Exail conducts first sea trials and demonstration of its new transoceanic Uncrewed Surface Vessel DriX O-16
Within a week, Exail’s new transoceanic Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), DriX O-16, was launched and tested at sea, and demonstrated to high-profile customers and partners, including major worldwide hydrographic institutes and navies.
Unveiled last March at Oceanology International in London, the DriX O-16 was first put to sea on Wednesday, May 29th in its home port of La Ciotat (South of France). After undergoing a first series of sea trials within the next couple of days, it was showcased in action to selected partners and customers on Wednesday, June 5th.
Twice the length and five times the displacement of the legacy DriX H-8, the latest addition to Exail's USV product line, DriX O-16, is designed for long-duration operations of up to 30 days. It benefits from an autonomy of 3,500 nm and can deploy multiple payloads and subsea assets. Its larger size allows for a wide range of payloads, including Multibeam Echosounders (MBES), Sub-Bottom Profilers (SBP), and acoustic subsea positioning and communication systems (USBL). Additionally, the USV features a launch and recovery system to deploy Remotely Operated Towed Vehicles (ROTVs), inspection-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The new transoceanic USV is particularly suited for full ocean depth scientific and hydrographic surveys, geophysical and UXO surveys, and subsea infrastructure inspections, which may require the deployment of multiple robots.
"We are very proud to have demonstrated to our clients, in such a short time, our capacity to deliver a new fully functional USV that meets the demand for larger capacity, endurance, and multi-mission capabilities, while maintaining high reliability and efficiency at sea,” says Sébastien Grall, Director, Maritime Autonomy Solutions at Exail. “We are convinced that platforms such as DriX O-16 will support the marine industry's transition to more reliable and efficient autonomous operations”.
GEOxyz Relocates to New Head Office in Belgium
After a successful 18 years in the head office in Harelbeekstraat 104D Zwevegem, GEOxyz is excited to announce the relocation of our head office to a new facility in Zwevegem.
2006 - 2024 | HARELBEEKSTRAAT 104D, Zwevegem
GEOxyz's journey began in 1998 with a small team of around 10 surveyors working out of a modest office in Zwevegem.
As the team expanded, so did the need for space. In 2006, the company moved to a larger, newly constructed office, which has been its home for the past 18 years. This building saw significant expansions in 2012 and again in 2020 to accommodate the growing team and increasing inventory of equipment and vessels.
2024 - ... | ESSERSTRAAT 7, Zwevegem
GEOxyz's continuous growth necessitated yet another move. and its pleased to share their recent relocation to a new head office at Esserstraat 7 in Zwevegem. The new head office not only offers more room for the current team but also ensures it can continue to grow and welcome new colleagues in the years to come.
This modern facility is equipped with the latest tools and technologies to foster collaboration and innovation.
Despite being a maritime company, GEOxyz remains deeply connected to its West-Flanders roots and is proud to continue operating from the same city where it was founded.
2013 - ... | HUB OSTEND
In addition to relocating its head office, we are also expanding the HUB in Ostend. Originally built in 2013, the HUB was becoming too small to handle the increasing volume of equipment and vessel management activities. An additional 2000m² has been added to the hangar, including new office spaces. The construction work should be completed this summer, providing the Ostend team with larger office areas and more space for storage, repair, and maintenance of our fleet.
"We are very fortunate to be able to take these next steps in the future of our company," said Patrick Reyntjens, CEO of GEOxyz. "Our new headquarters in Zwevegem and the expanded HUB in Ostend ensure that we can continue to grow, innovate, and provide top-notch services to our clients. We are excited to welcome new colleagues and look forward to the next 18 years of success in our new building."
The GEOxyz team invites you to visit its new location and experience the enhanced facilities first-hand.
Autonaut USV - Growing, Moving, Recruiting
To accommodate more orders for the unique wave-propelled AutoNaut uncrewed surface vessel (USV) the company is moving from its base in West Sussex to Okehampton in Devon in June 2024. There AutoNaut will share larger premises and resources with the Seiche Water Technology Group of companies (SWTG). Recruitment is ongoing for workshop, sales, software and systems engineers.
“This is a great opportunity to bring the companies together and share skills and resources, as well as enabling expansion to meet demand,” said Mark Burnett, Director – Seiche Group.
AutoNaut’s job opportunities can be found at: AutoNaut Careers
The AutoNaut USV is well known for its ability to carry a wide range of sensors into the most extreme ocean environments, and to remain at sea for months, covering thousands of miles without the requirement for a mother ship.
