Fugro launches its new generation of uncrewed surface vessels in the Netherlands
Fugro’s Blue Essence, an offshore certified uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with an electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV), will begin its first project in the Netherlands. During operations the vessel is controlled from an onshore remote operations centre (ROC) via a satellite connection and will be used for the inspection of offshore assets, construction support services, and hydrographic and geophysical surveys.
USVs play an important role in the future of the maritime sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering data more efficiently. USV operations remove personnel from high-risk offshore environments to an onshore ROC and reduce carbon footprint by 95 % when compared to traditional survey methods. Cloud-based data processing allows near real-time data delivery, leading to faster and more informed decision making.
René de Vries, Harbour Master of the Rotterdam Port Authority, said:
“We welcome this special vessel in our port. It’s the first time a remotely controlled uncrewed vessel will go to the North Sea from the port of Rotterdam to carry out a project without any personnel on board. We are proud that this project will be executed safely due to the careful preparation of all parties involved. We expect the development of digitalisation in the shipping sector will improve the safety and accessibility of the Rotterdam port.”
Erik-Jan Bijvank, Group Director Europe and Africa at Fugro, said:
“Fugro is a leader in the operation of USVs. Since 2020, Fugro has been deploying its Blue Shadow USV fleet for medium- to large-scale hydrographic survey applications. Recently, Fugro’s first Blue Essence has completed its first remote inspection, in Asia Pacific. I am excited that we now also have this newest generation of USVs available for European clients. Over the coming years, Fugro will further expand its fleet of USVs for safer, more sustainable solutions for marine operations.”
SUT’S Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award Winner announced: Nominations now open for 2022
Operator demand was what stimulated Aleksandra Tomaszek, the winner of the inaugural Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award 2021, to become interested in robotics.
The inaugural award received high-calibre international nominations, with Aleksandra Tomaszek, COO and Co-Founder of Aberdeen-based 1CSI selected as the 2021 winner
Gwyn Griffiths MBE, a Past President of the SUT explained the judges’ selection:
“Aleksandra's achievements, drive and business acumen make her a most worthy winner. What stands out is her strong background in offshore project engineering and management, coupled with a mind tuned to the sometimes elusive combination of technology and business innovation.
“Those personal attributes led her to the design, development and introduction of the revolutionary TIAMAT ROV-mounted ultrasonic testing tool to meet client needs, with a vision to change the face of subsea ultrasonic inspection: a truly inspirational winner!”
Aleksandra Tomaszek
Nominations for the 2022 Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award are now sought with full details at www.sut.org/gwyn-griffiths-underwater-robotics-award-ggura/. The award recognises people in the early to mid-stages of their career (and under 40 years old) who have made outstanding contributions to their field in underwater robotics. The award may be for industry/commercial, research and/or creative activity in underwater robotics. The winner receives £500, a certificate and an engraved award.
About the 2021 winner and her interest in robotics
Aleksandra Tomaszek, who at 1CSI is responsible for leading the company’s business operations globally, executing its business strategy and ensuring operational excellence, explained how her interest in robotics was stimulated:
“Following time with Balmoral Offshore Engineering overseeing the design and manufacture of deep-water products; I then spent three years at Oceaneering where my role involved the worldwide deployment of leading-edge subsea inspection technology using remote vehicles, it was where I met my business partner Matthew Kennedy - who developed a subsea scanner in 2009. I found my time there to be fascinating and exciting – it drew me in and made me wish to develop more methodical and effective approaches to the assessment of underwater asses.
“We were just finishing a project when the operator in question approached us looking for an inspection solution for another of their assets. At the time there was nothing that could be done with the existing technology. That made me think: ‘What if we had a clean sheet of paper, time and the resources required? How amazing it would be to create something new!’
“The opportunity arrived when we left Oceaneering and set up 1CSI Ltd in early 2017. Driven by operator demand and the desire to create applicational solutions we sought and received government grant funding to design and develop the TIAMAT™
Ocean Infinity to deliver a zero-emissions marine propulsion system
UK Government backed partnership programme for a ground-breaking
Ammonia based fuel cell system for Armada fleet
Ocean Infinity, the marine robotics company is pleased to announce it is a winner of The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, enabling the Company and its partners to build a Marine Propulsion Test facility, with an integrated Ammonia Marine Propulsion System (AMPS). The test facility will demonstrate clean-fuelled technology eventually capable of powering Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet, using an innovative ammonia based fuel cell system.
