceanWise and those who knew him within the industry. He is wished all the very best in his retirement and his future travels
James Fisher increases offshore wind asset operations and maintenance (O&M) portfolio with triple offshore substation contract from Balfour Beatty Equitix Consortium
- JF Renewables entrusted with long term contract to provide specialist O&M services for a further three offshore transmission infrastructure sites owned by BBEC
- Expands portfolio of transmission assets under management to include Thanet, Gwynt-y-Môr and Humber on top of existing Greater Gabbard contract
- Important step as part of strategy to create value for customers by providing high value, specialist O&M services supported by informed decision making
James Fisher Renewables (JF Renewables), trusted technical and operations solutions provider to the offshore renewables industry, and a part of James Fisher and Sons plc (James Fisher, the group), has won three multi-million pound 13-15-year contracts supplying specialist operations and maintenance (O&M) services to support informed decision-making for offshore transmission asset owners (OFTOs) at Thanet, Gwynt-y-Môr and Humber.
The contracts will be performed by JF Renewables’ specialist high voltage business EDS HV Group (EDS) for BBEC (Balfour Beatty Equitix Consortium), leading investors and long-term fund managers of core infrastructure assets. The addition of three further transmission infrastructure sites further expands EDS’ asset management portfolio with the customer benefiting from the combination of significant project management experience implemented by a highly trained, multi-skilled team.
Transmission infrastructure owners can find that unaddressed underlying problems can often result in an unplanned outage that reduces transmission capacity necessitating an emergency response at short notice with commercial consequences. EDS’ unique approach allows them to focus the annual operating charge and focus on critical assets that require attention, allowing them to flex in-line with the natural deterioration that occurs in all assets over time.
The agreement will see EDS provide enhanced O&M services for the offshore assets, ensuring safety of the system in-line with HV safety rules and the maintenance of HV transmission assets, alongside the integration of provisions for heating and ventilation systems, fire suppression, lifesaving equipment and corrosion inspections. Building on its honest, transparent maintenance philosophy, this partnership represents the next step towards full turnkey O&M solutions, delivered to fortify the safe and sustainable growth of the offshore wind industry.
Jonathan Ball, head of OFTO projects, EDS, said:
“Our flexible approach to contract maintenance, combined with our expertise in delivering on complex projects, is what sets us apart when it comes to our maintenance philosophy, and we are thrilled to be able to continue rolling this out with BBEC.”
Wayne Mulhall, managing director, JF Renewables, said:
“The combination of EDS and JF Renewables enables us to offer a much broader suite of services bolstered by our multi-skilled team. Paired with the introduction of remote technology, such as condition monitoring tools that offset in-person requirements, we can operate leaner without compromising on safety or cost. This win represents the next step in our journey to being a complete end-to-end O&M service provider, and we are excited to be continuing our relationship with Equitix, through this contract with BBEC.”
This follows the 15-year contract awarded in 2019 to provide operations and maintenance services on OFTO assets at Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm.
JF Renewables is supporting the transition to renewable energy by assisting owners of offshore wind generating assets to achieve the optimum return on their investment with EDS having a proven track record in maximising network availability. This combination of skills, know-how and capability enables EDS to ensure that the maximum available amount of electricity can be generated and transmitted reliably to homes and businesses when there is sufficient wind available.
Four new roles available with ABPmer
About us
We are ABPmer; a marine consultancy and survey company that specialises in understanding one of the most complex environments on earth. For more than 70 years we have been helping clients sustainably manage, operate and develop in the marine environment. Based in Southampton, our support and advice is used around the world.
About the roles
Such is our reputation for technical ability, professionalism, and service excellence our services are in high demand.
To continue to meet client needs, we are currently looking for experienced specialists to fill the following roles:
• GIS Analyst (full time, permanent)
• Hydrographic Surveyor (full time, permanent)
• Marine and Coastal Process Specialist (full time, permanent)
• Metocean Analyst (full time, permanent)
Benefits
As well as a competitive salary, we offer 26 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), private healthcare, discretionary annual bonus, holiday purchase scheme, and an excellent pension. Learn more about working at ABPmer.
Application
For more information and to apply, please visit our careers page on the ABPmer website.
