UK Marine Tech Companies Set to Innovate at Canada’s COVE
COVE to host seven UK companies in the ten-month Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator
Seven innovative marine technology companies from the United Kingdom (UK) will spend ten months at COVE, Canada’s hub for marine sector innovation. This unique international partnership aims to advance these businesses by building connections with industry leaders, partners, and potential customers in North America.
This Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator is delivered as part of Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Programme, an international collaboration between COVE and Innovate UK, which is a part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a national funding agency supported by the UK government. The Accelerator brings together forward-thinking marine sector businesses from the United Kingdom to foster innovation within COVE's thriving marine technology hub and expansive industrial network. The 2025 cohort will be the third to participate in the programme.
The seven Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator participants began their immersive ten-month program in January 2025 and are scheduled to arrive in Nova Scotia the first week of February 2025 for their Canadian market visit. The cohort of companies, including AUTOMASS, BioBright, Marble, RAB-Microfluidics, Samudra Oceans Ltd., Verlume, and Walker Subsea Engineering Ltd., will engage in key industries such as aquaculture, offshore energy, robotics, and marine environmental monitoring.
“This program is a significant step towards advancing marine innovation and commercialization on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Melanie Nadeau, CEO at COVE. “By welcoming the ScaleUp Accelerator cohort, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a sustainable future for our ocean through global collaboration and technological advancement.”
During their time at COVE in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, participating companies will engage in a dynamic program designed to accelerate their growth and deepen their understanding of the North American market. The cohort will benefit from tailored mentorship, market visits, and workshops, all aimed at refining their market entry strategies. Additionally, the in-person visit portion of the program creates opportunities for invaluable networking, connecting companies with industry leaders, potential customers, and partners.
The program culminates at COVE Demo Day, a premier event for viewing the most recent advancements in marine technology, where the cohort presents their innovative solutions to a curated global audience of stakeholders.
“Innovate UK is proud to support this partnership with COVE as part of the Global Incubator Programme, enabling UK marine tech companies to explore new markets and develop innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable ocean economy,” said Jon Hazell, Innovate UK Partnership Manager North America. “Together, we can drive meaningful change.”
The ten-month collaboration is poised to strengthen the partnership between Canada and the United Kingdom, fostering innovative solutions for the nations’ shared interests in marine technologies. With Canada vast coastline and an abundance of marine resources, this partnership focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that support sustainable growth and advance the marine sector.
COVE has established itself as a vibrant marine technology hub where innovative ideas are nurtured into impactful solutions. Dedicated to advancing marine commerce and fostering sustainable practices for the economy, COVE is home to over 65 local and global marine technology businesses, start-ups, researchers, and service providers. It also facilitates collaboration with more than 400 organizations through its programs and services. Engaging with a global network of over 3,000 companies, academic institutions, and government partners, COVE is at the forefront of driving progress in the marine sector.
Ocean Business launches cutting-edge technology Training and Demonstration programme
With Ocean Business 2025 less than three months away, details can now be revealed about the Training and Demonstration programme, one of the main attractions of the global technology and science exhibition for marine industries.
The three-day show, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is open to all visitors for free by registering online here.
This year’s Training and Demonstration programme, featuring the most exciting developments in the ocean sector, is bigger than ever, with 180-plus hours of new technologies demonstrated in the dockside waters, onboard vessels and in the classroom.
Visitors will have the opportunity to observe cutting edge sensor technology close up and meet the top industry innovators, displaying the latest in underwater monitoring, next generation ROVs, ground-breaking advances in AUV technology, and much more.
Among the highlights on the dockside will be Kongsberg Discovery & Saildrone’s Infrastructure Inspection, using USVs and ROVs to provide high-definition images for underwater inspection of critical infrastructures.
EvoLogics will showcase advances in its Sonobot 5, including a submersible USBL antenna for acoustic data transfers and positioning. And the company’s latest iteration of the Quadroin AUV will be in Southampton after final optimisations.
Other major draws on the dockside include Unique Group’s small, carbon fibre USV, the UniMini, which can perform all hydrographic survey operations from land with minimal to low risk levels.
Meanwhile, on board Callista, the University of Southampton’s purpose-built research vessel, Navtech will unveil its new radar, with engineers on hand to answer questions and explain the software solutions that deliver tracking and collision avoidance for unmanned vessels.
Also on RV Callista, visitors can gain valuable insights into Nortek’s vessel mounted advanced Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), designed for commercial and scientific applications.
Test tank and classroom Training and Demonstration sessions will embrace the fast pace of technological progress, with pioneers such as Voyis highlighting what’s next for underwater exploration with the latest generation of its Discovery Stereo Vision System.
