Stema Systems adds Sonardyne USBL to expand rental fleet
Underwater survey equipment rental specialist Stema Systems has ordered the first of what will be a growing fleet of Sonardyne technologies in its fast-expanding equipment pool.
The Netherlands-based company has ordered Sonardyne’s Mini-Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) tracking system and multiple Wideband Sub Mini 6+ (WSM 6+) transponders as it looks to continue its expansion in Europe.
Stema’s Mini-Ranger 2 supports the company’s global rental customers across both renewables and oil and gas, providing survey-grade positioning for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations and towed system surveys.
The system is ideally suited for nearshore or offshore operations and can be easily deployed on smaller vessels, pipelay and construction barges or other vessels of opportunity requiring survey-grade positioning performance.
It is compact and easy to install, yet supports tracking, telemetry and control, with up to 10 targets simultaneously, with an operating range of 995 m, or to 4,000 m with the extended range version, which Stema has chosen.
“Sonardyne’s Mini-Ranger 2 USBL system is perfect for our customers’ operations, especially when they’re using a third-party vessel, providing ease of installation and high performance for everything from UXO surveys to structure inspection and much more,“ says Leon Hendriksen, Sales & Business Development Manager at Stema Offshore, a sub bottom specialist survey system integrator.
“We’re happy to be supporting Stema Systems’ growth and meeting its customers’ needs across the offshore energy sector,” says Alan MacDonald, Head of Sales, UK, Europe and Africa, at Sonardyne.
Subsea Europe Services enters USV market with sustainable, high-performance C-RECON 13-ES
Subsea Europe Services (SES) GmbH, a leading provider of marine technology solutions for the offshore energy and ocean science sectors, has entered the Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) market with its first in-house developed platform, the C-RECON 13-ES.
Set to enter service in early 2026, the 4-metre, all-electric vessel is designed to simplify USV operations by combining performance, versatility, and zero-emission sustainability. Purpose-built for hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring, and offshore asset inspection, the C-RECON 13-ES allows operators to cut survey costs, reduce risk to personnel, and expand access to areas where traditional crewed survey vessels are impractical or too expensive.
With a low-logistics launch capability from small vessels, marinas, or even directly off the beach, and a 200 kg payload capacity, the all carbon-fibre design balances practicality and ease of ownership. Zero emission, battery-powered propulsion enables safe and compliant operation in environmentally sensitive zones, a growing priority across offshore wind, oil and gas, and marine science projects.
SES has drawn on years of experience configuring and operating third-party USVs to develop a platform that directly addresses customer needs. Payload integration and sensor management, a frequent pain point when mobilising USVs, are simplified through SES’s proprietary C-KONTROL technology. This ‘plug and sail’ hardware backbone ensures the smooth installation of a wide range of survey and inspection sensors and accelerates launch readiness.
Additional innovations, such as SES’ tool-free C-Lock quick-mount deck system, universal C-Fit underwater payload interface and C-Caster profiling winch, further simplify vessel setup, helping operators maximise survey time and focus on high-quality data acquisition and delivery.
Available initially in a 4-metre (13 foot) length, the unique modular approach SES has taken to manufacturing the Q-RECON means that shorter and longer hull lengths can be accommodated by simply adding or removing ready-made hull sections, such as an extra battery pack or UAV hanger.
“Autonomy is not just about technology, it’s about enabling better business outcomes,” said Sören Themann, CEO of Subsea Europe Services. “With the C-RECON 13-ES, we’re providing a solution that helps European operators cut complexity, control costs, and deliver better results for their clients.”
SES has already helped bring advanced autonomous systems into commercial projects across Europe, from surveying busy ports to wind farm impact studies. With the launch of its own platform, SES is strengthening its position as a complete solutions provider, offering integrated payloads from leading manufacturers, training, and maintenance, but now also the vehicle that ties everything together.
Themann concluded: “C-RECON 13-ES represents the next stage in our growth. By building platforms in-house, we can deliver turnkey solutions that unlock the full value of autonomy for offshore energy, ocean science customers, and through our FLANQ business unit, defence.”
Exail to equip Deep Ocean Search with next-generation navigation and positioning systems for deep-sea missions
Deep Ocean Search (DOS), a leading deep-sea exploration company, has selected Exail to provide the navigation and acoustic positioning capabilities required for its upcoming missions. As part of this collaboration, DOS will deploy Exail’s Rovins 9-DVL navigation system and Gaps M7 acoustic positioning system, enabling operations at depths of up to 6,000 meters.
