Sustainable ocean data company transforming market with €8m investment and ambitious carbon reduction plans
Irish based international ocean data company, XOCEAN, has received an €8m investment to accelerate its growth and deliver its exciting ambitions. Valued in excess of €100 million, carbon neutral XOCEAN is driving down emissions in the offshore industry and is delivering on its sustainability goal of displacing the emission of one million tons of carbon.
The multi-million-euro investment led by VentureWave Capital, who launched their “Impact Ireland” fund in June 2020, perfectly aligns with XOCEAN’s mission. The fund works with high growth companies to invest and build global ‘technology for good’ that will deliver real societal benefits.
Having tripled its revenue growth for two consecutive years, XOCEAN is no longer just an industry disrupter but a serious contender within the market. The new funding will accelerate their growth, seeing XOCEAN continue to scale up operations. With ambitious plans to increase headcount from over 100 staff to 350 in the next 24 months whilst tripling the size of their fleet to over 60 Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), the business will displace the emission of one million tons of carbon within the next five years alone, whilst simultaneously improving safety by avoiding over five million seafarer exposure hours.
XOCEAN Chief Financial Officer, Karen May, said:
“This really is a milestone for the business, 2021 has been a great year for XOCEAN with really strong revenues and financial performance. We look forward to investing the funds now to accelerate our market growth and retain our leadership position in this new and fast-growing industry.”
The company uses its proprietary marine robotic technology to collect ocean data sustainably across a range of industries including Offshore Wind. Already a key player in the market, XOCEAN has successfully delivered over 100 projects accumulating over 35,000 hours of operation. The business continues to drive the development of new products with an ambitious technology roadmap, which integrates new capabilities whilst maximising the efficiency of the platform and pushing the boundaries of the technology.
With only 5% of the world’s oceans mapped, XOCEAN serves the growing demand for carbon-neutral data collection using in-house developed remotely operated uncrewed vessels. As the offshore wind sector continues to accelerate, XOCEAN's work will contribute to that development, empowering the global shift to renewable energy and enhanced understanding of the oceans.
VentureWave’s Chairman and Managing Partner, Alan Foy, who will join the XOCEAN Board, said: “We are delighted to be working with James and Karen. The ocean data collection market is a major emerging market opportunity with substantial growth forecast. XOCEAN has world class technology that delivers an eco-friendly, safer and more intelligent way of addressing this need. With operations already across four continents, they are well positioned to capture a significant share of that growth.”
XOCEAN’s Founder and CEO James Ives said:
“Our mission is to deliver the data that powers the sustainable development of our oceans. Our aim is to do this in a safe, economic and ultra-low impact way. Today we are delivering this for clients across a range of industries including the renewable energy sector and government agencies across the globe from North America to Europe to Asia-Pacific. We are delighted that Alan and the VentureWave team have chosen to join us on this exciting journey”
Kieran McLoughlin, VentureWave Capital Managing Partner said,
“We are thrilled to partner with another impact-driven business, XOCEAN. The investment will meet a number of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals including Climate Action and Life Below Water. Together with James and the Management Team, we have set several impact goals for the next few years including displacing the emission of one million tons of carbon and supporting the development of over 100 gigawatts of offshore wind.”
The €8 million Series A investment round, led by VentureWave Capital, included existing XOCEAN shareholders Chris Huskilson and Enterprise Ireland as well as other private investors in Ireland and Canada.
Swathe Services adds GISGRO to their survey solution portfolio
Easy delivery and utilization of survey data adds value to the workflow for surveyors.
For over 17 years, Swathe Services has excelled in supporting surveyors, contractors, ports, harbours, dredging and construction companies to achieve the best possible value from their surveys. Swathe Services provide not only high-end technology but also their expertise in consulting and training services. Whether the survey is carried out on land or under water, Swathe Services offers the best tools for the job.
A common problem for many surveyors is how to efficiently share data with their clients to help them utilise it in their everyday operations. GISGRO’s easy-to-use interface, smart tools and online environment ensure that data is available for all, in one place, at one time, enabling everyone involved to work smarter.
Swathe Services have added GISGRO online platform to their product offering, allowing surveyors to increase the value of their service and assist end customers to work smarter and utilise the data effectively.