Ocean Business 2025 provides unrivalled access to today’s transformational ocean technology - from sustainable environmental monitoring to breakthroughs in robotics and lean crewed fleets.
With more than 350 manufacturers and service providers already booked for the sold-out exhibition, this year’s event promises to attract record crowds from around the world, offering unbeatable networking opportunities.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Our popular Training and Demonstration programme is back, packed with even more innovations, ideas and product launches from this dynamic sector.
‘We’re looking forward to welcoming a line-up of leading ocean experts, sharing their wealth of scientific, technological and engineering expertise at one of the busiest shows in the sector calendar.’
All training and demonstration sessions are free to attend and visitors can book in on a first come first served basis at the show, or in advance by contacting the company hosting the session.
To view the full Training and Demonstration programme, please visit: https://testv2.divcomstaging.co.uk/events/.
USV manufacturer and marine data acquisition specialist, Uncrewed Survey Solutions can now operate in UK waters utilising MGN 705
The innovative marine data acquisition provider and USV manufacturer, Uncrewed Survey Solutions (USS) has received MCA acknowledgement against MGN 705 general exemption for ROUV safe operations, enabling the business to now conduct its specialist hydrographic surveying work within UK waters.
A builder and operator of its own fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), USS delivers customised marine data collection projects and missions primarily across the hydrographic and geophysical domains.
Having successfully operated internationally, the UK-headquartered business has received official acknowledgement that USS’ own Accession Class USV can be operated to support customers in UK waters, due to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) releasing MGN 705 specifically for Mini-MASS craft from 2.5 to <4.5 metres in length.
USS’ CEO, James Williams is an advocate of driving the industry in its safer operations, both in the UK and on a global basis. Williams is an active member of numerous working groups including the Surface Autonomy Subgroup for the FAST (Future Autonomous At Sea Technologies) Cluster, and also champions engagement with the DfT and MCA regarding matters affecting Mini-MASS.
James Williams comments, “As a pioneering business, we are delighted that USS is at the forefront of supporting the UK as a leader in upholding ROUV safe operations. The MCA’s new general exemption regulations enable smaller uncrewed vessels to be remotely operated in UK waters, in line and hand-in-hand with other stringent regulations including SOLAS and COLREGS’’.
He continues, “Being one of the first to embrace the new Marine Guidance Note mirrors USS’ ethos in focusing on greener, safer, and efficient seagoing operations, together with helping to drive MASS industry innovation, and also supporting the success of UK PLC.”
The UK is regarded as a global leader in safe ROUV operations, as demonstrated by the MCA’s Marine Guidance Notice MGN 705 setting a pathway for hi-tech small ROUVs operating in UK waters.
ROUVs between 2.5 metres and under 4.5 metres in length overall may comply with the General Exemption set out in MGN 705 permitting eligible vessels to operate without certification issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or its delegates. Vessels subject to this General Exemption are expected to be under the constant supervision of a human operator, with the means to take control at any time.
Operating under the General Exemption allows USS to further assist its customers in their transition from traditional crewed surveying operations to the utilisation of smaller, uncrewed craft delivering turnkey 24/7 hydrographic surveying and marine data acquisition solutions for both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) over-the-horizon projects.
Oceaneering acquires 100 Exail Octans 9 Attitude Heading Referencing Systems to enhance offshore operations
Oceaneering, a global provider of engineered services and products for the offshore energy industry, has placed an initial order for a minimum of 100 units of Exail’s new Octans 9 Attitude Heading Referencing Systems (AHRS). This strategic acquisition underscores Oceaneering's commitment to innovation and operational excellence while significantly enhancing its capabilities in offshore survey and positioning projects.
The Exail Octans 9 systems will be integrated into a variety of offshore applications, including high-specification offshore field support vessel navigation suites, deep-water drillship remotely operated survey positioning systems, dynamic positioning platforms and general USBL positioning systems. This integration addresses the requirements of Oceaneering's clients for high-performance, high-precision navigation, control, and stabilization.
“At Oceaneering, we understand the critical importance of best-in-class, dependable and high-performance navigation systems in the offshore industry,” said Mark Beaton, Director, Survey & Positioning Solutions Survey Services at Oceaneering. “The initial acquisition of 100 Octans 9 AHRS units from Exail highlights our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, efficient solutions. These advanced systems will redefine our offshore operations, setting new industry standards for accuracy and reliability, all while delivering high end customer value”.
For Exail, this contract marks a milestone as the first significant order for their new Octans 9 systems, the latest addition to the Exail navigation product line. “This order, which complements Oceaneering's existing portfolio of Exail maritime sensors and robotics equipment, reaffirms the reliability and quality of our solutions, while further strengthening our valued partnership,” said Euan MacKay, Business Development Manager at Exail. “We are confident that the advanced features of Octans 9 will elevate operators' navigation capabilities and significantly enhance the flexibility and efficiency of their offshore operations”.