Operating at such extreme depths in some of the world’s most challenging subsea environments requires highly precise, reliable, and autonomous systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and uninterrupted mission performance. Exail’s technologies are specifically designed to meet these demands, giving DOS the confidence to execute complex deep-sea operations under demanding conditions.
“These systems were chosen not only for their compact design and advanced capabilities but also for their proven track record in the marine industry,” said Sébastien Bougant, Ashore Manager at DOS. “The combination of Rovins 9-DVL and Gaps M7 will allow us to achieve new levels of precision and reliability in the most demanding subsea missions.”
Quentin Chiche, Regional Sales Manager at Exail, added: “We are proud to support DOS in pushing the boundaries of deep-sea exploration. By delivering the accuracy and autonomy required in such environments, we help operators focus on their mission objectives with full confidence in their navigation and positioning systems.”
The Rovins 9-DVL will be integrated into DOS’ XL Mariner work-class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), built by Argus in Norway. Combining Exail’s fiber-optic gyroscope technology with Nortek’s DVL (Doppler Velocity Log), Rovins 9-DVL ensures accurate seabed-relative navigation in GNSS-denied environments. By reducing drift and maintaining precise velocity tracking, it enhances the efficiency and predictability of subsea operations.
The Gaps M7 USBL system complements this by providing rapid deployment and omnidirectional long-range tracking, even in acoustically challenging conditions. Its pre-calibrated design ensures continuous real-time positioning of subsea assets, offering greater operational agility, minimized downtime, and enhanced control during demanding missions.
This collaboration highlights the strategic importance of reliable subsea technologies in enabling safe, efficient, and ambitious deep-sea operations. By equipping DOS with robust, field-proven solutions, Exail strengthens its role in advancing the future of deep-sea exploration and supporting mission success in the harshest marine environments.
Forum Energy Technologies Upgrades ROVs for Global Vessel Operator
New enhancements to prolong lifespan of OEM systems
Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has been awarded a contract to upgrade two remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for a global vessel operator, significantly enhancing the performance, efficiency and reliability of the systems.
The upgraded systems will be equipped with FET’s latest control system, ICE Unity, plus FET’s proven system architecture including hydraulic manifolds, junction boxes and thrusters. Once delivered the systems will receive FET’s class leading 24/7, 365 days a year support as well as a minimum of 10 years protection from obsolescence.
FET’s latest contract win follows a string of recent sales, including two XLX-C ROVs delivered to a UAE-based offshore construction firm and a Super Mohawk II ROV to a North American subsea organisation.
Kevin Taylor, FET Vice President – Subsea, said: “This project is a strong example of how collaboration can drive smart and effective subsea solutions, and we recognise the trust that this operator has put in us to undertake these ICE Unity improvements. By reducing offshore exposure, and supporting longer-term, more flexible projects, these vehicles are now futureproofed to deliver further safe and reliable scopes of work.”
As well as supplying new ROV models to market, FET has completed a series of ROV modernisation campaigns for clients, contributing to sustainability initiatives across the subsea sector.
The “unknown” mesophotic ecosystems of Akrotiri & Dhekelia in Cyprus
In the depths where light fades, a seascape we rarely witness comes into view. Through the MESOPHOS project, the Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab carried out the first exploration of mesophotic ecosystems (50–200 metres) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus, surveying over 32 sites with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
The surveys revealed extensive assemblages of sponges, corals, anemones, and other benthic organisms that create three-dimensional habitats and support rich marine life.
More than 200 species were recorded, including several not previously reported in Cyprus, many of them protected and/or threatened.
These mesophotic habitats act as biodiversity refuges and contribute indirectly to sustainable fisheries, strengthening the resilience of marine resources.
Despite the depth, the human footprint was evident. The team documented marine litter and lost fishing gear (ghost gear) that continue to affect marine life, marks from bottom[1]towed gear/trawling causing disturbance to sensitive habitats, the presence of alien species, and coral necrosis likely linked to ocean warming. These habitats develop extremely slowly and have limited capacity to recover once disturbed.
The MESOPHOS findings confirm the presence of sensitive ecosystems at 50–200 metres and the pressures they already face.
There is an urgent need to adopt targeted protection measures such as spatial restrictions on damaging activities and active management/removal of litter and lost gear, together with long-term, systematic scientific monitoring.
