Ocean Aero selects Forcys payloads to enhance underwater domain capabilities
Forcys is excited to announce they have been selected by Ocean Aero as a payload provider for their world-leading autonomous underwater and surface vehicle (AUSV), the Triton.
The Triton is the world’s only environmentally powered AUSV. Completely solar and wind powered, it can travel at speeds of up to 5 knots and can submerge for up to 5 days at 2 knots.
A true multi-domain workhorse, the Triton can be used as a force multiplier for defense operations, offering easy logistics, launch, and recovery while evading detection using autonomous avoidance and deep diving capabilities.
Forcys will be supplying Ocean Aero with SPRINT-Nav Mini, the world’s smallest hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation technology from its technology partner Sonardyne and Solstice, the leading multi-aperture sonar (MAS) for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) systems, from its technology partner Wavefront Systems.
Forcys’ General Manager and Head of Global Sales, Dan Zatezalo welcomes their selection: “We are thrilled that Ocean Aero has chosen us as their payload provider for defense applications. Their revolutionary technology is a great complement to our offer, and we think their customers are going to love the results. We look forward to working with them in driving the autonomous ocean defense technology sector forward.”
Bob Marthouse, COO from Ocean Aero said; “A key differentiator in our selection process is the performance to power ratio. We need to maximize the value from our payloads while managing the power consumption to sustain our mission goals. This is where the technology from Forcys makes a significant difference. On our last mission, everyone was highly impressed with the Solstice MAS.”
With Forcys’ marine defense market expertise, alongside its access to many technology partners, and Ocean Aero’s many applications for the Triton, the partnership looks set to be a revolutionary and fruitful one.
Miros supports pipelay operations for pioneering CCS project in Norway
Ocean insights provider optimizes vessel operations across Norway’s Northern Lights project
Miros has successfully supported the laying of a 109km pipeline for the trailblazing Northern Lights CO2 transport and storage (CCS) project. By deploying a cloud-enabled WaveSystem and an additional RangeFinder wave radar on project vessels, Miros provided accurate sea state measurements in real-time, ensuring efficient and safe pipelay operations.
Northern Lights is Norway’s first licence for CO₂ storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and is a key part of the landmark “Langskip” (Longship) CCS initiative. It is being developed by some of the energy sectors biggest players and will play a major role in helping the country, and Europe more generally, to hit its decarbonization goals.
Comprised of Miros’ Wavex and RangeFinder technology, the WaveSystem enables safe and highly reliable offshore operations. By conveniently sharing sea state data through the Miros Cloud platform (miros.app), project vessels were able to confidently navigate the offshore environment and successfully complete their mission on time.
Miros sales executive, Chris Moncrieff, said: “To allow our customers to navigate sudden changes in offshore conditions with confidence, Miros' systems reliably provide accurate and up-to-the-minute sea state measurements round-the-clock. Easy system installation and automatic calibration make data quickly accessible and securely sharable across the project team, facilitating the highest situational awareness at any time.”
“Accuracy is key for laying pipelines; by utilizing the WaveSystem the project was able to deploy key infrastructure accurately and safely. The measured real-time ocean data helped the vessels stay on track precisely and avoid letting the project be affected by changing wave and weather conditions.”
Miros chief executive, Marius Five Aarset, added: “As the industry looks towards more sustainable maritime operations and the delivery of projects to reach net zero goals, Miros is proud to provide real-time data to facilitate the realization of both these goals. Our ongoing work with long-standing maritime industry partners, for projects across the energy sector, speaks to our vast experience providing accurate and reliable ocean insights to optimize operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.”
Marine Technology Society and Society for Underwater Technology announce Martin “Marty” Klein as the recipient of the 2024 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) are thrilled to announce Martin “Marty” Klein as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, sustained, and international contributions to the development, application, or propagation of marine and underwater technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration.
