Aquatec celebrates its 30th anniversary helping the preservation of marine environment
The firm will donate to an ocean-protection non-profit organisation every time its online timeline gets viewed.
Basingstoke-based subsea instrumentation designer and manufacturer Aquatec Group, announces the start of its 31st year in business with a novel online click-and-raise landing page on its website. For every click on its corporate timeline, the company adds an amount up to a fixed sum that will be donated from its own funds to the Marine Conservation Society.
With this action, the firm, established in 1990, commemorates its three decades in the industry creating instruments and services aimed at safeguarding marine mammals, as well as measuring, logging, communicating and interpreting underwater data.
The Marine Conservation Society is well known through their work in protecting the seas around the United Kingdom via the creation of well-managed marine protected areas. It works with fishermen and industry to find more sustainable ways of fishing and with retailers and consumers to buy and choose more sustainable food. In the past, Aquatec has been involved as volunteers in carrying out one of their hundreds of beach cleans.
Andy Smerdon, Aquatec’s MD and founder has said: “This very significant milestone allows us to reflect on our technological efforts to help preserve the Earth’s coastal and ocean environments, protect marine life, and ensure that man-made subsea structures are safe and ecologically sound. As we launch into our fourth decade, we invite members of the subsea community to celebrate 30 years of Aquatec and in return we will do our share in aiding the UK’s leading marine environment organisation.”
For more information visit www.aquatecgroup.com
GEO Business postponed until November 2021
GEO Business – the UK’s largest geospatial event designed for everyone involved in the gathering, storing, processing and delivery of geospatial information – has been rescheduled from May to November for next year.
The show will be deferred from its usual spring dates on 19-20 May and will now take place on 24-25 November 2021 at ExCeL London.
The decision follows the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic and comes after close monitoring of information from the government, as well as consultation with the geospatial community.
Portfolio director Caroline Hobden says: “Although all the signs are positive for a restart for large scale events from Easter, we feel running GEO Business in May could still be a little early. We want to give everyone the best possible chance for a great show, so it’s important we have a clear run into the event.
“We want to make the right decision for our community and having consulted with our exhibitors, visitors and partners, we’ve decided the best action to serve everyone is to push the show back to the autumn for one year.
“We’re disappointed not to be able to bring everyone together as soon as we had hoped. But we are committed to delivering an event in 2021 that provides the community with the most effective opportunities for networking, education, discovery and interaction – and we’re confident that the move to November means we’ll be able to return with the best show possible.
“The good news is that we won’t be letting our traditional spring dates pass without marking the occasion. We’ll be launching a digital offering in May, over our usual dates, featuring webinars, virtual panel discussions and product demonstrations, to provide a platform for the industry to connect.
“We’re also excited to announce that GEO Business will be launching a newsletter in the new year. This monthly newsletter will give the geospatial community an excellent opportunity to share news, communicate about products and services, and stay connected at a vital time for our industry.
“Finally, we’re so grateful for the incredible and continued goodwill and support the industry has shown us during these difficult times. We’re looking forward to working together over the coming months to ensure that GEO Business continues to be the celebration and gathering the geospatial profession deserves and can be proud of. And more than anything, we look forward to seeing you – in person – in November.”
The show will be co-located with Digital Construction Week, the UK’s only event dedicated to digital construction, engineering, design, manufacturing and operation, which will also move from May to 24-25 November 2021.
For more information, please visit www.GeoBusinessShow.com and www.DigitalConstructionWeek.com.
Blue Ocean Marine Services - A New Joint Venture Between Vertech Group & Blue Ocean Monitoring
Specialist maintenance, inspection and access company Vertech Group have entered into a Joint Venture with autonomous technology specialists Blue Ocean Monitoring Pty Ltd to establish Blue Ocean Marine Services (BOMS) focused on the delivery of commercial survey and inspection services.