The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition is funded by the Department for Transport, with Innovate UK acting as delivery partner. With Ocean Infinity acting as lead partner, the company is combining forces with UK-leading experts in clean fuel cell technology; maritime logistics; deployment and operation of remote and autonomous technology; and the development of operational regulations. The project team consists of an industry leading operator, Oxford Green Innotech, the University of Oxford and the University of Southampton’s Marine and Maritime Institute.
Currently, most vessels use Green House Gas intensive internal combustion power systems. Directly targeting key elements of the UK Government’s 2050 Clean Maritime Plan, Ocean Infinity and its partners are introducing innovative new technologies and techniques for clean vessel propulsion, expecting to make a meaningful contributing towards the UK’s net-zero greenhouse gas commitment.
This project, due to deliver a zero-emissions marine propulsion system, is crucial for developing a robust understanding and thus optimisation of an AMPS, suitable for integration into Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet and beyond.
Dan Hook, Ocean Infinity’s Chief Technology Officer, said:
“Winning The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition is a significant step forward in the delivery of a zero emissions marine propulsion system. Working with the UK’s leading experts, we are driving forward a ground-breaking ammonia based fuel cell system, which will not only make the Armada fleet the cleanest in the world, but also has the potential to revolutionise marine propulsion systems.
I would like to extend our thanks to the Department for Transport, and Innovate UK, for instigating the competition and for their financial support of this important programme.”
Seafloor Collision Avoidance Assist
Seafloor is proud to announce the availability of an industry-disrupting Collision Avoidance Assist (CAA) package for integration on future unmanned survey vessels. The system's main components include an onboard computer and LiDAR to navigate around both stationary & moving objects. Our point cloud 360-based system detects and tracks objects in real time within a standard 25m radius. The introductory-level system reduces human navigation errors, increases data acquisition efficiency, and overall - protects survey instruments during missions. Our engineers have configured the CAA system to be modular, so that future software iterations and instruments can be added depending on the desired level of function. Currently, there is no other low-cost collision avoidance package on the market that can be mounted into mid-sized unmanned vessels like the EchoBoat-160 and EchoBoat-240. This development brings heightened hands-off capabilities to our line of survey vessels so more focus can be directed towards collecting precision hydrographic data.
CAA Highlights:
• Integrated into AutoNav autopilot system, only basic knowledge of mission
planning needed
• No additional control software required
• Can be integrated into alternative control systems
• Leverages LiDAR point cloud clustering to gain a true representation of the
environment
• IP67+ LiDAR provides a dense 3D depth map
• Global cloud integrated software distribution platform allowing for Over-The-Air
updates of core software and machine learning elements
• Adjustable avoidance reaction distance
• 25m standard
• 50m available with alternate higher-density LiDAR
• Powerful NVIDIA computer with integrated GPU handles processing
• World's leading platform for AI at the edge
*Responsibility for the Proper Operation of Your Vessel:
CAA (Collision Avoidance Assist) performs the functions of obstacle avoidance designed for use in compatible vessels. While using CAA, it is your responsibility to ensure that you follow
instructions for use of service and exercise good judgment. Access to and use of CAA is at your own risk and responsibility, and CAA should be accessed and/or used only when you can do so safely. CAA does not alleviate the need for human in the loop observation. It is designed to assist the vessel operator who must remain aware of navigation and surroundings at all times. Vessel must be operated by a fully attentive driver that is prepared to take over at any moment.
Join the Chesapeake Technology team for our winter 3-Day Training Workshop to learn the newest SonarWiz 7 features.
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON, SC
Join the Chesapeake Technology team for our winter 3-Day Training Workshop to learn the newest SonarWiz 7 features. This will be an in person event held at College of Charleston, South Carolina USA.
The Chesapeake Winter training event is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment in compliance with guidance from state and local governmental agencies and the College of Charleston
The safety guidelines outlined below are in place and subject to change:
- Our guidance recommends everyone wear a face covering in indoor public settings, whether you’ve been vaccinated or not.
- We encourage all in-person attendees to be vaccinated.
- Masks will be provided as needed.
- Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the facility for your use.