Martin Klein, a name synonymous with ocean exploration, is a true pioneer in the field of underwater technology. Known as the “father of side-scan sonar,” Marty’s innovations have revolutionized oceanographic surveys and underwater searches. His ground-breaking work has made significant strides in marine technology, providing critical tools for the discovery and exploration of our oceans while also inspiring generations of ocean engineers.
Justin Manley, President of MTS, shared: “Marty Klein exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award. His significant and continued innovation in our field, along with his unwavering dedication to mentoring young people, have left an indelible mark on the marine technology community. MTS is proud to recognize Marty’s legacy of growing the next generation of ocean explorers.”
Marty has been involved in Ocean Exploration since 1961, when MIT Professor Harold “Doc” Edgerton introduced him to Jacques Cousteau, George Bass, Peter Throckmorton, Ed Link and many pioneers in the field. When Marty introduced his side scan sonar systems in 1967, there were no commercial units on the market. He helped to create an industry – there are now over 30 manufacturers of these systems, which have truly helped open the world of ocean exploration.
Benj Sykes, President of SUT, stated: “On behalf of the SUT, it is my pleasure to congratulate Martin Klein as the chosen nominee for the Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, 2024. Marty’s dedication to and support of ocean technology and its applications in ocean exploration, along with his contributions to education, make him a worthy recipient. His work has inspired the next generation of ocean professionals.”
Beyond his technical achievements, Marty’s commitment to education and giving back is unmatched. He plays an active role in shaping the next generation of ocean engineers across the globe. Marty has been an avid participant in MTS’s MATE ROV Competition, inspiring countless young ocean explorers. Jill Zande, Executive Director of MATE, described Marty as “humble and unassuming, cringing at being called one of the ‘grandfathers’ of side-scan sonar, but his humility and dedication have profoundly impacted future ocean technologists.”
Today, Marty supports organizations that parallel the pioneering spirit of his earliest work in ocean exploration. Katy Croff Bell, President of the Ocean Discovery League, shared: “I met Marty in 1999 when I was an ocean engineering student at MIT. When expanding the Board of Directors at ODL, Marty was at the top of my list. Marty is constantly pushing to take technologies further and figure out how we can improve the status quo; as a result, he has been instrumental in ODL launching a fundamentally new approach to ocean exploration via low-cost, accessible technologies and broadening the deep-sea community.”
Marty’s influence extends through his numerous publications, patents, and his involvement with various prestigious organizations, including the Explorers Club, the National Academy of Engineering, and the IEEE. His legacy is further cemented through the student scholarship he endowed at Memorial University, honoring his son’s memory and supporting future ocean professionals.
Upon receiving the news of the award, Marty said: “I am humbled and honored. When I was a student at MIT, I read with fascination the Life Magazine cover story about the historic deep dive to 35,813 feet in the Challenger Deep/Mariana Trench by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh in the Bathyscaph Trieste. Little could I know that three years later, just as I was beginning my career, the nuclear submarine USS Thresher would sink, the Trieste would be called from San Diego to assist the project, and I would become intimately involved in the first ever deep water search. During that search the great Don Walsh became a hero of mine and an invaluable friend and mentor.”
The Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration will be presented to Marty Klein at the 2024 OCEANS Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia in September 2024.
Arctic Rays Announces Acquisition by Inkfish
Arctic Rays, a pioneering leader in subsea imaging technologies, proudly announces its acquisition by Inkfish, a newly established organization dedicated to providing services to support marine researchers globally. This strategic acquisition is set to combine Arctic Rays's innovative product offerings with Inkfish's ability to connect with scientific partners and causes around the world.
Founded in 2015 on a commitment to manufacture turnkey custom imaging solutions with superior responsiveness, Arctic Rays has consistently delivered patented lighting packages, still and video capture payloads and other integrated systems for subsea vehicles operating as deep as 6,000 meters.