Safeguarding this hidden natural wealth is essential for Cyprus’s marine heritage and for future generations.
The programme was implemented by the Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab and funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through Darwin Plus (DPL00075).
Introducing UITC Ping: Online event for underwater telemetry set for 5th November
The UK & Ireland Telemetry Community (UITC) unites once again for 2025. This year, RS Aqua and Innovasea are introducing ‘UITC Ping’, a fully online event for the community.
The inaugural UITC event, ‘Connecting UITC’ took place in Portsmouth back in 2023. Last year, a successive event was held in the historical docks of Belfast. The experience over the years has strengthened fish tracking networks, provided insights into local research initiatives and heard innovative product developments from RS Aqua and Innovasea.
This year, taking place on November 5th, ‘UITC Ping’ brings the community online for our first ever digital event. Researchers will lead the event with fast-paced, insightful presentations on their latest projects followed by updates from RS Aqua and long-term partner Innovasea.
UITC is inviting submissions for exciting telemetry projects within the community. The top 10 projects will then be offered the chance to stage a quick-fire presentation in front of the community. Abstracts can be submitted until Friday 10th October at the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/c23JSJ7Nnq
After the presentations, the community will have the chance to vote! The top three researchers will get their hands on some amazing prizes including the latest and greatest equipment from
Innovasea.
Sign up for UITC Ping here
The next in-person event, Connecting UITC 2026, will take place in Scotland on Wednesday 4th November 2026.
THS:UKI are thrilled to announce the Conference Programme for HYDRO 2025
The HYDRO 2025 International Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel Liverpool on the 28th - 30th October 2025 and will bring together the global seabed mapping community. The conference provides a platform for professionals, researchers, and students to share innovative research, technological advancements, and best practices in the field of hydrography and seabed mapping.
Day 1: Innovation in Hydrographic Efficiency, Automation & Coastal Intelligence
Driving Innovation in Hydrography: From Data to Coastal Decision-Making
Day 2: Expanding Capability through Data, Partnerships & Research
Advancing Hydrographic Frontiers: From Field Operations to Global Mapping
Day 3: Autonomous Systems, Operational Excellence, and Future Ocean
Hydrographic Innovation for Autonomous, Efficient, and Future-Ready Oceans
Featuring international experts from a range of backgrounds.
Join them as they bring together the global seabed mapping community!
For more information, visit: HYDRO 2025 Exhibition & Sponsor
For tickets, visit: HYDRO 2025 Ticket
For Conference Programme, visit: HYDRO25 Conference Programme
‘Ears in the ocean’ to boost global safety and sustainability as Kongsberg Discovery rolls out passive acoustic technology
Kongsberg Discovery is targeting a global roll out of advanced passive acoustic technology, helping markets such as the oil, gas and naval sectors detect operational anomalies from the outset, safeguarding critical subsea assets and environments. The push comes with the full integration of Bergen, Norway’s Naxys Technologies into the company, following on from its acquisition in January this year.
Transforming subsea awareness
Kongsberg Discovery is a world leader in advanced ocean sensors and robotics, while Naxys has forged a position as Norway’s leading innovator in passive acoustics, serving the nation’s thriving energy sector.
Its established passive hydrophone technology provides continuous acoustic monitoring, detecting changes in flow conditions, structural integrity, and potential leaks, as well as other anomalous subsea noises and vibrations.
As Martin Wien Fjell, President Kongsberg Discovery explains, the solutions – which can be easily installed on underwater equipment, or utilised as mobile arrays for marine and infrastructure inspection – can “transform awareness” of what’s happening below the waves, delivering compelling benefits for diverse user groups.
Minimising downtime, maximising efficiency
“Since its formation in 1999, Naxys has refined robust, high performance technology that gives customers ‘ears in the ocean’, helping them identify and address issues with speed, safety and precision,” Fjell comments. “This has been a real success in Norway, enabling customers to minimise the impact of offshore structures on surrounding ecosystems, while supporting efficient production, reducing downtime and optimising costs.
“These are benefits that, with this full integration, Kongsberg Discovery can now bring to the global marketplace. In today’s highly regulated operating arenas, where responsible environmental monitoring is essential, this passive technology is a gamechanger. It can detect leaks far ahead of conventional systems, save millions of dollars in unplanned downtime, deliver precise critical infrastructure inspections, and help protect fragile ocean ecosystems by monitoring radiated noise from human activity and detecting nearby marine mammals. Together with our existing solutions, we now believe we can offer the market a uniquely comprehensive level of subsea awareness.”