- Approved food and beverage preparation and service procedures will be followed for the health and safety of all attendees.
- We ask that all attendees to confirm that they are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and have not recently been exposed to anyone who tested positive. If you do have symptoms or have been exposed, your registration fee will be refunded, or can be applied towards another event.
Attendees will learn to use SonarWiz for sidescan, sub-bottom, multibeam, single beam, and magnetometry processing. Learn advanced interactive planning tools and processing techniques to create 3D images, conduct textual analysis using the advanced seabed characterization tools, and increase productivity using the 3D area and swath based editing tools, and much more.
Training includes a 14 day demo license, reference guides and sample data sets to use SonarWiz during and after class. Training will be held 9:00am - 5:00pm EST.
- 9am - 1pm (classroom) ; 2pm - 5pm (on the water) Pickney room
- Edgetech sonar systems using SonarWiz
- 1pm - 5pm - Introduction to SonarWiz
- A short session on the program basics for beginner users
- 6pm - 8pm - Partner Reception
- 8am Pre-registration
- 3pm - 5pm - meet with partners, one-on-ones, boat demos
- 5pm - 7pm - Reception in Atrium, open to all
- 3pm - 5pm - meet with partners, one-on-ones, boat demos
- 5pm - 7pm - Evening social sponsored by Survey Equipment Services (SES)
- 3pm - 5pm - meet with partners, one-on-ones, boat demos
Registration is $695 per person or $590 with a current EMA. Companies pay $1,995 for up to 4 attendees. Students pay $349 or call for group discounts. Attend for free if you purchase a SonarWiz license within 60 days of the course.
We have arranged a group discount rate of $149 per night at Francis Marion Hotel . Please click on this link to reserve your room and use "CHESAPEAKETECH21 to ensure that you receive this discounted group rate.
If you have any questions please call us at +1 650-967-2045 or email [email protected].
Sonardyne and Wavefront demonstrate obstacle avoidance capability on UK’s test XLUUV
Underwater obstacle avoidance technology from maritime defence technology companies, Sonardyne and Wavefront, has been successfully demonstrated on board an extra-large, uncrewed, underwater vehicle (XLUUV) built and operated by Plymouth-based MSubs Ltd.
The demonstration of the Vigilant forward looking sonar was part of the first phase of the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) ‘Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle Testbed – Opportunity to Integrate’ competition, run jointly with the Royal Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The DASA competition is focused on testing and validating commercial-off-the-shelf technologies (COTS) sensors and payloads, like Vigilant, to help the Royal Navy understand the future roles for XLUUVS for surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, and deliver new capabilities to the Royal Navy years earlier than otherwise be possible.
Vigilant, developed by Wavefront and manufactured and commercialised by Sonardyne, is a navigation and obstacle avoidance sonar for ships, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and underwater vehicles. It provides crews with automated long-range detection of objects in the water column, showing them where it is safe to navigate and alerting them to potential underwater dangers that could result in a collision or grounding.
The system has two operating modes. In 3D mode, Vigilant produces accurate 3D bathymetry and colour-coded depth imagery out to 600 m and to depths down to 100 m. In Sonar mode, Vigilant processes the intensity of the acoustic data to extract long-range positional data out to 1.5 km and over a 120-degree field of view. The sonar returns are used to generate alerts highlighting the presence of a navigationally relevant obstacle.
For the trial, the system’s sonar projector and receiver array were mounted in the bow of the 9 m-long MSubs’ S201 XLUUV. At just 31 cm-wide and weighing only 14 kg in air, Vigilant is easy to retrofit on a wide range of platforms including ships, USVs or, as in this case, an XLUUV.
As part of the demonstration, the XLUUV was programmed to travel beyond the breakwater outside Plymouth sound. Vigilant was used to create a bathymetric map that was used by the XLUUV to navigate. The data was also overlaid over existing charts of the area, demonstrating the higher resolution provided by Vigilant.
Ioseba Tena, Head of Defence at Sonardyne, said: “We’re delighted to be playing a role in helping the Royal Navy and programme partners to test and evaluate technologies that will help the UK stay ahead of her adversaries in the underwater battlespace.
“Seaborne collision avoidance is a vital consideration for autonomous and uncrewed naval platforms. Vigilant can be integrated into these ocean robots to provide essential information to autopilots and command and control systems, to aid safe navigation and manoeuvres around hazardous obstacles.”