“We are proud to add GISGRO to our excellent list of products we provide to the marine survey industry. This software will add huge value to high resolution data”, James Williams, Managing Director at Swathe Services said.
“We are excited to have Swathe Services on board with the mission of increasing the utilization of survey data in ports’ operations. Making digitalisation easier is in the interest of both of us, and the surveying expertise of Swathe Services ensures the data put in GISGRO by their clients will be first-class”, Kirsi Hänninen, CEO of VRT Finland added.
About Swathe Services
Swathe Services is a Hydrographic Survey services company based at Hayle Marine Renewables Business park, Cornwall UK.
They specialise in Hydrographic survey equipment sales and support for the global survey industry. They work with the offshore oil and gas, renewables, environmental and coastal industries.
They offer bespoke or standard packages for any survey requirement. Providing leading-edge survey technology and equipment for sale or hire along with specialist hydrographic personnel, consultancy, training and complete customer support.
About GISGRO
Everyone at GISGRO has experience in the surveying and port industries. Our passion is helping clients find optimal ways to maximize the benefits of smart technology. GISGRO is developed by VRT Finland, a 3D underwater survey pioneer established in 2010 and based in Jyväskylä, Finland.
Contacts
James Williams
Managing Director, Swathe Services
+44(0) 1872 275 642 / [email protected]
Kirsi Hänninen
CEO, VRT Finland / GISGRO
+358 44 031 0760 / [email protected]
MacArtney to launch the new NEXUS 8 multiplexer at Ocean Business 2021
Underwater technology specialists MacArtney are to launch the latest addition to the NEXUS multiplexer family at the biannual Ocean Business 2021 exhibition, held between 12-14 October in Southampton, UK.
Continuing MacArtney's long tradition of developing products in consultation with the marketplace, the NEXUS 8 is the result of considerable customer and end-user input to ensure the product will fit the need, as explained by Lars Jørgensen, Head of Product Management:
"Naturally, we have our own opinion on what a multiplexer should be able to do, but what's more important is what the customer and end-user expects and needs. We specifically wanted customer input on what they wanted from a new generation multiplexer, and their requirements for new, advanced subsea telemetry systems when developing the NEXUS 8."
Tried and trusted
NEXUS 8 is the latest addition to the tried and trusted NEXUS multiplexer family, a range that has consistently gone from strength to strength, designed to provide an efficient link between surface and seabed. This new, future-proofed model is smaller and lighter than not only its predecessor, but also its competitors, specifically designed for environments where space is at a premium and to fit into virtually any existing subsea system.
NEXUS 8 is an HD video and multibeam sonar multiplexer, with ultra-high bandwidth and three full HD video interfaces for up to 3 HD cameras, able to provide real-time monitoring without any latency, and to run instruments and sensors for measurement, surveys, sonar, manipulation and control.
eFuses incorporated
The NEXUS 8 features intelligent programmable eFuses for dynamic performance and to save space. eFuses are ideal for subsea systems, offering flexible, dynamic programming, and avoiding time-consuming and expensive recovery operations for minor repairs.
The future, now
The new NEXUS 8 is specifically designed and developed to meet the market's demands for technology and data acquisition now and in the future. Simply the most advanced, compact and versatile product of its generation.
Launch at Ocean Business 2021
Visit the MacArtney stand B1 at Ocean Business 2021 to see the new, highly versatile, compact, future-proof NEXUS 8, and to hear more about what it can do for you.
Caption: NEXUS 8 meets tomorrow’s demands for technology and data acquisition now
_________________________________________________________________________________
For additional information, please contact Lars Jørgensen, Head of Product Management B.Sc.E.E.,
Tel. +45 7613 2000, e-mail [email protected] or visit the company website.
QPS users receive a shortcut to online data sharing and reporting in GISGRO
The year 2020 gave us a tangible example about the value of online services. Remote working became the new normal, and offices around the world discovered the need for easily accessible information. This also affects the surveying industry; how can we ensure the data we provide is usable anywhere, from workplaces to home offices?