Inkfish was founded in 2021 to support marine researchers by planning and executing research expeditions, providing resources and developing new technologies to further research initiatives.
With this acquisition, Inkfish recognizes the value of Arctic Rays's market position and its dedication to quality engineering design, manufacturing processes and post-deployment support.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company and ocean exploration,” said Dirk Fieberg, general manager and co-owner of Arctic Rays. “As we join forces with Inkfish, we embrace the opportunity to pioneer new technologies and make discoveries beneath the waves. Together, we will chart new frontiers in marine exploration, inspiring innovation that will define the future of our industry and beyond.”
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the evolution of both companies. Customers can expect continued support and availability of Arctic Rays's current product lines, including repairs, replacements and ongoing customer service. In alignment with the acquisition, new custom development will be evaluated on a case-by-base basis. The Arctic Rays brand will be phased out and will take the Inkfish name, including its Satellite Beach, Florida, location and equipment sales.
“What Inkfish has accomplished quietly in only three years, is nothing short of amazing,” said Lee Frey, director of engineering and co-owner of Arctic Rays. “We are proud to add Arctic Rays’ extensive engineering knowledge and field experience to the exceptional Inkfish team, and we look forward to an exciting future together, pushing the boundaries of technology toward furthering marine science and the betterment of our oceans.”
"This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for marine exploration and technology," says Annika Andresen, who oversees Inkfish operations and research programs. "By combining our expertise and resources, we'll be able to push the boundaries of ocean research further than ever before, developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies that will benefit the entire marine industry."
For more information about the acquisition, please visit arcticrays.com or contact [email protected]
New Partnership in Germany with Ocean Metrics
Impact Subsea has appointed Ocean Metrics, a leading provider of innovative solutions in environmental monitoring and marine technology, as its official distributor.
With their expertise and commitment to customer service, Ocean Metrics is the perfect partner to ensure German sensor users receive continued exceptional support.
Ben Grant, Managing Director says,
“We are thrilled to work closely with Ocean Metrics in Germany to further enhance our customer support in the region.
The technical focus and capability of Ocean Metrics is well aligned with the customer supporting ethos of Impact Subsea.”
Kraken Robotics completes High Resolution route survey contract in Australia
Kraken Robotics Inc. announces the successful completion of a contract to supply high-resolution seabed mapping sonar service to Precision Hydrographic Services (PHS), a customer supporting the Australian Department of Defence. The Australian Department of Defence project sought to undertake Hydrographic High Resolution Route Surveys (RS) for a number of Australian ports. The purpose of these surveys was to enable the collection of Maritime Geospatial Information (MGI) to support maritime domain awareness through the acquisition of high-resolution seabed foundation data and associated oceanographic data.
Managing Director of Precision Hydrographic Services Pty Ltd (PHS), Neil Hewitt stated: “Our decision to partner with Kraken Robotics and the KATFISH synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system for this important Defence project has proven to be highly successful. Over the course of five months our team travelled non-stop from port to port and surveyed several thousand line-miles of Australia’s most important ports and waterways for Defence. The Kraken KATFISH performed faultlessly with not one hour of downtime.”
Kraken President and CEO, Greg Reid commented: “The Australian Defence Route Survey project has provided an excellent opportunity to test and demonstrate the performance of the Kraken KATFISH system. This is the first time that a customer has undertaken a wide area, multi-port survey project of this scale with the KATFISH - anywhere in the world. To do so in a safe and efficient manner with no downtime is a great credit to the vessel crew and the teamwork of the technical and survey personnel from PHS and Kraken Robotics.”
Under the scope of Kraken’s contract, a KATFISH™ high-speed survey/detection solution was used to acquire high-resolution route surveys of Australian ports. Under the contract, the survey campaign commenced in January 2024 and was fully complete in May 2024. This contract follows the results of a successful in-country demonstration of KATFISH™ for the RAN in Q1 of 2023 and the purchase of a KATFISH system by the RAN in Q2, 2023.