Bret Phaneuff, Managing Director at MSubs, said:
“The data from Vigilant is truly impressive and transformative. It provides our XLUUV with instant situational awareness, which will help it avoid obstacles and, with some further integration, help optimise navigation trajectories to improve our performance and increase our endurance.”
Image Caption: The MSubs S201 XLUUV is being trialled by the UK’s Royal Navy to explore the potential capabilities of large uncrewed underwater vehicles for its future missions.
Image Caption: 50 m deep, 16 km south of Plymouth, the vehicle can be seen navigating around an area of shallow water to the north.
SAAB Seaeye's new underwater robot to join Ocean Infinity Armada
A contract has been signed with launch customer Ocean Infinity for 10 of the latest Saab Seaeye underwater robots, supporting new jobs and site expansion.Saab Seaeye, a world leader in underwater robotics, has agreed a deal to sell 10 of its new electric work remotely operated vehicles (eWROV), including further options, to leading marine robotics company, Ocean Infinity.
Due to this and further future contracts Saab Seaeye is also to expand by 70% to an additional 3,236m2 (34,832 ft2) site in Fareham, UK, by March 2022 and is currently recruiting.
The new eWROV product, is the world’s most capable and intelligent all-electric, work-class underwater robot, that will be built in Saab Seaeye’s new facility in Fareham within the Solent Freeport.
The eWROV is the latest addition to Saab Seaeye’s underwater portfolio used across a variety of offshore energy sectors, ocean science and defence. It is the culmination of four years of research and development, resulting in a larger and more powerful ROV compared to those designed for light work and observation tasks.
Saab Seaeye is among the first companies to produce a full-size electric work-class vehicle that can deliver the same overall performance as a 250 horsepower hydraulic vehicle, while offering a lower lifetime cost and reduced environmental impact.
Ocean Infinity is developing the world’s largest fleet of uncrewed robotic vessels and will be the eWROV’s launch customer. The eWROV will play its part in Ocean Infinity’s mission to use innovative technology to transform operations at sea, enabling people and the planet to thrive. Armada is set to revolutionise the maritime industry, delivering sustainable services that offer up to 90% emissions savings over a conventional vessel performing a similar offshore task.
The eWROV’s electrification is the key to its improved performance and sustainability-related attributes. As well as being more efficient, electric systems use little or no oil, making the eWROV significantly more environmentally friendly than equivalent hydraulic work-class systems.
Most important, eWROV benefits from Saab Seaeye’s iCON™ intelligent system architecture, making it capable of fully autonomous operation.
“Ocean Infinity’s order is the largest in Saab Seaeye’s history and highlights the need for intelligent, adaptable and flexible underwater robotics. The eWROV is more efficient and cleaner than the hydraulic alternatives and it also requires less human involvement and will play an important role in future autonomous vessel fleets. We are confident the eWROV will serve Ocean Infinity well,” says Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK.
“Lessening the environmental impact of operations at sea is the main driver behind the development of Armada. The all-electric eWROV, in addition to our already low-emission vessels, will enable us to support our customers with infrastructure integrity projects in the most environmentally responsible way. The eWROVs will form an important part of our Armada architecture; through integration with our dynamic payload controller, we’ll be able to deploy and operate them anywhere in the world from our Remote Control Centres,”
says Dan Hook, Chief Technology Officer, Ocean Infinity.
Saab Seaeye’s new eWROV is the world’s most capable and intelligent all-electric, work-class underwater robot.
The new robot is fitted with Saab Seaeye’s all-electric seven-function high-precison manipulators.
Experienced Hydrographic Surveyors, Geophysicists and Engineers - EGS
EGS is looking to recruit Experienced Hydrographic Surveyors, Geophysicists and Engineers to join our expanding departments located in Bordon, Hampshire.
As an experienced Hydrographic Surveyor, Geophysicist or Engineer, you will have been involved with all aspects of surveying, from planning, vessel mobilisations and data acquisition to processing and production of final deliverables. Site work will be on either 12 or 24 hour vessels and you will also get the opportunity to work with colleagues from around the EGS Group, either working in one of the overseas office or on one of the survey vessels which are located globally. In addition, you will be responsible for mentoring and training junior personnel as well as researching, introducing and developing new equipment and revising existing procedures to enhance efficiency and data quality.