Closing date for applications: 7 January 2022*
* Please note we will close a vacancy early if we receive a large number of applications, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
Learn more about the work we do at abpmer.co.uk
Partrac are Hiring Multiple Roles – Senior Metocean Engineer, Metocean Engineers, Principle Oceanographer ,Oceanographers, Project Managers & Data Analysts
If you are an experienced oceanographer, metocean engineer, marine project manager metocean consultant or data analyst, with a passion for the marine environment and renewable energy, we want to hear from you. We are growing and need more specialists to join our team, in order to help our clients, plan and execute successful measurements projects offshore.
You will find yourself in a culture that champions continual improvement, openness, and teamwork. If you are on the lookout for new, better ways to do things and want to be supported by a talented team of peers, you will fit right in here.
Current vacancies are:
• Project Manager
• Principal Oceanographer
• Senior Metocean Engineer / Party Chief
• Metocean Engineer / Oceanographic Technician
• Data & Reporting Analysts
• Metocean Consultants
What you’ll get:
Working at Partrac means you are trusted to use your initiative. We will give you the freedom to follow your ideas and to make an impact.
Our company is growing quickly, so there are plenty of opportunities for progression. As we are a market-leading team and well respected in our industry, working with us will be an excellent career move. Some of the benefits our team love include: –
• Working in a market leading team with a high level of industry recognition
• Interesting and varied projects that make a difference.
• A resilient, dynamic working environment.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Generous holiday allowances.
• Flexible working options.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
Balance is important at Partrac. The metocean department is based in Devon, in the heart of the southwest, within striking distance of Dartmoor and amazing surf beaches a great place to live and work.
To apply:
Please visit https://www.partrac.com/careers for further information.
Or send in your CV and covering letter into [email protected]
– Closing Date 17th January 2022
Leading provider of vessel dimensional control surveys GEOSIGHT announces a new initiative for 2022
Leading provider of vessel dimensional control surveys GEOSIGHT has recently announced a new initiative for 2022, to include the offer of vessel dimensional control survey training, alongside the release of a software package called GEOBASE, which is designed to support the conduct of vessel dimensional control surveying, and the subsequent data management and reporting.
Over the past 6 years, GEOSIGHT have combined their vast experience in both land and hydrographic surveying to create their specialist vessel dimensional control survey offering, which is provided to clients on a national and international scale, where accurate and quality assured vessel dimension data is key to project success. GEOSIGHT has operated in over 17 countries since 2016 and has completed in excess of 200 vessel surveys for clients such as DEME Offshore, Boskalis, Fugro, Subsea 7, UTEC, Ocean Infinity and ROVCO to name a few.
In pursuit of improving and standardising vessel dimensional control surveying practices throughout the offshore survey industry, GEOSIGHT are preparing to offer training courses to companies and individuals who want to learn and implement best practice procedures in dimensional control surveying. Training courses will begin from Spring 2022 and will be delivered from GEOSIGHT headquarters in Hampshire, UK or from client offices.
In combination with dimensional control training, GEOSIGHT are pioneering the development of a new software package called GEOBASE which is designed to support the conduct of dimensional control surveying using best practice procedures. Alongside providing automated routines for moving between the different coordinate and rotation conventions used by survey equipment and software manufactures, GEOBASE is designed to expedite the processing and reporting of dimensional control data so results and final reports are delivered quicker, enabling the crucial client sign-off from mobilisation periods.
GEOBASE is being released in Spring 2022 for a period of 12 months as a basic software package at no cost, its operation will also be covered within training courses. GEOBASE will continue development with an ambitious roadmap, integrating new and exciting functionality, including the intelligent hosting of digital twin scan data.
GEOSIGTH Founder and Principal Surveyor, Brian Gamet, said:
“My personal experiences of conducting dimensional control surveys for the past 18 years including the past 6 years with my colleagues from GEOSIGHT have highlighted a very real need to improve standards in the collection and reporting of vessel dimension data. It is often an afterthought at the end of a mobilisation period, but the repercussions of inaccurate vessel dimensions data are significant. We’re delighted to take this important step in offering training to our industry colleagues, and also in providing a unique software package which will assist in the survey process, and the ongoing management of vessel geometry data which may be provided by a number of different dimensional control surveyors over the vessel or project lifecycle. Our vision is to create an industry standard providing improved subsea data quality and survey efficiencies, and the complete confidence in vessel geometry data from surveyors and their clients.