“Such hostile environments require a level of skill and build perfectionism that is similar to the space industry,” Mark said. “We are proud of what AutoNaut has achieved since it started in 2013 and Seiche invested in 2016. Now, as the global USV market expands, we are looking to recruit the high-level skills that will enable us to ramp up production.”
Illustrating AutoNaut’s recent achievements:
- A fleet of four of the 5m USVs is being deployed by the Barbados Meteorological Service for hurricane forecasting, with two more in build.
- Another of the zero carbon 5m USVs, fitted with a Sonardyne USBL transceiver, completed a ‘first’ with the Scottish Association for Marine Science by going out to the Rockall Trough, collecting a years’ data from a sensor moored 1,800m deep, transmitting those data ashore via satellite, and then going back to remotely recalibrate the bottom sensor.
- An earlier mission saw an AutoNaut with ADCP, wave sensor, PAM, CTD and metocean sensors complete a 115-day mission on the UK continental shelf break, covering more than 4,000 nautical miles.
Automated Winches with wireless charging & comms for SVP / CTD
Bespoke marine engineering experts Ocean Scientific International Ltd (OSIL), in conjunction with AML Oceanographic Ltd., have developed a wireless charging and data transfer system for their Micro Profiling Winches, designed to be used seamlessly with an AML-3 LGR instrument.
The compact and programmable winches are designed to equip USV systems with the ability to collect SVP or CTD profiles from user specified depths during live operations, enabling surveys to be carried more quickly and cover a wider area in a given deployment. The winches are fitted with an instrument capture mechanism which allows for seamless recharging on recovery of the instrument to the surface. Wireless data transfer is accomplished simultaneously using the instruments integrated WiFi transmitter.
The winches are easily integrated into most USV control systems, with status notifications for docking, zero position and payout readings. Each winch can accommodate a wide variety of ropes/cables and slipring combinations, with 5kg line pull at the first layer and a 200m drum capacity (based on 1.6mm dyneema).
The OSIL automated winches have been successfully proven in the field, even in Arctic conditions, with over 60 systems supplied & built in the last 3 years.
Special CTD instrumentation cable for research vessel
A special hydrographic fibre cable with a polyurethane coating has recently been developed for the CTD instrumentation of the CNR-National Research Council oceanographic vessel Gaia Blu.
In order to guarantee the level of operation required by the oceanographic campaigns in which the vessel is involved, a cable reinforced by its configuration with special synthetic fibres was proposed and developed by NOVACAVI as an alternative to the typical armoured tow cable, which, while retaining its specific electromechanical characteristics, would not use exposed metals and would fit the existing winch.
It is with great satisfaction that NOVACAVI makes its technical production capacity available to contribute to the success of important research campaigns in the marine environment, such as those carried out by Gaia Blu.
Specialist in custom electrical cables design and manufacturing for the most varied and challenging applications since 1975, NOVACAVI develops specific solutions as reliable high-quality components to any innovative technological equipment.
EdgeTech High Resolution Sonar Proves Instrumental in Discovery of Missing Aircraft
EdgeTech, the leader in high resolution sonar imaging systems and underwater technology, recently learned that its industry leading side scan sonar technology was used to help find an aircraft that has been missing for over fifty years.
In 1971 a plane departed from Burlington International Airport bound for Providence RI but crashed enroute, presumably in Lake Champlain. Searches were carried out at the time of the crash, but weather made the operations difficult. In subsequent years many other searches were completed to no avail. In May of this year, Garry Kozak utilizing pieces of information from prior surveys, along with Hans Hug, Tim McDonald and Bruce Stebbins, did a search for the missing Rockwell Jet Commander utilizing a high resolution EdgeTech 4125i Side Scan Sonar. The Rockwell Jet Commander was successfully located and imaged with outstanding, almost photographic, resolution.
EdgeTech’s 4125i Side Scan Sonar System was designed with both the Search & Recovery (SAR) and shallow water survey communities in mind. The 4125i utilizes EdgeTech’s Full Spectrum® CHIRP technology, which provides two dual simultaneous frequency sets ideal for maximizing range and resolution during searches.
A more detailed narrative surrounding the events of this fateful 1971 plane crash and the ensuing years of search will be printed in the coming months.
Robosys Automation continues global expansion opening new US office to support offshore renewables
Advanced maritime autonomy specialist, Robosys Automation, has announced the opening of its new US office, following another successful year of delivering advanced maritime autonomy and vessel control solutions worldwide.
The new US office will be supporting the emerging ocean renewables sector in the Americas maritime markets, including offshore wind farms.