The new Octans 9 AHRS delivers highly precise real-time attitude and heading data and comes equipped with a suite of advanced features. These include an export-free status, a compact design, enhanced durability, reduced power consumption, in-motion alignment capabilities, and integrated advanced GNSS sensors.
NOR UK hires Richard Main as Managing Director
We are delighted to welcome Richard Main to our team. He brings invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge to the company, says CEO Tore Gautesen.
Since its inception in 2011, Norwegian Offshore Rental (NOR) has grown steadily larger as a supplier of rental equipment and services to the subsea industry. Recently, the company has hired many new, skilled forces, also in Aberdeen. The latest addition is Richard Main, who has many years of experience from the industry, as from his latest job as Group Managing Director at Seatronics Group.
Impressive track record
NOR is investing heavily in the UK, and the management is confident that the new appointment will benefit the company greatly and help achieve the goals of growth and development in the UK.
– Richard joins us with an impressive track record from the rental industry and a robust network that will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in the UK market. With NOR's global growth ambitions, Richard Main's extensive network and experience will be a key contribution to achieving these growth objectives as well, says CEO Gautesen.
Richard Main will start in his new role the 3rd of March this year and is looking forward to joining NOR Group.
– I am delighted to have the opportunity to join such a fast moving and dynamic business as NOR. I have watched their impressive growth over the last few years and am excited to join a business with such impressive backing and potential. Throughout my career I have always put my team and our customers first, I believe that NOR share the same outlook and, with their backing, I look forward to delivering the service and support that customers have come to expect.
When Richard Main takes over as Managing Director, he will replace David Siudej who has been Managing Director since 2022. Siudej will from March 3 take over as new QHSE and Office Manager for NOR UK.
– We are very grateful for Davids efforts to strengthen NORs competitive position over the past 2,5 years. Davids operational experience will be valuable in his new job as QHSE and Office Manager for NOR UK, says Gautesen.
Teledyne Marine Integrates Biofouling Protection Coatings for Sonars
Teledyne Marine is pleased to announce the integration of ClearSignal™, the world’s leading biofouling protection coating, into its SeaBat and BlueView sonar equipment..This enhancement is a welcome addition for customers who want durable, low-maintenance marine instrumentation.
Why ClearSignal™?
ClearSignal™ is a nonstick, inert, and nontoxic coating specially developed to combat the biofouling of marine instruments. The coating reduces the amount of biofouling material that settles on the sonar systems, reducing maintenance costs while providing long-term operating reliability.
The ClearSignal™ coating is offered as an add-on to our products reducing maintenance downtime, and extended transducer life.
Autonomy is key to secure our critical national infrastructure, says leading uk marine tech firm
Autonomy must be at the heart of our reaction to growing threats to the UK’s subsea critical national infrastructure, the founder of a leading UK marine tech firm has said.
Matthew Ratsey, founder and managing director of Zero USV, a subsidiary of MSubs that specialises in Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and artificial intelligence, has highlighted the urgent need for advanced maritime solutions to protect vital assets such as undersea cables and offshore installations. He points out that as adversaries become more adept at exploiting weaknesses in existing systems, embracing cutting-edge technology is now more critical than ever.
“We’re dealing with a rapidly evolving threat landscape, in which adversaries are using advanced technologies to target national (and international) subsea infrastructure and to test subsea resilience. From undersea cables and pipelines to offshore platforms, the range of vulnerabilities is expanding rapidly. However, the British maritime community has always shown remarkable innovation and resilience in the face of change, and this adaptability will be crucial in countering these increasingly brazen attempts to test our defences.
“To ensure we remain firmly on the front foot against these threats, we need to embrace the latest leading-edge technologies, not least autonomy and AI which are force multipliers when resources are already desperately stretched. By harnessing real-world expertise from maritime operators and pairing it with cutting-edge innovations - particularly autonomous vessels and marine intelligence - we can anticipate, detect, and deter hostile activities. Working closely with government, the maritime sector can help shape robust, future-proof defence strategies that don’t leave us constantly reacting to new tactics.
“This means developing policies that encourage much more collaboration, ensuring the industry has access to advanced technology and training, and maintaining regular dialogue between all stakeholders. By building on this shared commitment, we can keep our seas safe and protect the infrastructure that underpins our economy and national wellbeing.”
