MATS 2023: Themes Announced

The delivery committee are pleased to announce the themes for MATS 2023

During MATS 2023, our aim to explore Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) seeks to underline the significance of MAS and to represent each key aspect of MAS through the themes outlined.

We are keen to encourage a wide range of presenters of all nationalities, genders and backgrounds including early careers or newly qualified engineers / technicians to enable the next generation to begin their journey.

This year we have a new theme: Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning theme. We feel this will be a very exciting deep dive into this field.

  • Theme 1: Sustainability and Net Zero Capability We are seeking to understand how sustainability is being implemented into organisations and their operations both now and in the future. Net Zero Capability is now a reality and exciting developments are driving this forward. How are MAS achieving this? Here we seek to understand the planning and development process already in play and how it can be advanced moving forward.
  • Theme 2: Users & Applications Through this theme we are inviting presentations from Scientific, Industry, Government and Defence end-users of marine technologies. Presentations should focus on current and aspirational application of MAS, highlighting what the user requirement is and associated challenges.  We will seek to take a balanced approach between current and aspirational activities to ensure MATS includes forward looking ideas as well as ground-breaking examples of actual activity.
  • Theme 3. Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning This new theme will explore the latest advancements and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) and marine data analysis. AI and ML are powerful tools increasingly used to improve the performance, efficiency, and usability of MAS, including in navigation, perception, environmental monitoring, and image analysis. While there are many benefits to integrating AI into MAS, there are also challenges. How much trust can we put in these technologies? How relevant are they to end-user applications and real-world contexts? How well do they support sustainable development? We are seeking presentations on a range of topics including autonomous navigation, planning, data collection and annotation, oceanography, and marine robotics to provide an insight into the latest trends and emerging technologies in marine autonomy, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
  • Theme 4: Data Collection and Information Generation Sensing technologies are the eyes, ears, nose and touch of the MAS. This theme will focus on novel, innovative and emerging technologies that enable MAS to collect data for the end-user, through remote and physical sampling for chemical and biological detection. We are also seeking presentations that cover interaction with the environment and infrastructure. Data alone is of course not enough, generating information that meets end-user needs from the data collected is the ultimate goal of deploying the system. This theme will explore collected data and the novel methods of generating information products from MAS gathered data.
  • Theme 5:  Autonomous platforms and supporting technology Through this theme, we are seeking presentations that focus on existing and upcoming platforms within the next 12 months. Increased intelligence, operations have evolved from single platform to more of a systems approach. Operations are no longer limited to one or two vehicles deployed from a ship, but can be run by autonomous fleets utilising technologies such as digital twins, motherships etc. Presentations are sought that include, but are not limited to end to end systems, navigation, networking, collaboration and cooperation, residency, launch and recovery and novel vehicles including a forward look to future vehicle technologies. We are also encouraging presentations that look at the roles of cyber technologies and digital twins in operations. Presentations should demonstrate how step changes in MAS technology deliver improved performance through real examples of in field operation, be that with a single platform or a fleet of platforms.

To view the abstract submission guidelines and to submit an abstract please click here 


Register now for the 66th Marine Measurement Forum in Plymouth, Devon

The Plymouth Marine Laboratory are delighted to announce that the 66th Marine Measurement Forum will be hosted in the port city of Plymouth, Devon, on June 27th 2023.

Hosted by the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy (NCCA) (founded by the partners in Marine Research Plymouth – the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the University of Plymouth), the Forum will be held at PML’s main site on Plymouth Hoe which overlooks the historic waterfront and Plymouth Sound.

A full day of talks, presentations and networking opportunities will be followed by an evening reception on June 27th.

Registration will be open to all - Registration Fee: £40+ VAT

Register now

 


“Routes for innovation in the Defence Market” showcase at Ocean Business 2023

20 April – 11.30 to 15.00

Ocean Business 2023, Conference Room 344 / 32, The NOC, Southampton

 

The SUT is hosting a “Routes for innovation in the Defence Market” showcase at Ocean Business. You must pre-register to attend Ocean Business here.

This event will include a free networking buffet lunch.

This is an SUT member-only event. If you are not a member of SUT, you can become a member please click here to join.

 

The event will showcase organisations that aid the development and exploitation of innovation and technology in the defence market. This includes government organisations that have funding available for innovative projects and organisations that collaborate with non-defence companies to develop capabilities that address defence requirements.