ABOUT KATFISH
The KATFISH is a high-speed seabed survey system providing ultra-high resolution seabed imagery and bathymetry for defense and commercial customers. The acoustic imagery and bathymetry collected by KATFISH systems provides customers with actionable intelligence about subsea assets and infrastructure such as subsea pipelines and fiber optic cables, as well as important hydrographic information about the safety of key transit routes for ocean going assets. Kraken has integrated KATFISH to a variety of manned and unmanned vessels of opportunity, providing both standalone turnkey seabed mapping as well as optional integration to a customer’s combat mission management systems.
ABOUT KRAKEN ROBOTICS INC.
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX.V:PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) is a marine technology company providing complex subsea sensors, batteries, and robotic systems. Our high-resolution 3D acoustic imaging solutions and services enable clients to overcome the challenges in our oceans - safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Kraken Robotics is headquartered in Canada and has offices in North and South America and Europe. Kraken is ranked as a Top 100 marine technology company by Marine Technology Reporter.
Fugro completes comprehensive survey for Atlantic Shores to advance US offshore wind projects
Fugro has successfully completed four years of continuous survey operations in New Jersey and New York for US-based offshore wind developer Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. Supporting the site assessment of five projects across three lease areas totalling 1,000 km², Fugro worked with Atlantic Shores to pioneer a new data collection and management approach that increased survey efficiency by 30% and contributed to the recent federal approval of Atlantic Shores South, which will provide 2,800 MW of clean energy to New Jersey.
Traditionally, offshore wind site assessments have required multiple independent campaigns to gather oceanographic, seabed, soil and habitat data. Fugro streamlined this process by consolidating these efforts into a single, integrated programme aligned with Atlantic Shores’ portfolio strategy. To manage the large volumes of data associated with this approach—upwards of 100 TB—Fugro collaborated with Atlantic Shores to develop Fugro VirGeo®. This cloud-based Geo-data engagement and delivery platform provides internal stakeholders with real-time project information for faster decision making both in the field and office.
The platform also facilitated the first digital deliverables to federal regulators, supplementing the thousands of pages of reports required by current permitting standards. This push toward digital deliverables aims to increase transparency, build public trust, and further compress the development timeline through more efficient regulatory reviews, steps critical to achieving the aggressive national goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
“Given the shared values between Fugro and Atlantic Shores, we are proud of the longstanding partnership and commitment to advancing New Jersey’s first offshore wind project,” said Joris Veldhoven, Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. “Over the last four years our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure we possess the most accurate data to develop our project portfolio safely and responsibly. Our partnership has led to industry innovations, advancements, and best practices that are charting the course for clean energy delivery now and for future generations.”
Céline Gerson, Fugro’s President and Group Director in the Americas, said, “The energy transition will require companies that are willing to lead by example—that work smarter to move faster while maintaining the highest accuracy and safety standards. Atlantic Shores is that kind of company, and we’re incredibly proud to have partnered with them to accelerate their offshore wind development journey. We’ve achieved a great deal together in the last four years, and we’re excited to keep this momentum going during future phases of development, working together to increase renewable energy in the US.”
Throughout the four-year field programme, Fugro achieved Atlantic Shores’ stringent “Goal Zero” safety standard for people and the environment. This accomplishment was made possible by the safety excellence of Fugro’s own team, as well as their subcontractors Alpine and S.T. Hudson Engineers, two local survey companies whose work on the project contributes to Atlantic Shores’ commitment to New Jersey job creation.
Successful collaboration secures MacArtney a contract with T. Mariotti for new navy vessel
MacArtney has been entrusted the role of one-stop solution partner, delivering critical underwater systems that bolster the security, safety, surveillance, and rescue efforts of the Italian Navy's Special and Diving Operations - Submarine Rescue Ship (SDO-SuRS) contracted to Italian shipbuilder T. Mariotti.