The surveyors are facing the immediate need for updating the working procedures to match the current situation. Increased competition, remote working and digitalization are the drivers for updating the workflows. GISGRO platform offers the surveyor companies an opportunity to easily share survey data online to their clients in an easy-to-understand visual format. Now it is possible for QPS users to share data through GISGRO even more easily than before.
Serving clients better with easy online delivery.
One issue in the surveying industry is the scarce utilization of the survey data by the clients. A surveyor spends a small fortune to the high-end equipment, and hours of work in polishing the data to the highest accuracy. Still, because of the lack of suitable software, the client might not even be able to see the data.
"It takes a lot of effort from a surveyor to collect data, and that is why it makes sense to make the data available in a way that stakeholders can interact with the data themselves. Our goal is that users really interact with the survey data and find insights that way."
GISGRO adds value to the whole supply chain from the surveyor to the utilizer of the data. With the integration the value is gained through a seamless workflow from the surveying and processing software all the way to the client’s laptop, where the survey data actually gets into use.
Changing the hydrographic industry
Cooperation between QPS and GISGRO changes the ways hydrographic data is utilized. The companies share innovative and forward-looking mindset. The challenge of making the most out of survey data is something the clients are just starting to realize.
"The surveyors are making the transition from delivering an end product to just making the data available. This step leads to the insight that you can do more with the data. For example, in GISGRO the survey data can immediately be used to inform other stakeholders and to take action."
QPS software users gain the advantages of online delivery simply by registering to GISGRO as a QPS user and downloading GISGRO Uploader, which enables uploading qpd-files and other supported data formats to GISGRO. If you have QPS Qinsy 9.4 version (or newer), you will have a straight access from Survey Manager to access the GISGRO Uploader for further analysis and sharing to client.
About QPS
For more than 25 years, QPS have been experts in maritime geomatics software and services. QPS is unique in that its solutions encompass the entire workflow, from the surveyor all the way to the pilot. The company’s solutions are used across a variety of industries, including hydrographic surveying, dredging, offshore construction, oil and gas, offshore wind farm support, chart production, and piloting. QPS is headquartered in Zeist, The Netherlands, and has subsidiary offices located in Portsmouth, USA; Fredericton, Canada; and Banbury, UK. QPS is a SAAB Group Company since 2012.
About GISGRO
Everyone at GISGRO has experience in the surveying and port industries. Our passion is helping clients find optimal ways to maximize the benefits of smart technology. GISGRO is developed by VRT Finland, a 3D underwater survey pioneer established in 2010 and based in Jyväskylä, Finland.
GISGRO for Surveyors
GISGRO is a cloud based system that allows surveyors to visualize, analyze and share survey data directly to clients. It’s incredibly easy for the client to use and doesn’t require any downloads, installations, high grade hardware or superfast internet. The clients can utilize the data within GISGRO for managing assets, maintenance and operations.
GISGRO for Ports
GISGRO acts a central hub for important port information, from here data can be accessed, analyzed and shared to all necessary stakeholders. Our easy to use platform ensures everyone has access to the important and accurate data needed to run a port smoothly. Through the use of smart tools, data can easily be utilized for smarter, greener and safer port operations. All in one place available anywhere and at any time.
Contact:
Kirsi Hänninen
CEO, VRT Finland / GISGRO
+358 44 031 0760 / [email protected]
Bureau Veritas delivers Approval in Principle to DriX - an innovative Unmanned Surface Vessel
Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has delivered an Approval in Principle (AiP) to iXblue, a global high-tech company and a pioneer in the field of maritime autonomy, for its innovative Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) named DriX. This AiP addresses the safety requirementsof the marine drone, which operates under the novel concept of remotely supervised autonomy.
With a length of 8 metres, DriX is an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) equipped with advanced perception means, including a radar, a lidar and cameras, as well as artificial intelligence, which enable it to adapt to its environment, avoid obstacles and carry out missions autonomously. Designed to support hydrographic and geophysical surveys, water column analysis and subsea positioning operations, DriX has been used by major hydrographic institutes and energy companies worldwide.
Developed by French company iXblue, DriX has been certified by BV for its system architecture, its operational envelope, its construction (Malta Cross certificate for the hull), as well as its autonomy functions. The NI641 “Guidelines for Autonomous shipping” have provided a framework for a thorough analysis of the DriX architecture and its critical functions in a way that is adapted to autonomous marine systems.