This showcase will present potential funding routes and access to the defence market. Hear from:

Defence and Security Accelerator – The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and funds exploitable innovation for a safer future. DASA is part of the Ministry of Defence

DASA Case Study – A case study of how DASA has enabled innovation in the marine domain

NATO DIANA programme – NATO’s new innovation accelerator fund. The Fund will invest 1 billion euros in early-stage start-ups and other venture capital funds developing dual-use emerging technologies of priority to NATO

Plougshare – Ensuring UK government innovations deliver real prosperity to the economy, our society, people’s lives, and the environment

FutureLabs – An introduction to the Futures Lab service operated on behalf of the DE&S Future Capability Group. Futures Lab helps solve our front line clients’ near-future challenges through the provision of impartial insights and decision support delivered by collaborative industry and academic teams

MOD Commercial Team – An overview from the MOD commercial team on how to contract with the MOD

Maritime Enterprise – The Maritime Enterprise consortium connects networks regionally and nationally, and collaborates on key maritime initiatives to support the maritime sector in its broadest sense.

Networking Lunch

Questions and answer sessions

 


Ocean Business 2023 jam-packed with networking opportunities

In just over two weeks Ocean Business 2023 will open its doors to a world-class showcase of marine technology, live-action demonstrations, a packed conference programme and unbeatable networking opportunities.

With more than 300 manufacturers and service providers booked for the sold-out exhibition, this year’s edition of the global technology and science show for marine industries promises to attract record crowds.

The three-day event, which runs from April 18-20 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is open to all visitors for free by registering online at www.oceanbusiness.com.

Ocean Business not only provides unrivalled access to today’s transformational ocean technology, but facilitates business to business get-togethers. Both inside and outside the expansive exhibition halls, a variety of social events will ensure exhibitors and visitors can network around the clock.

Ocean Business regulars have described the biennial show as pivotal in the ocean industry calendar and ‘more than just a 9 to 5 exhibition’, and for exhibitors, the first day will be topped with free to attend drinks, from 5-6.30pm, run in partnership with SMI.

In a pre-show gathering, Ocean Business will be hosting the Racal Survey Reunion, on Monday, April 17, from 6.30-8pm, in the Pitcher and Piano, Southampton. Open to Racal Survey, Racal Positioning, Thales GeoSolutions and Decca ex-employees, the reception is a show highlight, reconnecting friends and colleagues scattered across the globe.

The popular Wine Trail, on Wednesday, April 19, offers further networking, accompanied by fabulous wines from around the world. Guests can follow the trail to sample a different wine at more than 25 sponsor stands and collect ‘passport’ stamps, and new acquaintances, along the way.

Also on Wednesday, the International B2B Matchmaking offers a chance to meet potential business and technology partners in one day. Organised by Innovate UK EDGE, the event (from 11am to 5pm in Conference Room 344/32, Level 4) involves pre-arranged 20-minute meetings, creating business development opportunities with exhibitors and visitors active in the maritime sector. Register, up until April 17, here.

Ocean Business 2023 will also host a one-day, free-to-attend conference on Tuesday, April 18 - on top of a series of associated, on-site meetings - with a line-up of sector experts addressing the key issues of the day.

And, for the first time, the world’s only conference dedicated to marine electromagnetics – MARELEC - will run alongside Ocean Business. Delegates will hear from eminent scientists, engineers and academics of the advances made in the past four years in the fields of geophysics, geotechnical engineering, oceanography and naval warfare.

Outside, there will be a range of vessels and exhibits to explore, including demonstrations of NORBIT Subsea’s latest sonar technology on the Fugro vessel Xplorer; joint demonstrations by Applied Acoustic Engineering and Klein Marine, with the official launch of Klein’s 4K-UHR side scan sonar, on board Briggs Marine’s Solent Guardian; plus live equipment demonstrations from Sonardyne and Voyis aboard SubSea Co’s vessel, and new products and innovations from Teledyne, Nortek, Digital Edge Subsea, Bayonet Ocean Vehicles , and more.

And the Ocean Business Training and Demonstration programme, full details of which can be found here, will mark a year of exciting progress in ocean data gathering sensors, autonomous vehicles and their payloads all being demonstrated in the dockside waters, onboard vessels and in the classrooms.