Diverse applications
The passive acoustic solutions are as flexible as they are effective. For example, the sensors can be easily installed on subsea structures as permanent leak detection systems, or on equipment such as subsea pumps and compression systems, continuously analysing performance to inform maintenance and operational decisions.
Used as scalable array configurations, on ROVs or other mobile assets, the solutions can monitor and inspect installations, or be utilised for monitoring targets, surveillance or protecting infrastructure such as harbours. With a growing emphasis on reducing noise within the ocean environment, Naxys technology can also help users monitor and manage their own operational noise footprint.
“The variety of applications speaks volumes of the market potential here,” Fjell concludes, “with a real opportunity to deliver added value for customers in the Oceanographic and Marine sectors, in addition to the Energy industry.
“It’s not just the environments that our customers operate in that creates challenges, but also the evolving legislations and increasingly dynamic risk picture. This technology is tailored to meet those needs, helping users stay ahead, and in control, as they work to enhance safety, sustainability and standards in our oceans.”
Kongsberg Discovery, which has operations and facilities across the globe, will maintain and build its new Bergen presence, catering for regional oceanographic research, marine and energy customers.
To discover more please see https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery/
Steve Ward appointed Executive Vice President of Tritech
Steve Ward has been appointed Executive Vice President with responsibility for Tritech International Ltd (Tritech), part of the General Oceans Group.
Steve joins Tritech with extensive marine technology experience including 8 years in leadership roles within the Atlas Elektronik Group. He has a background in the defense sector with strong ties to Navies across the world. Steve’s forward thinking approach to leadership, as well as international experience, comes at a great time for Tritech who are experiencing a strong period of growth.
About his recent appointment, Steve said:
“As a provider of robust sonar solutions, Tritech International’s products are at the forefront of making the subsea environment a safer place to work through the use of remote and autonomous systems. I’m looking forward to supporting the team in their growth plans by meeting our customers’ expectations for state of the art, robust and reliable imaging products. I see a great future for Tritech as part of the General Oceans family of companies, and I’m excited to join them at this important stage in the company’s history.”
Steve takes over from Bruce Hardy who has been interim General Manager at Tritech in addition to his role as Sales and Marketing Director since March 2025. Bruce has now returned to his position as Sales and Marketing Director and continues to be based in Aberdeen.
“I’d like to thank Bruce for his dedication and excellent work as Interim General Manager at Tritech, successfully balancing both roles during a crucial period. Steve now steps in to lead Tritech at an exciting time for the business. Since joining General Oceans in 2022, Tritech has experienced strong growth, and I’m confident that Steve’s expertise and global experience will bring continued benefits to both Tritech and the wider Group,” said Atle Lohrmann, Founder and President of General Oceans.
Tritech joined General Oceans in 2022, after being acquired from US defence group Moog Inc., and has seen significant financial growth since joining the underwater technology group. General Oceans consists of Nortek AS, based in Norway, Strategic Robotic Systems (SRS) and Klein Marine Systems based in the US, Reach Robotics, based in Australia, as well as Tritech International and RS Aqua in the UK. General Oceans now employs over 320 people based in 18 offices across the world.
NETmc Marine launches DVR Pipeline Toolkit
Responding to requests from the pipeline community to simplify pipeline data management deliverables, NETmc Marine has produced a Pipeline Toolkit of plug-ins specifically developed to ease the management of survey and video data. Plug-ins include a CSV data logger; an advanced system for file back-ups and transcoding and specific pipeline Black Box functionality. The Pipeline Toolkit plug-ins will be included in the standard roll out of the DVR. For existing owners that want to gain the benefit of the Pipeline Toolkit, it is included in the latest DVR setup deploy file, which is available on our website and suitable for units purchased after 2022.
Combining all these new tools, and integrating them with our revamped multichannel video player, results in a powerful video review suite with the ability to search by the selected parameters in the CSV file. Furthermore, when combined with our multi-channel DVCiP ROV pipeline camera system, the Toolkit adds a cost effective solution to high definition pipeline inspections for virtually every size of inspection class ROV. For more details see https://netmcmarine.co.uk/latest-news/pipeline-survey-inspection-developments-at-netmc-marine