In order to support the Approval in Principle, Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BV Solutions M&O), the technical advisory component of Bureau Veritas Group, conducted a Hazard Identification (HAZID) study, as required by BV NI641. This HAZID study identified and assessed the hazards of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) when unmanned, taking into account the level of automation, direct and remote control, autonomy, area of operation and vessel type and design. BV Solutions M&O also conducted a Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) on critical components previously identified during the HAZID study in order to identify, evaluate and mitigate the effects of essential equipment failure and to improve the reliability of automation systems associated with essential services.
This first certification of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) by BV will help strengthen global acceptance of this technology by supporting operators in their risk analysis and mission planning for USVs deployment. This comes as the USV sector is expanding rapidly, and the acceptance of these novel marine drones depend on the capacity to demonstrate that they are safe to deploy and operate. BV and iXblue have been working in close collaboration to raise the standards and acceptance of USVs.
Stéphane Vannuffelen, Marine Autonomy Technical Director at iXblue, said: “We are convinced that the acceptance of autonomous solutions in the marine ecosystem requires a collaborative approach between manufacturers, class societies and authorities, and this work done with BV goes in that direction. This certification is a major achievement not only for DriX, but for the whole maritime industry, supporting its 4.0 transition.”
Laurent Leblanc, Senior Vice President of Technical & Operations at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, commented: “Smart vessel operations can enable the maritime industry to increase productivity, predictability, and efficiency while reducing operational risk on the water. At BV, we are committed to support innovation with our robust set of standards to enable these new technologies to reach the market and ensure that they are safely implemented.”
To find out more:
- About Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, please visit our website.
- To watch videos about DriX, click here.
Optimize Submersible ROV Operations with Mission Planning
Deep Trekker is proud to launch our new mission planning feature! The first iteration of our mission planning update gives ROV users the ability to plot and save waypoints on their handheld controller.
If you have a REVOLUTION or PIVOT ROV with USBL you can upgrade your software to start planning your missions.
Mission planning is an incredibly important feature for ROV pilots. In addition to being a crucial step towards autonomy, mission planning makes vehicle navigation convenient and straightforward.
Deep Trekker’s mission planning software provides users with a useful tool to enhance their navigation and operation. In addition to plotting waypoints on the handheld controller map, users can see the path between points.
Furthermore, the use of mission planning allows pilots to visualize the size of their inspection site. With the entire mission mapped out on their screen, users can ensure thorough inspections with an accurate planning tool.
Finally, operators can clearly understand the position of their ROV within the inspection site by utilizing their on-screen waypoint map. Clear and precise graphics illustrate the ROV throughout the site, enhancing the pilot’s ability to navigate in a straightforward manner.
Consisting of latitudinal and longitudinal points, waypoints provide pilots with crucial mission planning information.
Modified with the joystick cursor control, users can conveniently interact with their waypoints in a variety of ways right from their handheld controller;
- Waypoint naming
- Waypoint editing
- Waypoint deleting
The ease in which operators can interact with their waypoints allows for quick organization and straightforward use.
In addition to the information provided on the handheld controller during use, pilots can then save their missions to view at a later date, making analysis and review convenient. In review users can conduct several useful tasks;
- View map (small view and expanded view)
- View mission path
- Open and modify existing csv files
Deep Trekker’s first mission planning release is a significant component of future fully autonomous missions.
EdgeTech Introduces New Nadir Gap-Fill Sonar for the 2205 AUV, ROV and USV Based Sonar Solutions
EdgeTech, the leader in high resolution sonar imaging systems and underwater technology, has recently introduced an innovative and new method to provide nadir gap coverage on the EdgeTech 2205 sonar platforms. Complementing this new technology is SonarWiz from Chesapeake Technology, providing a software solution to support processing and mosaicking the new gap fill solution.
The 2205 system with gap-fill technology was designed specifically for hosted platforms operating in shallow water or within close proximity to the bottom. The sonar is ideal for Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV/ AUV). The new 2205 system is available in a number of dual and tri-frequency configurations and the gap fill technology is available in a number of frequency options. The most popular frequency set, the 850kHz and 1600kHz dual frequency combination, is ideal for high resolution side scan sonar surveys where the nadir gap can now be filled with data while the vehicle performs single pass survey operations.