MacArtney strengthens sales in Australasia with the appointment of a new System Sales Manager
MacArtney, the leading supplier of underwater technology, has recruited Daniel Malone as System Sales Manager, based Perth WA, effective 1st December 2021.
Daniel brings a great deal of technical knowledge to our team in Asia and Australia, having comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the Oil and Gas industry, specialising in geophysical surveys, seismic data acquisition, ROV and subsea operations.
Before moving to the commercial Oil and Gas sector, Daniel served in the British Royal Navy as a communication and weapons engineer. Furthermore, he is a qualified engineer, enabling him to bring a very high degree of technical detail to his dealings with customers.
Multi-skilled engineer with a focus on electronic/electrical engineering fundamentals
Having studied electronics and electrical engineering at Teesside University in the UK, he brings a high level of analytical, problem solving and fault rectification abilities in both the office and remote offshore environments.
In his new role as System Sales Manager, Daniel Malone will use his interpersonal and systematic skills to tackle the demanding issues that our clients have in Australia and New Zealand. With its geographical remoteness and time difference from Europe, they choose to deploy MacArtney products because of our long history of quality and reliability.
Daniels's main areas of responsibility will be day-to-day sales of MacArtney's systems product range and looking at areas for growth and expansion into academic and defence markets.
"I have used their products for many years in challenging and remote environments. I know their product quality and robustness as well as their after-sales support, so naturally, I jumped at the chance to get on board with MacArtney. I look forward to adding value here in Australia and promoting new business growth", Daniel says.
A bright future
Anthony Gleeson, Managing Director of MacArtney Singapore, is excited to welcome Daniel to the team:
"MacArtney is keen to grow its business in Australasia, and Daniel's background in the Offshore Oil and Gas, Renewables and Defence sectors can only enhance our client experience and help drive the company into new and existing areas and opportunities in the region."
MacArtney Australia Pty Ltd, established in 2012, represents the commitment of MacArtney Underwater Technology to the challenging underwater technology markets of Oceania. Located in the major offshore city of Perth, the operation provides a local professional presence within the region, supported by the long-established global MacArtney network.
MacArtney Australia provides an increased sales base with access to an extensive stock and capacity, resulting in the fast completion of projects and customer applications.
First Decommissioning Underway in Africa
Angola sees Africa’s first offshore oil platform decommissioning underway as EQS (Environment Quality Services) successfully deploys their Saab Seaeye Falcon for determining safer upcoming decommissioning operations.
Dubai-based EQS assess the integrity of offshore structures using their Falcon for visual inspection and image gathering.
The range of offshore structures inspected to assess integrity includes platform (jacket), wellhead, protection dome, pipelines and umbilical.
EQS help offshore energy clients navigate the complex environmental regulatory landscape to achieve regulatory compliance, protecting employee health and safety, and managing business liabilities.
“The Falcon supports EQS in their aim to fulfil specific works in a safe and cost-effective manner by delivering accurate and relevant information,” says Carlos Rodrigues (CTO) of EQS.
He sees the Falcon as an ideal resource for their specialist work as it can handle an array of cameras, sensors, tooling and complex data gathering systems that can easily be added or changed thanks to the Falcon’s iCON™ intelligent module-focused distributed control architecture.
The world’s top selling robot of its class, the Falcon’s 20-year success comes from being a portable, metre-sized, intelligent, powerful, five-thruster, highly maneuverable, multi-tasking, easy to use vehicle, depth rated range to 1000 metres.
With a reliability record covering over a million hours underwater, including deep tunnel work, the Falcon can remain stable in turbulent waters and strong currents whilst undertaking both robust and precision tasks.
For EQS the Falcon supports their wide range of complex and routine environmental projects where solutions are created by combining the right people with the right technologies to meet each project’s unique challenges.