With the combined experience of both companies, Blue Ocean Marine Services stand as experts in the use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and a broad range of other technologies to provide site appraisal, regulatory compliance, subsea inspection, and emergency response services.
Vertech Group’s Managing Director, Tom Brennan, said he was looking forward to working closely with the Blue Ocean Marine Services team in the years ahead. “A fundamental part of the group’s success has been investing in and bringing new innovations and technology to the market,” remarked Mr Brennan. “The Blue Ocean Marine Services JV typifies this approach, enables the group to take strides in the next generation of autonomous technology, while also complementing our other subsea specialist businesses in Sonomatic and Geo Oceans.”
Blue Ocean Marine Services, General Manager, Keith Wallace commented that he was greatly looking forward to collaborating with the other subsea divisions within the Vertech Group. “The Vertech Group have a great pedigree when it comes to subsea services, and their culture for innovation makes it the perfect organisation to help us to continuously develop our technology and service offering.”
For further information, please visit www.blue-ocean.com.au or contact us at [email protected]
Ocean Infinity selects Sonardyne for pioneering Armada fleet
Sonardyne technology has been selected to support the world’s largest and most environmentally sustainable fleet of ocean-going, multi-role robotic vessels, which is being launched by marine robotics company Ocean Infinity.
Sonardyne systems will provide part of Ocean Infinity’s new Armada fleet with key sensor technologies for underwater platform navigation, tracking, control and communications, as well as ensuring uninterrupted surface navigation, even when global navigation satellite system (GNSS) services are degraded or denied.
The Armada fleet will mark a major technological advance, providing sustainable services to all corners of industry from offshore energy, to logistics and transport. The innovative, low-emission robotic fleet that can be launched from any shoreline on the globe was unveiled in February this year (2020), and will initially see 17 bespoke designed state-of-the-art uncrewed vessels added to Ocean Infinity’s existing robotics fleet.
The vessels, initially measuring 21 metres and 36 metres long, will be able to perform offshore data acquisition and intervention in both shallow and deep water operating regions. The vessels will use a range of underwater platforms, including remotely deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Sonardyne’s acoustic communication and inertial navigation technologies were chosen to support Armada because of their performance and flexibility across a wide range of water depths and environments, supporting operations across all sectors in even the remotest locations.
The package includes surface and subsea navigation sensors to remotely support deployment, operations and recovery of underwater robotic systems from an uncrewed vessel, from anywhere in the world. That includes being able to accurately track and control multiple robotics systems simultaneously and provide water current profile information, as well as support vessel dynamic positioning during critical phases of an operation.
Uniquely, the systems also provide navigation redundancy in the event of GNSS outages, which could occur while operating in multipath or shadowed environments, such as fjords or near large structures or where signals are deliberately interfered with.
Delivery of Sonardyne equipment for the first wave of Armada fleet vessels will be made by the end of this year. Further deliveries will be made through 2021.
Alan MacDonald, Sales Manager, Sonardyne, says, “Over recent years, we’ve been focussed in Sonardyne on developing the flexible technologies that are required to support the revolution that is taking place in both surface and subsea marine robotics. Consequently, we’re very pleased to be part of Armada’s pioneering vision to deploy robotics at scale. These systems will help a wide variety of industries to reduce how many people they need to send to sea as well as dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, by deploying these smaller, more efficient vessels out.”
Dan Hook, Managing Director, Ocean Infinity, says, “Our expert team of robotics specialists selected Sonardyne as the clear choice for our robotics ships, to provide underwater navigation, tracking, control and communications and that additional layer of positioning security in areas where GNSS signals might be obscured. We look forward to a long-term working relationship with Sonardyne, as we grow our fleet.”
Initially, all of the first tranche of Ocean Infinity’s Armada vessels will be fitted with Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) system augmented by the company’s Marine Robotics Pack. This combination provides remote all-in-one tracking, communications and control capability for underwater deployed robotics so that even more operations can now be done from shore.