The company offers a diverse work environment that will allow you to develop and expand your hydrography, geophysical or engineering experience and skillset.
You will need to have 3+ years of vessel mobilisation, data acquisition and processing or engineering experience, with a proven record of delivering high quality data on time.
You will need to have the right to work in the UK and hold a full, clean UK driving licence.
If you are interested in joining our team of survey professionals either as a Hydrographic Surveyor, Geophysicist or Engineer please contact one of the following:
Chris Howlett, Head of Hydrography: [email protected]
Rory Anderson, Head of Geoscience: [email protected]
Mike Morgan, Assistant Technical Manager: [email protected]
Hydrographic Surveyors (Programme Managers & Client Representatives) - UK Hydrographic Office
Salary: £42,507 plus excellent benefits
Location: Taunton, Somerset, South West
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is recruiting hydrographic surveyors for key programme /project management and client representative roles. These roles are pivotal to support UKHO’s partnering and engagement objectives as well as increased programme activity and capacity building activity relating to hydrography, hydrographic governance, and policy implementation. Whether in a programme management or a client representative role, you will play a key role in exploiting hydrographic opportunities in order to deliver our strategic objectives as our remit continues to evolve.
If you have in-depth hydrographic surveying experience, with a passion for using seabed mapping to improve outcomes for people and the environment, the UKHO would like to hear from you. An appreciation of the wider utility of updated bathymetry, particularly in the context of developing nations will also be key. You will also require demonstrable experience of managing operational delivery.
UKHO is a great place in which to explore your career potential. While our projects are career-defining, the work/life balance that we can offer you is equally exceptional. From flexitime, flexible working, an award-winning office environment and a generous annual leave allowance of 34.5 days including public holidays, the opportunities open to you here are hard to beat.
For a full job description, including the competencies you will be assessed on in your application, please click the apply button to be taken to the Civil Service Jobs website.
Closing date: 11:55 pm on 29 November 2021.
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.
Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
Apply link: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1754050
Teledyne Marine partners with Seatronics to increase distribution of Bowtech cameras and lights range in Europe, Americas, and Asia Pacific
Teledyne Marine are pleased to announce the appointment of Seatronics Group, an Acteon company as a distribution & service partner for its market leading Bowtech brand of underwater cameras, lights and underwater strobes.
Seatronics will not only add to Teledyne’s existing distribution sales network by making products more accessible to the market but also strengthen after-sale care around the globe making use of its regional service centres in UK, Singapore and USA.
“Imaging technology is the at heart of Teledyne’s business and since its acquisition in 2015, the Bowtech brand has formed a vital offering within our portfolio of underwater positioning, imaging and communication sensors,” William Egan, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne Marine, Imaging & Instruments. “With a long and positive track record of sale, rental and integration of Bowtech cameras and lights, Seatronics were a natural choice for Teledyne as we look to further increase global distribution for this successful range, be closer to our customers and continue to enhance the customer experience.”“Seatronics are delighted to announce this formal partnership with Teledyne Marine in support of the Bowtech brand” added Derek Donaldson, Managing Director of Seatronics. “It is great to see Seatronics leveraging our wider platform for sales and service for the Bowtech products globally from our Aberdeen, Houston and Singapore sites.”
For more information please contact Ed Cheesman, Sales and Business Develop Sr. Manager, Teledyne Marine at [email protected]
ABOUT TELEDYNE MARINE:
Teledyne Marine is a group of leading-edge subsea technology companies that are part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Through acquisitions and collaboration, Teledyne Marine has evolved into an industry powerhouse, bringing Imaging, Instruments, Interconnect, Seismic, and Vehicle technology together to provide total solutions to our customers. www.teledynemarine.com
ABOUT SEATRONICS:
Seatronics, an Acteon company, are a global leader in the rental and sale of marine electronics equipment and subsea solutions. Their capabilities include custom sensor solutions; subsea electronics equipment rental; service repairs and calibration support; lightweight observation remotely operated vehicles (ROV); and ROV tooling, all built in partnership with key equipment manufacturers. As a single-source partner, Seatronics provides access to multiple and exclusive, global supplier partnerships, sourcing the best and latest technology available.
www.seatronics-group.com