Unique to EdgeTech’s gap-fill solution is the ability to “see” the nadir gap from both the left and right sides, providing shadows from either direction, as well as in a three-dimensional aspect in the nadir gap. Gap fill shadows are perpendicular to the vehicle’s path and consistent with traditional side scan methods enabling easy interpretation of data. Additionally, gap fill data in the 2205 system is coincident with the side scan data and is therefore geospatially the same, unlike other solutions that look forward and across the vehicle path making target positions between the side scan and gap fill data less robust. The area directly below the vehicle, until now often lacking in coverage, can now be viewed with the gap data mosaicked right into the main sidescan sonar display using SonarWiz. Harold Orlinsky, General Manager of Chesapeake, said “this data combination removes the digital seam seen at the sidescan nadir. SonarWiz makes a GeoTIFF image of the seafloor with the data set.”
The EdgeTech 2205 is a compact, extremely flexible and configurable sonar system for integration on 3rd party underwater and surface vehicles. This modular unit can be configured, based on the customers’ application, to collect side scan sonar imagery, sub-bottom profiles and bathymetric data, singly or in concert with one another. The system is available either as packaged 2205 electronics enclosed in a pressure vessel, or alternatively the core electronics can be provided as boards mounted onto a chassis so the customer can integrate the system into their vehicle’s dry electronics area. Two transducer arrays, one on each side of the vehicle, provide side scan sonar, gap-fill and bathymetry. Optional sub-bottom profiler is available as well. The system can operate independent of the hosted platform by simply storing the data, or it can be configured to autonomously interoperate with the vehicle during its mission.
For more information please visit: www.edgetech.com (and www.chesapeaketech.com)
NORBIT to support multiple client demonstrations at Ocean Business
The iWBMS and WINGHEAD models from NORBIT Subsea – the leading manufacturer of multibeam survey systems – are set to dominate the on water demonstrations at Ocean Business 2021. A large number of clients use NORBIT as the system of choice on their USVs due to the characterized high performance and resolution, packaged with integrated INS into a small form factor.
Wideband multibeam sonars from NORBIT Subsea are becoming increasingly known and respected to the hydrographic and subsea markets, for high performance, innovation and reliability. Used in multiple applications within marine markets, NORBIT solutions are based on the latest in analogue and digital signal processing with products providing wide coverage monitoring combined with high sensitivity and accuracy.
At Ocean Business 2021, NORBIT will be showcasing through multiple client USV platforms their innovation and design, that has driven significant company growth in recent years. Based on fundamental values, NORBIT multibeam systems are unique in the market place and offer unrivalled performance, utilising the latest sonar technology combined with small form factors.
Some of the USVs on display and on the water will showcase the characteristics unique to NORBIT, notably the curved receive array design enabling wide swath coverage; wide frequency agility from the single curved array system and the fully integrated design of INS and SVP – with just a single cable from the sonar head.
John Fraser from NORBIT comments:
“With clients able to experience the benefits of using NORBIT multibeam survey systems from different platforms at Ocean Business, we expect a very busy show in Southampton. Having recently replaced older technology competitor systems with NORBIT to a number of UK Ports, plus WINGHEAD and WBMS making a positive impact in IRM markets offshore using ROVs there is a lot going on. We’re very proud of volume sales to multiple USV users, and these combined with all other multibeam related activities we are involved in, ensured 2021 has become a great year of success stories together with our client partners.”
As well as the NORBIT hardware on display, NORBIT will show their Data Acquisition Software (DCT) and be able to discuss dredging specific capabilities such as NORDredge solutions. Forward Looking Sonars for AUVs and ROVs as well as information from some defence related technology will also be available at their Ocean Business stand.
Delivering data from the harshest of marine environments, ranging from small surface USVs to deep water ROVs to Ocean going offshore construction vessels, NORBIT provide solutions and support enabling clients to Explore More.
NORBIT Marketing Department
Author of this post post is John Fraser
Norbit Subsea
IFHS Introduces HPAS, the first Accreditation Scheme with an International Footprint
The International Federation of Hydrographic Societies (IFHS) have developed the Hydrographic Professional Accreditation Scheme (HPAS) to provide international recognition to hydrographic professionals in demonstrating their competency, educational background and career development.