Robosys' VOYAGER AI solutions provides critical answers to the dull, dangerous, and dirty operations associated with operating at sea; through enabling vessels to become lean-crewed, uncrewed, or via decision aided support, whether a new build or currently in operation.
Headed by Aditya Nawab, Founder and CEO of Robosys Automation, the new office is located in Boston, Massachusetts within the New England region.
Aditya Nawab comments, "From the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620, to today, Boston has become home to many pioneers, therefore it is only natural that Robosys expands into this dynamic and innovative region. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate the many ways Robosys Automation, as a pioneer in advanced maritime autonomy, helps maritime organisations better operate, and better support their teams; safer, smarter and cleaner."
The recently launched New England Wind Project, aka Vineyard Wind South, situated 20nm south of Martha's Vineyard, and 24nm SW of Nantucket, in Massachusetts and which is expected to generate up to 2,600 megawatts of clean and renewable electricity, is one such site where Robosys will be able to provide support.
The opening of the new office in the US will help both support Robosys' global business strategic plans, and also help drive awareness and support of the worldwide maritime sector and communities through its collaborative activities.
Robosys, headquartered at the world-renown UK's National Oceanography Centre (NOC), recently collaborated with the UK Marine Robotics Innovation Hub, also situated at the NOC, recently delivered an International Maritime Business event to a Massachusetts Maritime Academy student cohort.
Aditya Nawab will be joined at Robosys Automation's Boston office with new personnel including operational support staff, software developers, and electrical engineers, together with seasonal interns.
Greensea IQ Announces Strategic Partnership with BlueZone Group for Bayonet Autonomous Underwater Ground Vehicles in Australia and New Zealand
Greensea IQ, a leader in advanced marine robotics, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with BlueZone Group (BZG) to expand the reach of its Bayonet Autonomous Underwater Ground Vehicles (AUGVs) in Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the operational capabilities of specialized marine systems in the region.
As the leading supplier and sustainer of specialized marine remote and autonomous systems in Australia and New Zealand, BlueZone Group will integrate Bayonet AUGVs into its existing portfolio, which includes beach and surf zone survey, mine clearance/explosive ordnance disposal, and special forces capabilities. This partnership will enable Australian and New Zealand partners to operate effectively in challenging surf zone environments, leveraging the advanced technology and reliability of Bayonet AUGVs.
“We are excited to partner with a world-leading manufacturer such as Greensea IQ, who shares our mission to deliver robust and reliable solutions to our customers,” said Neil Hodges, CEO at BlueZone Group. “Together, we will provide our partners with the ability to operate persistently, efficiently, and safely in the demanding surf zone environment.”
Bayonet AUGVs offer flexible configurations, allowing users to scale the vehicles’ size and power requirements to meet the demands of various payloads, operations, and environments. The integration of the OPENSEA platform enhances the vehicles’ capability to rapidly deploy new sensor suites, ensuring exceptional performance in detecting, identifying, and neutralizing naval mines and other explosive hazards.
Rob Howard, CGO of Greensea IQ, commented, “Our partnership with BlueZone Group represents a significant milestone in expanding the reach of our Bayonet AUGVs globally.”
The collaboration between Greensea IQ and BlueZone Group promises to deliver cutting-edge technology and reliable solutions to the Australian and New Zealand markets, ensuring fewer survey days are lost to high seas and foul weather, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Greensea IQ Strengthens International Reach with DpeR Consulting Partnership in Israel
Continuing to bolster its global market presence, Greensea IQ, a leading provider of marine robotics software and integrated solutions, proudly announces the appointment of DpeR Consulting as its international consulting firm representing Bayonet autonomous underwater ground vehicles (AUGVs) in Israel.
This partnership marks another milestone in Greensea IQ’s ongoing global expansion efforts and underscores the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to clients worldwide. With this expansion, Greensea IQ will extend its footprint into Israel, enhancing the accessibility of its advanced surf zone robotics solutions in this key region.
“We are thrilled to partner with DpeR Consulting,” said Rob Howard, Greensea IQ’s Chief Growth Officer. “Their expertise and deep understanding of the Israeli market make them an ideal partner to help us expand our reach and better serve our customers in the region.”
DpeR Consulting brings a wealth of experience and specialized expertise, which will be instrumental in tailoring Greensea IQ’s offerings to meet the unique needs of the Israeli market. Their regional knowledge and established network will be pivotal in fostering strong relationships with local customers and partners.