Zero USV is a subsidiary of MSubs Ltd and sister company to Marine AI, which specialises in the design, manufacture, and charter of unmanned vessels for civil, commercial and military markets and led the Mayflower Autonomous Ship Programme. Marine AI creates artificial intelligence to super-optimise maritime capabilities by drawing on decades of experience in manned and unmanned marine vehicle design, manufacture and operations, coupled with vast experience in automation and autonomous systems software architecture, and computer vision expertise.
CADDEN partners with Sonardyne to bring innovative marine technology rentals across France
CADDEN is proud to announce a new strategic agreement with Sonardyne, consolidating their partnership by leasing their state-of-the-art equipment. Thanks to this agreement, a range of Sonardyne solutions is now available from CADDEN's Nantes facility, offering professionals simplified and flexible access to these technologies.
This agreement sees CADDEN joining a select group of companies in Europe offering direct access to Sonardyne's advanced marine technologies, renowned for their precision and reliability.
"This partnership marks a milestone in our collaboration with Sonardyne. We are delighted to offer our customers access to such highperformance equipment, which meets increasingly ambitious technical challenges", declare Gilles DANDEC, CADDEN’s founder.
Sonardyne Sales Manager Colin Sutherland welcomes CADDEN to the company’s expanding group of trusted rental partners.
“We’re delighted to welcome CADDEN as a rental partner. Having worked alongside them on recent projects, we are confident that they share
Sonardyne’s values and vision for innovation across the marine technology sector. We look forward to working with them to bring
advances in marine technology across France and beyond.”
This partnership reinforces CADDEN's position as a key player in technological solutions for offshore, scientific research and complex industrial missions.
Available rental equipment
CADDEN now offers its customers a wide range of Sonardyne equipment for hire.
• ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler): Measuring marine currents in real time and over entire water columns, this sensor is essential for oceanographic studies and offshore projects.
• USBL (Ultra-Short Baseline): Precise underwater positioning system, used for tracking remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous vehicles (AUVs), as well as for underwater recovery missions.
• DVL (Doppler Velocity Log): Provides precise navigation by measuring velocities relative to the seabed.
• Acoustic release transponder: These systems offer the possibility of dropping loads or underwater equipment remotely, safely and with extreme precision.
• Beacons: Used for underwater positioning and communication, these beacons are indispensable for locating and tracking equipment.
Offshore wind cable protection database to improve understanding of environmental impacts
A database of hard protection from offshore wind cable burial is being developed by marine consultancy and survey company ABPmer on behalf of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The database aims to support more accurate cumulative effects assessments including improving understanding of the distribution of hard protection in marine protected areas (MPAs) designated to protect seabed features, and establish an evidence-base for use in offshore wind license conditions decisions in English Waters.
The development of offshore wind farms is an important element in the UK’s strategy for energy security and net zero. Current offshore wind capacity is 14.73 GW, with the UK ambition for 2030 set at 50 GW.
Given the projected expansion of offshore wind farms (OWFs), with over 42 GW of further potential in the pre-application stage, the deployment of associated subsea cabling will also increase, with current estimates at 5,000 km of array cables and 4,000 km of export cables to be installed between 2019 and 2029.
The existing distribution of anthropogenic hard substrate on the seabed is not currently mapped in its entirety, although some progress has been made.
Using industry data, ABPmer is building on existing studies to establish a geospatial database of the location and footprint of hard protection from OWF cable burial (and other data layers) in the marine environment. The mapping of cable protection, as well as the location of remedial works to address cable burial failures, will be mapped alongside environmental and other data layers to examine trends and better understand the cause of cable burial failures that require hard protection.
Heidi Roberts, ABPmer Project Director said,
“We are delighted to support the MMO and the wider offshore wind industry with the development of the cable protection database. It will aid the consenting process for offshore wind, where information on cable protection is required as part of Development Consent Order (DCO) applications and is used to inform environmental assessment.
By delivering this database, we are improving the evidence base, reducing uncertainty and helping ensure the continued responsible and sustainable development of offshore renewable energy.”
The report and database are expected to be publicly available in the autumn of 2025.
Exploring International Collaborations | Solent LEP
Take a look at Exploring International Collaborations expression of interest form for any Canadian businesses who are attending Ocean Business who might like to join Exploring International Collaborations on Monday the 7th.
Event Description
The cities of Portsmouth and Halifax, in collaboration with your industry partners and leaders, actively manage and leverage an economic partnership connecting the economies and businesses in our respective regions. As part of our ongoing commitment to promote collaborations within the maritime industries of the South of England and Canada, we are delighted to invite organisations visiting Ocean Business to an in-person networking and site visit afternoon.
This will be a unique opportunity to make international connections in the UK and Canadian maritime industries.
Register your interest to attend this event here: Exploring International Collaborations | Solent LEP*
*The full itinerary details will be confirmed soon.