SeeByte and Kraken Robotics sign MOU
SeeByte Ltd (SeeByte) and Kraken Robotics Inc. (Kraken) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under which they will seek to enhance their complimentary system offerings to bring customers an integrated solution across maritime mission planning, data collection, and data analysis.
Kraken specializes in the delivery of advanced synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) for maritime platforms including uncrewed underwater vehicles of all sizes and the KATFISH™ towed SAS system.
SeeByte specializes in the development and supply of maritime software solutions including their SeeTrack Mission Management System (MMS), Neptune Autonomy System, and Automated Target Recognition (ATR).
The combined solution offers customers an integrated proven system for maritime operations that is competitive, readily available, and delivers a high-quality user experience.
Chris Haworth, CEO at SeeByte said, “This collaborative approach brings together a best-of-breed solution to satisfy the needs of our maritime and naval customers. We are excited to add Kraken to the long list of SeeByte collaborators and look forward to seeing the capabilities of this combined solution for high-resolution seabed intelligence.”
Greg Reid, CEO at Kraken said, “Kraken provides turnkey minehunting solutions which collect high quality data and turn it into high quality seabed intelligence – our customers use this to inform high quality decisions. Our sonar systems are used worldwide for critical decision-making, providing swaths up to 400m and constant resolutions of down to 2 cm x 2 cm. Having completed several integrations and customer demos with SeeByte, Kraken is excited to integrate with SeeByte’s advanced capabilities. This provides navies worldwide with the ability to seamlessly leverage SeeByte’s mission management tools to optimally plan, analyze and review Kraken’s high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar data.”
SeeByte and Kraken will demonstrate this collaboration at the NATO Exercise REPMUS 2024 in September and will continue to collaborate to advance products and solutions.
New RBRtridente makes more sense
RBR is pleased to announce a dry bay version of proven RBRtridente three-channel optical sensor, specifically designed to support the needs of OEM users.
Its size is compatible with existing vehicle payload bays and with RS-232 data being streamed via a Micro-Fit connector, user integration is simple.
RBR is well known for building instrumentation with exceptionally low power requirements, and the RBRtridente is no different. This allows integrators and their end users the capability to extend mission durations, be it with their AUV, glider, float, or other underwater vehicle; maximising science opportunities whilst deployed.
The RBRtridente is capable of making multiple fluorescence and backscatter measurements simultaneously, and with a high dynamic range, it permits exposure to full sunlight with very low detection limits. With a depth rating of 1,250m for the dry bay version and 6,000m for the existing wet bay version, it suits a wide variety of applications.
Parameters currently available include chlorophyll a, fDOM, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, backscatter and turbidity, and users can select a combination of any 3 of these parameters when ordering. Additional wavelengths are available on request, with a number already scheduled to roll out soon.
For more information on this new variant of the RBRtridente or any other instruments in the RBR range, please reach out to the team at RBR: [email protected]
MacArtney expands oceanographic portfolio through distribution agreement with Sea-Bird Scientific
MacArtney is pleased to announce a partnership to distribute Sea-Bird Scientific's comprehensive precision instruments, enabling a broader range of solutions to meet customer needs.
Trusted partners MacArtney and Sea-Bird Scientific are extending their collaboration to support ocean science, naval, and marine offshore customers while also broadening the range of ROTV integration options.
"The collaboration between MacArtney and Sea-Bird Scientific is essential in providing comprehensive, expertly crafted solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers," says Sea-Bird Scientific's Global Channel Sales Manager, Eduardo Ramirez. "By leveraging our combined expertise and broad scope, we ensure impactful offerings to enhance performance and reliability across the oceanographic sector."
Known for their high-end, market-leading accuracy, Sea-Bird Scientific's instruments are engineered to withstand some of the harshest marine environments. This new distribution agreement encompasses a wide array of equipment, such as a variety of sensors, water samplers, and auxiliary products, all designed to deliver unparalleled precision in measurements.
The contract covers distribution in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, with MacArtney serving as an integrator partner for global projects. This partnership enables MacArtney to seamlessly integrate Sea-Bird Scientific products into its systems and offer turnkey solutions worldwide.
Advancing oceanographic solutions
MacArtney already has a significant track record in projects integrating Sea-Bird Scientific equipment, including solutions comprising CTD systems for survey and research vessels, real-time oceanographic mooring solutions, purpose-built systems, and more.
Leveraging MacArtney's robust presence in the Nordic markets, this collaboration enhances local support and significantly improves technical expertise and training capabilities for end-users around the world.
MacArtney's workshops also offer essential maintenance support for Sea-Bird Scientific equipment and facilitate assistance in calibration tasks globally, ensuring marine instruments function optimally.