MacArtney's expertise in underwater systems integration proved paramount in delivering a comprehensive solution for the Italian Navy's SDO-SuRS. The solution comprises MacArtney's electric launch and recovery system eLARS™ and advanced technology from esteemed business partners Klein, AML Oceanographic and Sonardyne, providing high-res Side Scan Sonar, Moving Vessel Profilers, and Diver Detection Sonar systems.
Combined, these enhancements from MacArtney and its partners improve the vessel's launch and recovery, security, and surveillance capabilities. They also strengthen safety measures by enhancing the detection of unauthorised divers and vessels, tracking movements, and improving underwater imaging, thereby advancing the SDO-SuRS's search and recovery operations.
Together towards tomorrow
T. Mariotti, committed to setting new benchmarks in shipbuilding with every vessel, was intrigued by MacArtney's holistic approach and adherence to their high standards for next-generation technology.
"We are delighted to collaborate with our trusted partner, MacArtney, on this esteemed naval project, which represents the highest level of shipbuilding and technology,” states Marco Ghiglione, CEO of T. Mariotti, and continues: "MacArtney's adept integration of advanced technologies and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the enhanced capabilities and efficiency of the Italian Navy's SDO-SuRS."
The new-built 120 m SDO-SuRS replaces the retiring Nave Anteo as the Italian Navy's (Marina Militare Italiana) primary special and diving operations - submarine rescue ship. It elevates both naval and civil underwater operations, supporting rescue missions, special tasks, and marine infrastructure protection.
Reliable performance through innovative design
T. Mariotti selected the MacArtney eLARS as a key feature of the SDO-SuRS. 
The eLARS technology provides an eco-friendly, compact, and reliable all-electric system. Its efficiency exceeds that of hydraulic systems by more than 30%. At the same time, eliminating pressurised oil over water significantly reduces oil spillage risks. Additionally, it features a self-assessment capability for preventive maintenance and enables remote shore-based operation, optimising overall processes.
Increasing MacArtney's Italian footprint
MacArtney's Italian subsidiary, established in 2019, has swiftly gained ground. Led by Managing Director Vincenzo Mauro, the Bologna-based office achieved remarkable feats in just five years, including the groundbreaking contract with T. Mariotti for the Italian Navy and the debut of the first eLARS in the Italian market. This progress highlights MacArtney's dedication to providing global access to local support, concludes Vincenzo Mauro:
"We value our client's trust in us for this pivotal project and remain devoted to delivering dependable and efficient underwater solutions for maritime operations worldwide."
Wavefront announces shipment of first batch of Vigilant FLS® 600
Wavefront, a leader in innovative sonar technology, is thrilled to announce the shipment of the first batch of its highly anticipated Vigilant FLS® 600. This latest addition to the Vigilant family of forward looking sonars will see the first units installed in a range of applications including surface and subsurface, crewed and uncrewed platforms.
Vigilant FLS 600 is a compact navigation and obstacle avoidance sonar creating – with unrivalled resolution and detail – a real-time, easy to interpret 3D terrain map of the seabed with automated alarms warning of objects in the water column ahead.
Vigilant has two principal operating modes: 3D and SONAR mode, both of which offer a class leading 120 degrees field of view on all range scales. Vigilant’s unique patented technology allows our 3D mode to provide stunning 3D depth imagery, further ahead of the platform than any competing system, at ranges in excess of 20 times the prevailing water depth up to a maximum 600 m range and down to 100 m depth. Sonar mode processes the intensity of the acoustic data to extract long-range positional data of objects up to ranges of 600 m. Data from both modes are used to automatically generate alerts for the operator or supervising system to warn of the presence of a navigationally relevant obstacle.
With its history mapping capability, a comprehensive picture of the underwater environment surrounding the vessel is built up. This provides crews and autonomous systems with maximum situational awareness for collision or ground avoidance, tight manoeuvres or backing out of confined areas. 