The HPAS initiative has reached an important milestone by completing its Pilot Phase which was initiated in March. This phase, run by a panel of international experts, aimed to benchmark the HPAS procedures and processes. Over forty hydrographic professionals volunteered to be the first professionals assessed under the HPAS framework. Of these, eighteen were selected for the Pilot Phase from across the countries and regions represented by the IFHS Member Societies: Belgium, France and the francophone countries, Germany, The Netherlands, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The HPAS Panel of Experts awarded HPAS accreditation to fifteen of these candidates.
The IFHS would like to publicly acknowledge the following, without whom HPAS would not have been made possible and whose continued support is invaluable:
- The HPAS Working Group who devised and developed the scheme and wrote the documentation and processes.
- The HPAS Assessment Panel; a college of international recognised professionals drawn from all IFHS member societies, who assess the applications of the HPAS candidates. These volunteers have given up their time to review all the applications submitted and, where necessary, interview candidates to ensure they meet the assessment criteria.
- The HPAS Steering Committee; representatives from all the IFHS member societies. The HPAS Steering Committee is responsible for the oversight and stewardship of HPAS under the aegis of the IFHS Executive Committee.
The first formal round of HPAS applications opens on 6th September 2021 until 17th October 2021. For further information about HPAS framework and application process, visit the HPAS webpage on https://hydrography.earth/hpas/ or email us at [email protected].
3D at Depth Welcomes Euan Tait as Vice President for North and Central America
Amid rapid growth and expansion, 3D at Depth hires an energy executive as Vice President of North and Central America.
3D at Depth Inc., the world's expert in commercial Subsea LiDAR (SL) laser technology and leading provider of fully integrated underwater survey services, is pleased to announce that Euan Tait joins the company as Vice President of North & Central America.
In his role, Tait is responsible for leading the North American team and positioning 3D at Depth as the offshore integrity and inspection provider, accelerating 3D at Depth's revenue through expanding 3D at Depth's geographic presence in new regions, development of new services, as well as contributing to the company's business growth strategies.
"We're excited to have Euan on board, especially now as we have witnessed an increase of interest in 3D at Depth's spread across multiple energy sectors. We see that our patented Subsea LiDAR (SL) technology coupled with our recently acquired, fully integrated Saab Sabertooth hybrid supervised autonomous vehicle and AUV packaged into one vehicle is the solution our clients need for their assets in the Energy and Renewables (Offshore Wind Farm) sector," said Neil Manning, 3D at Depth's Chief Operating Officer.
Tait brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the energy market. Initially, he began his career in Energy Merger & Acquisition investment banking & corporate finance roles. This was followed by several senior management & executive board-level roles with corporate development and growth in the Energy sector. Before joining 3D at Depth, Tait held an integral role within the management team at ROVOP who developed and grew ROVOP over the last six (6) years.
Tait was a key driver in global geographic expansion, firmly establishing a presence in the United States (US), Middle East, Asia Pacific, and mainland Europe. During his time at ROVOP, the company significantly increased global revenues, with the America's region becoming an established core to the business with several global client contracts being sourced, secured, and managed from the US.
"I am both delighted and excited to be joining 3D at Depth at a pivotal point in the company's growth," said Euan Tait. "3D's market-leading technology and resultant highly cost-efficient service offering to the energy sector, make it incredibly well-positioned, to support and deliver for clients across several different energy sectors. I am looking forward to being part of the team as we look to further accelerate our growth."
About 3D at Depth
3D at Depth, Inc. provides advanced subsea LiDAR (SL) laser systems, survey support services, and 3D point cloud collection, visualization, and analysis solutions to help clients optimize marine, underwater and offshore survey campaigns. Precise, repeatable, millimetric 3D point clouds acquired through patented SL laser technology allow clients to "measure in 3D and manage in 4D" to increase operational efficiencies and reduce downtime. The Company's locations in Australia, Europe, and the United States support customer survey operations around the world. For more information and a broader listing of services, visit us at www.3datdepth.com and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter @3DatDepth.