Founded with a focus on delivering innovative and efficient solutions, DpeR Consulting has a proven track record in the marine and underwater technology sectors. As Greensea IQ’s representative, DpeR Consulting will support sales and provide consultation, training, and support for the Bayonet AUGVs, driving Greensea IQ’s growth and impact in Israel.
Dov Raz, Founder at DpeR Consulting, "We are thrilled to partner with Greensea IQ, a company renowned for its innovation in marine robotics and subsea systems. As their official representative in Israel, we are particularly excited to introduce and promote the Bayonet AUGVs to our market. These advanced technologies will revolutionize maritime operations and offer unparalleled capabilities to our clients.”
He adds, “our appointment as the representative marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable technologies tailored to the unique needs of the Israeli maritime sector. With Greensea IQ, we are committed to enhancing operational efficiency and strategic capabilities for our clients. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will drive innovation and excellence in the maritime industry."
This new partnership with DpeR Consulting is part of Greensea IQ’s broader strategy to build a robust global network of representatives. By leveraging the expertise of local partners, Greensea IQ continues to advance its mission of developing intelligent ocean solutions and delivering unparalleled value to its customers worldwide.
KONGSBERG Discovery successfully completed in-water demonstrations of the HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
.... as part of the commercial evaluation of Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicle systems by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the U.S. Navy. It was announced in January this year that Kongsberg Discovery was awarded a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to rapidly deliver HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capabilities for the U.S. Military. In April a delegation from the U.S came to Horten in Norway for a comprehensive week-long demonstration. It provided the opportunity to showcase systems that reflect Kongsberg’s unmatched and proven AUV technology developed over the last 30 years.
A complete tour at sea and on shore
Topics included operations, design philosophy, systems approach, sensors, batteries, navigation, autonomy, manufacturing, physical vehicle portfolio, and hands-on familiarization of our user interfaces.
“I am extremely pleased with the visit and demonstrations we held for the team sent by DIU and the U.S. Navy. The visitors were provided a unique opportunity to both see in-water capabilities and shoreside sessions to introduce Kongsberg’s experience in the deep water AUV space. It was terrific to have the DIU and U.S. Navy team visit and allow us to show off our own amazing team and world renowned HUGIN AUVs. We are honored to be a part of the U.S. Navy’s LDUUV effort and are excited to receive additional feedback. Our business model is tightly intertwined with our customers, and we get better through them,” said Espen Henriksen, Executive Vice President Uncrewed Platforms Division.
Designed for dual use
Kongsberg produces three models that fall into the LDUUV category as defined by U.S. Navy. The newest and most capable of those is HUGIN Endurance. While the new AUV incorporates many of the industry-leading capabilities found in previous HUGIN vehicles, to enable long-term unsupported missions, new advancements had to be made, including greater redundancy, a new autonomous mission management system, greater situational awareness, and the ability to deal with a wide range of varying water density. Vice President of Sales, Rich Patterson, Uncrewed Platforms Division explains that the market for AUV’s has changed over the last few years.
“Our HUGIN AUVs were always designed for dual use purposes. In the early years of the program our user base tended to be primarily in the commercial market. In the last few years, we have seen a shift in the marketplace with increasing demand from the defense space as our AUV technology became more mature and were demonstrated to have extremely high reliability. We have seen this demand only increase as the global geopolitical situation continues to become more unstable. What truly sets us apart is that our continued development has resulted in systems that have the capabilities to meet many naval requirements ‘out of the box’,” he said.
Increased attention from defense
Today there are 12 navies using HUGIN in real world missions such as IPoE (Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment), MCM (Mine Counter Measure), SSW (Subsea and Seabed Warfare), and seafloor mapping operations.
“We are excited to bring our many years of AUV experience in support of the U.S. military and look forward to closely partnering with DIU and the U.S. Navy to support making their LDUUV program a reality,” Mr. Patterson continued.
HUGIN Endurance – a game changer
Since the start of the HUGIN program, Kongsberg has delivered more than 100 HUGIN AUV systems globally for both commercial and government customers.
The HUGIN family of AUVs include multiple contenders for the LDUUV market. Of these, HUGIN Endurance, launched in 2021, is the largest member of Kongsberg Discovery’s HUGIN family of AUVs. In addition to Kongsberg’s standard compliment of mapping sensors, this vehicle includes a large configurable volume that can be used to carry a mixture of batteries and custom payloads as needed. The system is designed to allow autonomous operations directly from shore, and with a full complement of batteries, it can spend up to 15 days at sea, traveling up to 2200 km (1200 nm).