Speaking about this milestone for the Vigilant FLS 600, Paul Badger, Wavefront Managing Director, said ‘Vigilant FLS 600 bridges the gap from UUV, AUV and ASV applications all the way through to mega yachts and cruise ships to deliver high resolution navigational imaging and long range obstacle avoidance’.
About Wavefront
Wavefront was founded in 2004 with a mission to apply engineering excellence to the problems of underwater detection, imaging and navigation. Wavefront works with its customers to make the underwater world visible – protecting Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), preventing maritime collisions, monitoring the integrity of undersea assets and exploring our under-water world with stunning high-resolution imagery.
Wavefront is proud to have designed and developed some of the world’s most capable commercially available sonar systems:
- Sentinel IDS is the world’s most deployed Intruder Detection Sonar capable of detecting, tracking and classifying underwater targets including new drone threats;
- Vigilant FLS is a Forward Looking Sonar with unique patented technology capable of depth finding at ranges ahead of your vessel in excess of 20 times the prevailing water depth;
- Solstice MAS is a unique Multi-Aperture Sonar designed to provide world-class imagery by blending the high performance of Synthetic Aperture Sonar with the reliability and robustness of conventional side-scan; and
- Sentry IMS is a field-proven Integrity Monitoring Sonar designed for ocean depth deployments where it continuously monitors billions of cubic feet of seawater around critical seabed assets.
Wavefront’s industry-leading products are in use globally in civilian, public, defence, offshore and commercial markets.
Contact Information:
Andy Covey, Marketing Manager, [email protected]
Wavefront Systems Ltd - Camway, West 303, High Street, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JQ, UK
Grand opening of Teledyne GAVIA AUV Service Center in Poland
Teledyne Gavia ehf. Headquartered in Kopavogur, Iceland, proudly announces its attendance at the grand opening of the Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Service Center established by ENAMOR Limited in Gdynia, Poland.
ENAMOR Limited has supported the Polish Navy´s expanding fleet of Gavia AUVs for over a decade. To commemorate this long-standing relationship, the Service Center has been opened in partnership with the Polish Naval Academy. Several honored guests, including highly respected Polish Navy Admirals, Captains, and Officers, attended the grand opening in July 2024. Representatives from Teledyne Gavia in Iceland, Teledyne Marine personnel from the United States and Europe, as well as various NATO partners and Gavia AUV Users, attended the grand opening.
Teledyne Gavia and ENAMOR have developed a robust partnership over the past ten years. The Polish Navy’s initial acquisition of Gavia AUVs in 2013 was facilitated through a contract secured by ENAMOR Limited. Following the delivery, the Polish Navy received guidance and training from both Teledyne Gavia ehf. and ENAMOR Limited.
The Polish Navy has been successfully operating Gavia AUVs for mine countermeasures (MCM) since 2013. Beginning with that initial delivery ENAMOR has continued to support the Polish Navy both operationally and 
technically over the last decade. With an increased number of Gavia AUVs in Poland and with other NATO users combined with an increase in critical underwater projects in Europe comes an increased need for Gavia service and support outside of Iceland. To expand Gavia technical support in Europe, as well as increase ENAMOR’S technical support capabilities, ENAMOR has dedicated personnel and investments to open a Gavia AUV Service Center in Gdynia, Poland. The service center can perform Gavia Maintenance with a faster turnaround for Polish and other continental customers due to its central European location.
Stefan Reynisson, Vice President, and General Manager of Teledyne Gavia ehf., was very pleased with the Service expansion into Europe. In his speech at the grand opening, Reynisson highlighted the strong partnership between ENAMOR, the Polish Navy, and Teledyne Gavia. “A strong and successful working relationship has been the foundation of the success of Gavia AUVs in Poland. Thank you to both ENAMOR and the Polish Navy. Teledyne Gavia looks forward to continuing our partnership and collaboration.”