For students, the Ocean Careers programme runs alongside the three days of Ocean Business 2023, with free to attend events. Leading lights from the industry and research institutes will share their expertise and insights during presentations and one-on-one sessions. See here for more details.

Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at exhibition organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Show time is almost upon us again and we can’t wait to welcome ocean technologists from around the world to this year’s event.

‘There will be something for everyone, with exciting product launches, hands-on demonstrations, scientific and engineering advances, and a wealth of sector innovators and leaders bringing their expertise to Southampton.

‘Ocean Business operates as a business hub, a forum for the exchange of ideas, a testbed for new concepts, and is usually a veritable social whirl too! See you there.’

 


IMarEST 118th Annual Dinner 2023

The IMarEST Annual Dinner is the Institute’s flagship social event, bringing together 400 international industry leaders and marine professionals from across the sector.

IMarEST members are experts and prominent leaders in the fields of marine engineering, marine science and marine technology. This dinner is a highly anticipated occasion for both members and guests to see old friends and colleagues, and to make new connections.

Dress code: Black Tie or Uniform with Decorations / Formalwear / Cocktail Dress

Bookings are now open - please click here to book your tickets and quote NEW23 for a 25% discount on the usual ticket price.

Registration is open for both individual and company tickets. All tickets include Pre-dinner drinks, and a three-course dinner with wine, brandy or port. Companies are invited to secure a limited number of tables of 8, 10 or 12 guests.

£2,388 + VAT per Table of 12 limited availability

£1,990 + VAT per Table of 10

£1,592 + VAT per Table of 8 limited availability

£199 + VAT Individual Tickets

ImarEST's special guest speakers this year will truly deliver something for all; from Dr Tikka highlighting why engineering and technology today is more important than ever, to being motivated and inspired by the engineering entrepreneurship of a truly unique world record breaker to the real life experiences of a Chief Engineer vlogging to millions of viewers on the challenges of working at sea today.

Dr Kirsi Tikka: Leader, engineer and visionary
Throughout her impressive career, Kirsi has led forward-looking technical topics including sustainability and setting the course for a low-carbon shipping future. Building on the attainment of positions as Chief Engineer and Senior Vice President at ABS, she is currently an independent director on shipping and technology company boards.

Richard Noble OBE: First ever supersonic land speed record holder, innovator and engineering entrepreneur
Richard needs little introduction to the engineering and science community and is set to bring a uniquely motivating insight from his outstanding experiences on the land and on the water.

Mark Laurilla (’Chief MAKOi’): Chief Engineer from the Philippines and content creator
Mark offers fascinating experience from his content which has generated global views totalling some 60m. The Chief will bring us all bang up to date with life on board as a Chief Engineer through the lens of social media.

For more information, click here.

 


Enrolment for 2023 IBSC-Recognised S-5B Hydrographic Surveyor and S-8B Nautical Cartographers Programs now open

IIC Technologies are thrilled to announce that the enrolments for the 2023 IBSC-Recognised S-5B Hydrographic Surveyor and S-8B Nautical Cartographers Programs are now open! After the success of the 2022 deliveries, IIC Academy is excited to continue offering these programs, which are designed to be flexible and accessible to students from all over the world.

The S-5B Hydrographic Surveying Program is a comprehensive 20-week course that is divided into three phases. The first phase, Theory/Remote Learning, provides 13 weeks of instructor-led webinars and e-learning modules, which cover all the necessary theoretical knowledge. Students have 21 weeks to complete this work from the comfort of their own homes.

The second phase is Practical, consisting of three intensive weeks of on-site lessons that take place in scheduled regions of America, Australasia, and Europe. During this phase, students will review and solidify their understanding of the theoretical material covered in the remote learning phase.

The third and final phase is the Comprehensive Final Field Project, which takes place immediately after the Practical phase. This four-week project is designed to confirm that students have all the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and competencies to plan, conduct, assess, and submit a hydrographic survey.

Remote learning delivery allows students to learn at their own pace and from wherever they are in the world. From nautical science to underwater acoustics, students will learn everything they need to know to become proficient hydrographic surveyors.

 


IIC Academy to host webinar on S-5B Hydrographic Surveying Program

Embark on an exciting career in hydrographic surveying with the S-5 Category B Programme, offered by IIC Academy. The programme is recognized by FIG/IHO/ICA International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors (IBSC) and is designed to equip aspiring and experienced surveyors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field.