Expanded customer benefits
By incorporating Sea-Bird Scientific's marine portfolio, MacArtney strengthens its position as a one-stop solutions provider, streamlining project management and enhancing operational efficiency.
"Being close to our customers and maintaining a strong local presence has always been a MacArtney objective, along with offering technical, commercial, and logistical support globally," says MacArtney's Sales Director Ocean Science, Mikkel Møller Sørensen. "Collaborating with Sea-Bird Scientific not only increases our capabilities but also enhances customers’ access to complete solutions and turnkey systems."
With this strategic addition, MacArtney reinforces its role as a trusted partner in underwater technology applications.
Fugro strengthens commitment to UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition
Fugro is now a patron of the UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition, deepening its commitment to responsible business practices and ocean sustainability. As a patron, Fugro will join the Ocean Leaders Group, a high-level advisory body that shapes the coalition's strategic direction and policy recommendations.
The UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition is a platform for ocean-related industries, academic institutions, financial actors, governments and UN institutions to collaborate on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The coalition aims to bring the business voice to UN processes, broaden principle-based sustainable ocean business, advance the business community’s leadership towards the 2030 Agenda, drive science-based ocean-climate action, and scale up blue finance.
Fugro has been a member of the coalition since 2021, aligning its strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Ocean Principles. Fugro also supports the coalition's workstreams on ocean data, ocean mapping, and ocean health, contributing its industry leading expertise and data to improve the understanding and management of the ocean.
Mark Heine, CEO of Fugro, stated, “We are excited to strengthen our commitment to the UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition by joining the Ocean Leaders Group. We look forward to further expand our collaboration with global leaders and influencing the ocean agenda at the highest level. Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure the long-term health and resilience of our oceans.”
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.
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."
Scottish expansion underway for UK’s world-leading offshore industry data resource
Work is now underway to integrate Scottish survey findings into the Marine Data Exchange (MDE), the UK’s world-leading resource for offshore industry survey data, research and evidence.
This follows an agreement between The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland to extend the MDE to cover Scottish waters, allowing all developers working in UK waters to benefit from a streamlined and comprehensive dataset to inform offshore developments, supporting the faster, more sustainable roll-out of offshore technologies critical to the UK’s energy transition, while protecting and restoring the biodiversity of our seas and the marine environment.
Marine consultancy and survey company ABPmer has been appointed by Crown Estate Scotland to support data handling tasks critical to the effective management of the Scottish marine survey data and associated documents uploaded to the MDE. This includes primary data, observations, metadata, and reports gathered and stored by or on behalf of tenants in relation to geotechnical, geophysical, bathymetric, oceanographic, meteorological, acoustic, biological, sea user, sedimentological, cultural and heritage investigations, and modelling and monitoring.
The MDE was created by The Crown Estate in 2013 to store, manage and disseminate offshore survey data collected by offshore renewables developers during the planning, building and operation of offshore renewable energy projects and outputs from Regional Environmental Characterisation Surveys (RECS) under the Marine Aggregate Levey Sustainability Fund (MALSF).
The MDE provides an evidence base to help developers and stakeholders understand impacts, providing valuable lessons learnt and efficiencies for new projects and understanding cumulative impacts on the seabed. It enables The Crown Estate to draw insights using data across various projects and regions, so a holistic and proportionate approach to the development of the seabed can be made.
The data submitted to the MDE must comply with a set of consistent standards and requirements to ensure it is maintained to a high standard and is easily discoverable in line with the Q-FAIR principles (Quality, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). ABPmer’s support will ensure the data holding continues to align with Q-FAIR so the database maintains an excellent level of customer service, and to assist Crown Estate Scotland in ensuring the data holding continues to be utilised in projects which benefit the environment, the offshore industry, and the nation.
Damon O’Brien, ABPmer Managing Director said:
"We are proud to work with Crown Estate Scotland to ensure a high standard of quality for Scottish MDE survey data. Our specialists bring over a decade of experience to the project, having supported The Crown Estate with essential quality assurance and data handling for the MDE since inception.
Having provided input to many of Scotland’s key offshore wind developments, including Ayre, Bowdun, Salamander, MarramWind, Beatrice, Moray East and Moray West, we are delighted to further our support for the next generation of Scottish renewable energy, helping accelerate Scotland’s progress towards net zero.”
ABPmer’s data and GIS specialists are experienced marine data handlers, developing bespoke GIS mapping and data management tools for governing bodies, the public sector and marine and coastal operators. A recognised Development Service Provider, they support clients throughout the renewable project life cycle, and are regularly asked to advise government when developing and shaping policy.