These robotic vessels will also be fitted with Sonardyne’s industry leading SPRINT-Nav hybrid navigation instrument, to provide continuous, uninterrupted navigational aiding to underpin safe remote operations, even if GNSS service is impaired due to their remote location or nearby infrastructure. In addition the system produces profiled water column data, which is particularly important during the deployment and recovery of subsea robots.
Wideband Sub Mini 6+ tracking transponders and SPRINT-Navs will also be fitted to the ROVs being deployed and operated by the Armada fleet.
Ocean Infinity expects the first Armada vessel to be delivered in 2021 and, along with the remainder of the fleet, will be controlled and operated by experienced mariners via satellite communication from onshore control facilities in Austin, Texas, and Southampton, England.
For more information visit www.sonardyne.com or www.oceaninfinity.com
Benthic Solutions welcomes Matt Cox to the team as Technical Manager
Matt has joined Benthic Solutions as Technical Manager, after four years working at N-Sea Group as the Product Delivery and Innovation Manager. Matt brings a wealth of experience, with onshore and offshore activities being an everyday part of his life for the past 20 years. Matt previously worked for Fugro, STR, N-Sea and UXOControl and is looking forward to further strengthening the already experienced team at Benthic Solutions Ltd, based in Hoveton Norfolk.
For more information visit: www.benthicsolutions.com
Boxfish Research ROV marks record breaking dive
Boxfish Research said it has delivered a record-breaking depth range during its latest deep sea mission in New Zealand.
According to the company, this represents the first underwater deployment of a small, battery-operated ROV to reach 710 metres, exceeding the industry standard.
Boxfish said its R&D team tested various configurations before the mission took place to ensure that the ROV could reach the seafloor below 700 metres within 15 minutes.
During the survey, the surface external video recorder collected 4K uncompressed video of the ocean floor. This allowed quick review of the footage, higher quality video recording and also recording of long missions, Boxfish explains.
“We pride ourselves in creating an ROV that is easy to operate, setup, and deploy to depths that only work-class ROVs can reach,” says Ben King, co-founder, Boxfish Research. “Deployments such as this one require a fast and easy to use underwater drive, making the Boxfish ROV the perfect solution for this mission.”
The Boxfish ROV is designed to withstand harsh underwater environments, boasting 14 hours of battery life and up to 17,000 lumen lights for unparalleled vision in dark environments. The team proved that a survey of more than 3 kilometres in significant cross currents was possible at this depth on a single battery charge.
The Boxfish team also deployed the Boxfish 360 to the same depths. The Boxfish 360 is a professional underwater camera with depth rating up to 1,000 metres and recording time up to 4 hours.
“The latest record breaking depth range conducted by Boxfish now sets the standard for all future deep sea deployments, spanning across various industries worldwide,” the company said.
For more information visit: www.offshore-energy.biz
Sonardyne are recruiting a Senior Sensor and Systems Engineer
What do we do?
From the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on earth, to the coastline and anywhere in-between, we make the impossible possible through our continuous passion for innovation. That innovation comes from our greatest asset: our people. They design, engineer and manufacture technologies that are enabling our customers to discover, navigate, measure, detect and communicate in the toughest environment on earth: our oceans. We’ve been actively developing the technology to make the oceans accessible for nearly 50 years and we’re only just getting started…
Who are we looking for?
This is a position that will provide an exciting opportunity to join Sonardyne’s expanding Engineering Department. You will be involved in testing, analysis and calibration of new sensors via use of state-of-the-art test equipment which offers an opportunity to challenge both analytical and practical hands-on experimentation skills. You will system design and have responsibility for integrated multi-sensor products for marine robotics use. You will internally be supported by experienced colleagues, PhD level experts and have technical links to key external suppliers and product users.
Your responsibilities:
Sensors:
- Experimentation and testing of inertial sensors and inertial measurement units (IMUs). State-of-the-art motion, temperature and vibration simulators – necessary training will be provided.