IIC Academy provide a comprehensive training programme where students will have access to a state-of-the-art web-based environment where they will attend live online classes, access pre-recorded lectures, and complete interactive e-learning modules that combines with practical exercises, fieldwork, and simulation exercises. Experienced instructors ensure that students receive the best possible education and graduate fully prepared to enter the workforce.

Hydrographic surveyors are responsible for collecting, processing, and analysing data to create accurate and reliable charts and maps of the world's oceans and waterways. With the S-5 Category B programme, students will learn how to use the latest technology and techniques to complete hydrographic surveys, including bathymetric surveys, topographic surveys, and side-scan sonar surveys.

If you're looking to start a career in hydrographic surveying, or simply want to expand your knowledge and skills, the S-5 Category B Programme at IIC Academy is the perfect choice. Join the IIC Academy today and discover the exciting world of hydrography!

Register to join the webinar taking place on 9th March at 14h00 at https://loom.ly/1bFxoLc

 


Royal Navy industry engagement: Mine Hunting Capability programme update - 6 Feb 23.

On Monday 6th February 2023, the Royal Navy, in collaboration with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) will host a Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) webinar between 11:00am and 1:00pm. The aim of this event is to engage with industry to provide an update on MOD’s thinking regarding the next phase (Block 2) of the Royal Navy’s successful MHC Block 1 programme, and the opportunity landscape in Block 2 for potential suppliers. Industry feedback from this event and subsequent engagements will also be used to shape and refine MHC programme plans and procurement strategy.

Attendees will gain an understanding of the RN’s requirements for mine countermeasures and their strategic context, the progress achieved across MHC Block 1 (leading to planned deployment) and in the accompanying Operational Evaluation, and the plans for development, fielding and scaling in Block 2. There will also be early visibility of the plan to establish a new Maritime Autonomous Systems Centre of Expertise (MASCoE), anchored in DE&S Ships, but operating across MOD, and its role in enabling programmes such as MHC.

Building on earlier engagements as part of Block 1 of the programme, it is anticipated that this will be the first in a number of events over the coming months and years. The event will facilitate information sharing and discussion at the Official level only and there are no nationality requirements for the webinar.

There will be no charge for attendance at the webinar and capacity is not limited; The Royal Navy and DE&S are keen to see representation from across Defence and from those in adjacent sectors operating in the underwater environment, including those entirely new to Defence. Registration will close at midday 1st February 2023.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is an information opportunity only. Neither the presentation nor discussions constitute any form of commitment and will not act as any form of pre-qualification exercise. Any formal procurement process will – if pursued – be undertaken in accordance with MoD procurement policy and procedures and the relevant Procurement Regulations. Nothing in the event or any other engagements with Industry prior to a formal procurement process, shall be construed as a representation as to the Authority’s ultimate decision in relation to any future requirement.

Registration can be completed via this form. If you have any questions about the event, please contact [email protected]. Please do not contact individual RN or DE&S personnel directly about the event.

 


HYPACK 2023 Hydrographic and Dredging Training Event on 9-12 January

9 -12 January 2023
Panama City Beach, Florida
Website: https://support.hypack.com/hypack/2023/

The annual HYPACK Training Event will be held on 9-12 January 2023 in Panama City Beach, Florida! HYPACK are very excited to celebrate 30 years of their training event.

The event will offer instruction on the newest features of HYPACK® 2023 and training in HYPACK®, HYSWEEP® and DREDGEPACK® software. By attending you will have exclusive access to all of HYPACK's live training sessions and the ability to network with attendees and exhibitors. Attendees will also be able to see HYPACK® in action from livestreamed demos at the hotel.

 


Fugro to hold seminar on Geo-Risk Management for ​​Coastal Infrastructure on Wednesday 16th November

Fugro is preparing to hold a free in-person seminar focused on mitigating Geo-risk in coastal environments. Hear about the importance of site investigations, their range of geophysics and metocean services, and how they use integrated GeoData to develop innovative 3D ground models that help optimise project schedules and reduce costs.

Communities, infrastructure and landscapes in England are already under significant pressure from flooding and erosion. These threats are set to increase in the future. Geo-data plays a central role in understanding and quantifying the risks associated with coastal zones.

Don’t miss out, sign up here.

16 November 2022
10:00 – 16:30 GMT
8 Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1AE