ASL Introduces the AZFP6-ice, the Next Generation of Upward Looking Sonars for Ice-Infested Waters
ASL Environmental Sciences is pleased to announce the combining of our Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profiler (AZFP) with our Ice Profiling Sonar (IPS) to provide a comprehensive solution for ice thickness detection and water column profiling of fish, zooplankton, bubbles and suspended sediments in ice-infested waters. The AZFP6-ice is the next generation in high resolution, low power, continuous recording subsurface instruments that are capable of long-term deployments of a year or more. The AZFP6-ice would typically be used in an upward looking taut-line mooring as illustrated below but could easily be inverted to record the water column in a downward looking orientation. Built into the ice profiling sensor is a logarithmic detector which resolves both strong and weak acoustic targets. In practice, this means that the signal from strong reflections such as the water–air interface at close range doesn’t saturate, and weak targets such as the water–ice interface at long range are still measurable.
A narrow-beam 420 kHz frequency channel on this Instrument (identical to the one used on ASL’s well-known IPS) is used for high spatial resolution ice cover measurements. The three other calibrated fishery acoustic channels of the instrument acquire details of constituent targets within the water column. The memory capacity of this new generation instrument has been upgraded from a single 32 GB compact flash card to the now expanded 512 GB capacity using dual 256 GB SD cards with plans to continue expanding memory capacity.
The first AZFP6-ice prototype with ice profiling capabilities was deployed in October 2021. ASL expects to formally launch this new instrument in the Spring of 2022.
The Polish Navy acquires iXblue DriX USV to advance its hydrographic operations
The Hydrographic Office of the Polish Navy has purchased iXblue DriX Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) through the company’s local partner THESTA. The USV will be advancing the Polish Navy hydrographic capabilities.
An 8m USV developed to conduct various missions, DriX is particularly well suited for hydrographic surveys. Equipped with advanced sensors (radar, lidar, cameras…) and its own artificial intelligence, the USV analyzes its environment, avoids obstacles, and carries out its missions autonomously. With its efficient Launch and Recovery System, DriX can be launched from a vessel or can directly sail from a harbor to autonomously map large areas of the ocean in a reduced amount of time.
“The Hydrographic Office of The Polish Navy having led the way towards the adoption of autonomous solutions within the Polish Navy, we are honored that they turned to iXblue DriX USV as their next reliable and proven autonomous platform for their future bathymetric survey. By significantly increasing both the quality of the collected data and the survey area coverage, the use of this new Uncrewed Surface Vehicle will open up new possibilities for the Polish Hydrographic Office.” Cezary Majchrowicz, Technical Director at Thesta explained.
“We are honored by the choice of the Polish Navy to operate our DriX Uncrewed Survey Vessel for survey applications in the wake of other prestigious international hydrographic services and private companies in the world such as the US NOAA.” Commented Guillaume Eudeline, Global Business Development, Ships & Drones at iXblue. “Offering outstanding seakeeping and speed capabilities, Our DriX USV will act as a true force-multiplier and will help the Polish Navy acquire high quality data while optimizing their survey productivity, efficiency, safety and environmental footprint. We would like to thank them for their trust and are now looking forward to our continued partnership with them.”
SeeByte wins contract to develop enhanced situational awareness for future Active Protection Systems
Future Active Protection Systems (APS), and specifically Modular Integrated Protection Systems (MIPS) are likely to incorporate passive sensor subsystems as a crucial element of their sensing suite.
With advanced imaging processing techniques, passive imaging sensors could provide additional enhanced situational awareness (SA) capabilities, such as object detection, identification and tracking, and image segmentation and range estimation, whilst also providing their core APS function.
Under Phase 2 of DASA’s “Advanced Vision 2020 and Beyond” competition, run by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), SeeByte will develop a state-of-the-art multi-task DNN framework. The multi-task architecture provides semantic image segmentation, object detection, and depth estimate (bearing and range) outputs for monocular electro-optics (EO/IR) sensors.
SeeByte’s previous experience with multi-task DNN architectures has demonstrated that it is possible to substantially compress DNN model size and complexity without a drop in performance.
In later phases SeeByte will also address limited imagery datasets containing relevant target objects by using Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to inject synthetic objects into real imagery
Image: DASA has awarded contracts to develop improved Electro-Optics and Infrared (EOIR) sensor capability. DASA Copyright.