- Selection, evaluation and integration of new sensors and sensor technologies: Temperature, pressure, magnetics, sound speed, acoustic, optical and others
- Establish and maintain technical relations with sensor providers
Enhance test equipment and processes for both R&D and production
Follow developments in sensor products and technology.
Systems:
- Provide technical guidance and undertake design, implementation and testing of multi‑sensor integrated products
- Apply and/or expand skills in system design
- Support and take part in product trials; primarily onshore and optionally offshore
- Support project management with time and cost estimates for tasks or small projects
- Apply and/or expand skills in technical project management
Personal:
- Responsible nature, quality oriented and self-motivated
- Can represent the company in communications with customers, suppliers and other 3rd parties
- Enjoy working as part of a team and in close co-operation with other teams
- Ability to prioritise and efficiently divide time between several ongoing tasks
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Wide technical understanding, interest and practical experience: Sensors and physics, Electronics, Software, Electro-mechanical product design
- Strong analytical skills
- Complex problem solving and trouble shooting ability and interest
- Good communicator both written and verbal
- Practical data analysis and programming skills
- (Desirable) Practical experience or knowledge of inertial sensors or associated physics
- (Desirable) Experience with MATLAB
- (Desirable) Interest or experience in the marine, sensors or autonomous robotics domains
Essential Experience:
- Minimum MSc level Degree in Engineering or Physics or equivalent proven strong analytic skills
- UK national and potential for security clearance
- Valid driver’s license
Our culture:
There are no limits to what you can achieve at Sonardyne. We have an open and innovative culture where every member of the team has a challenging role with plenty of opportunities to develop and grow. Every member of the team has the chance to influence and shape the future of our technology. In addition to mentoring, professional development and training, we actively promote hands-on experience of our solutions in the ocean environment.
We also like to have some fun, with a very active social group regularly laying on subsidised events. There are great pubs, running and cycling routes on the doorstep and other sports facilities nearby.
We keep our salaries competitive and offer a modest benefits package:
- 25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Holiday Purchase Scheme – employees can buy an extra 5 days annual leave
- Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- Sickness Absence benefit plan with long term absence insurance cover
- Enhanced Maternity Pay Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Flexible Working Arrangements Scheme
- Discretionary Performance Related Pay Scheme, designed to recognise employees contribution to our success
Ready to join the team…?
…then e-mail your CV and cover letter to the [email protected]
For more information visit: www.sonardyne.com/vacancies
iSURVEY Completes Landmark North Sea Project
The UK entity of iSURVEY, a leading provider of survey and positioning services to the global oil and gas, offshore renewables and telecommunications markets, has announced completion of its largest project to date.
The seven-figure project not only breaks the Aberdeen-based team’s single contract value record but has also seen a 10-strong group of offshore survey experts complete an incredible 6,300km of survey since mobilisation in late July.
T
he contract - which consisted of two workscopes - was awarded by Norwegian ocean bottom seismic experts, Magseis Fairfield ASA. The two circa.500 square km surveys have contributed to Magseis Fairfield’s ocean bottom node (OBN) exploration project within the Cornerstone area, which has been described as one of the most challenging locations in the North Sea.
iSURVEY Managing Director, Andrew McMurtie commented: “November marks the end of a long and successful seabed survey programme for the iSURVEY team. Mobilising on the Northern Survey OSV Cecilia just a week after contract award, I am hugely impressed with the results we have achieved and proud that our client has been so pleased with our performance.
“Equipped with multi-beam echosounder (MBES), side-scan sonar (SSS) and magnetometers, our spread of equipment and personnel dealt with the full gamut of North Sea weather, whilst safely achieving all workscope objectives and completing this milestone project on schedule.”
A spokesperson for Magseis Fairfield added: “iSURVEY understood our unique survey requirements and produced a high-quality product.”
For more information please visit: www.isurvey-group.com
EvoLogics launches a fully integrated USBL buoy
EvoLogics are happy to announce the new USBL buoy, a fully integrated solution based on the company’s S2C USBL devices.
The buoy comprises a USBL transceiver with a built-in battery, mounted to a floating unit with an on-board PC, GNSS receiver with dual antennas, and a Wi-Fi access point.
The design concept of the system derives from fishing floats that remain highly stable even in rough seas thanks to their long stems and minimal cross-section near the surface.
This allows the elongated buoy to remain stable in harsh conditions, and when deployed close to a vessel hull or pier walls, where the waves are taller.
This integrated system eliminates the need to use external GNSS receivers for geo-referenced positioning of underwater targets. Dual GNSS antennas provide accurate yaw measurements without being affected by magnetic interferences. The optional RTK increases precision and accuracy. Moreover, as both sensors are part of the same hardware assembly, it is not necessary to calibrate the relative position of the USBL and the GNSS receiver.
The on-board PC runs the pre-installed SiNAPS, EvoLogics positioning software. The user can access USBL positioning data by connecting to the Wi-Fi access point of the buoy and opening the web-based SiNAPS interface. SiNAPS allows to operate the system and visualize the location of the buoy and target transponders. Furthermore, positioning data can be streamed as NMEA strings and input into other applications that can process this information in real-time.
The buoyant body of the unit is made of carbon and glass fiber composites, making it lighter, more compact and robust than conventional designs with foam-based floatation collars. The system packs up into a single case and can be easily transported, assembled and deployed by a single operator.
Launching in December 2020, the buoy is available with all models of the EvoLogics S2C USBL range.
For more information visit: www.evologics.de
BOSS are recruiting a Mechanical Marine Engineer
Job title:
Mechanical Marine Engineer
Role:
Working in the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Work Stream, within a multidisciplinary technology team, this role is suitable for an innovative mechanical marine engineer with experience in designing underwater vehicles and with an interest in challenging the conventional and seeing design concepts through to a final product. The role is primarily focused on the design and optimisation of a bespoke UUV given specified system constraints, with some aspects of surface vessel design, launch and evaluation.
Position type:
Full Time
Reporting to:
UUV Work Stream Lead
Travel required:
<15%
Location:
Farnborough area, UK
Salary:
Competitive
BOSS background:
BOSS is an innovative tech start up with strong shareholders including BP. Our vision is to disrupt the Marine Seismic industry through the development of a large-scale autonomous ocean bottom seismic data acquisition system, resulting in a step change reduction in the cost, time and HSSE risks required to acquire high quality OBS data. We help our clients to reduce their carbon emissions and their carbon footprint.
BOSS is developing a revolutionary, integrated seismic acquisition system based around long endurance, self-repositioning robotic ocean bottom nodes.
These nodes are capable of multiple autonomous re-positions to allow rolling of the receiver array without having to recover and redeploy nodes. This, in combination with automated handling systems, rapid deployment/recovery and intelligent system control, allows for optimisation of seismic acquisition survey operations to minimise duration and cost, and removes the requirement for ROV support.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical, Naval or Marine Engineering with proven industry experience
- Previous subsea vehicle design & development experience
- The ability to work in the UK
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive experience in UUV design
- Experience in the evaluation of the fluid dynamics aspect of the mechanical design
- Experience in designing subsea propulsion systems
- Experience in hydraulic system designs
- Experience in the mathematical modelling of the vehicle behaviour
General responsibilities:
- Development of detailed UUV design concepts to meet required specified performance criteria
- Detailed evaluation of design concepts through computational analysis and physical model testing
- Design optimisation
- Production of detailed design drawings & specifications
- Material selection
- Prototype development
- Sea trial design, execution, analysis & reporting
- Ongoing UUV design optimisation through development cycles
To apply, please send CV and cover letter to [email protected]