TDI-brooks completes multi-client multibeam and seabed piston coring program - Suriname
TDI-Brooks was contracted by GeoPartners, on behalf of Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname, to perform seep data acquisition, processing, interpretation and data management services (multibeam and coring) for the Suriname Seabed Piston Coring Project. TDI-Brooks provided multibeam acquisition services using the vessel to acquire approximately 45,000 square kilometres of seafloor multibeam data in the survey area as well as 60 SGE cores and 7 Heat Flow samples. This project consisted of two phases; geophysical and geochemical, both using TDI’s vessel RV GYRE and crew.
The first phase was the Geophysical leg which took place July thru October. During this phase TDI-Brooks performed multibeam (MBES), backscatter and plume detection of 45019.7 sq. kms. The second phase took place October thru November and consisted of Geochemical multibeam (MBES) backscatter, plume detection, subbottom profiler acquisition. A chirp subbottom profiler line (1-km) was acquired over each core site. Several possible hydrocarbon discoveries were made making for a very successful program for all involved, with some visually interesting cores being recovered. Ben Sayers, Partner ofGeoPartners commented “Another successful acquisition completed. Thank you to all crew and support staff involved” while Ron Daniel, Geoscience Advisor, Exploration at Staatsolie stated “Thank you for a safely and well executed project, done in collaboration with all the stakeholders. We look forward to the geochemical results.”
R/V GYRE is outfitted with a full seep hunting kit including a newly installed Kongsberg EM-304 (1×1) hull-mounted multibeam (MBES) kit and Edgetech HM3300 Chirp subbottom profiler with a 4×4 Masa TR-1075 transducer array. The vessel has geotechnical and geochemical coring, heat flow, CPT and other sampling capabilities.
Geochemical analyses and interpretation services will be performed at TDI-Brooks chemistry and geotechnical laboratories in College Station, Texas. They will perform geochemical screening analyses of geochemical cores for interstitial carbon gases (C1-C5 hydrocarbons & CO2), total scanning fluorescence (TSF) and C15+Gas Chromatography. Cores with seepage hits will further be analyzed for selected stable carbon gas isotopes and aliphatic/aromatic biological markers.
“Seep hunting surveys have been based on the observation that migrated petroleum from deep source rocks and reservoirs can be analytically detected or otherwise proxied as thermogenic seepage in near-surface soils and sediments, such that results can be used to help evaluate a prospective petroleum system. The value of survey results has been aided by the evolution of tools and techniques for site selection, sample collection, lab analysis, and interpretation, resulting in our growing ability to determine charge, age, maturity, depositional environment, and even oil quality from the detected seepage. As a part of seep hunting, surface geochemical surveys search for chemically identifiable oil and gas compounds as well as seep-induced physical/geological expressions and biological communities and related features.” Bernie Bernard, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, TDI-Brooks International, Inc. In 1996, Dr. Bernard partnered with Dr. Brooks in forming TDI-Brooks International, Inc.
SAND Geophysics invests in applied acoustics Easytrak Pyxis INS + USBL system to decrease their calibration times by a factor of up to 3
Applied acoustics has been working alongside SAND Geophysics for a number of years, supporting their on-going focus on providing USBL positioning for UXO survey projects requiring high accuracy.
SAND Geophysics Limited provides global marine geophysical consultancy and survey support to teams working in the offshore infrastructure space. Working within a difficult splash zone means that SAND Geophysics needs to have the technology in place to provide high-resolution seismic, sidescan and magnetometer surveys.
Having worked with older USBL systems, it was noted that the systems were posing an increased cost inefficiency and risk to their clients' projects. To SAND Geophysics, their focus remained on finding more efficient ways to deploy beacons to the seabed and navigate the complexities of the splash zone.
The challenge to applied acoustics was to find a USBL system that enabled SAND Geophysics to increase their accuracy and data collection for UXO surveys and diver positioning.
James Matthews, SAND Geophysics Director commented; “Seeing the upgraded Pyxis system and its rapid mobilisation and calibration was a key driver in our buying decision.”
applied acoustics’ Pyxis INS + USBL system has been built to increase the offering of highly accurate subsea tracking that applied acoustics can offer. The upgraded performance within the Pyxis system was presented to SAND Geophysics as a solution to the challenges they faced. Not only the rapid mobilisation and calibration that the team needed, but also the accuracy and reliability of the Sigma 2 spread spectrum technology.
“As a new system on the market we wanted to test it out before committing and were grateful to applied acoustics for assisting with a rental system for setup on our first project.” states James Matthews.
The Pyxis system doesn’t require deployment of a beacon to the seabed, instead only requiring the vessel to perform a series of manoeuvers to allow for the calibration of the offsets between the antennas and the IMU. This upgrade reduces the need for unnecessary manual handling, which in turn increases the safety of the team and impact on the business.
James Matthew continues; “The decrease in calibration time for the Pyxis vs other USBL systems has increased our team’s performance and presented significant cost savings to our clients.”
Because of the implementation of the Pyxis INS + USBL system, calibration times decrease by a factor of 2-3, dependant on the project and environment; producing significant cost savings for their clients and knowing that they are using a state-of-the-art system, SAND Geophysics can take pride in the results of their work, delivering the highest quality results.
“The Pyxis system has been designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of our clients’ projects, offering gains in performance, and significant time and cost savings. We’re delighted that SAND Geophysics and their clients are already benefiting from the system’s capability” says Hollie Moran, Sales & Marketing Manager at applied acoustics.
Kongsberg onboard with NOAA for latest research vessels
Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Maritime have been chosen as the exclusive suppliers of marine scientific equipment, oceanographic handling systems and deck machinery for two new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charting and mapping vessels, the Surveyor and Navigator. The vessels are being constructed by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, a leading shipbuilding company based in Louisiana, USA.
The ships feature an advanced array of technology from Kongsberg Discovery to map, monitor and safeguard the marine environment, supporting mariners, commerce, and aquatic life. Kongsberg Maritime's state-of-the-art oceanographic handling, anchoring and mooring systems is incorporated into the design of the new vessels to enhance their operational efficiency and performance.
Mission critical role
With launch dates of 2027 and 2028, the Surveyor and Navigator (contracted at a combined value of USD 624.6 million) mark the next generation of NOAA multi-mission platforms, with a primary mission of hydrography utilising the latest technology for mapping and characterising the United States Economic Zone. Kongsberg Discovery has a key role to play.
Kongsberg Discovery US, the US office of the Norwegian technology company Kongsberg Discovery A/S is delivering an integrated package of solutions, including state-of-the-art sonars for high-resolution ocean mapping from coastal waters to full ocean depth: EM 2040 and EM 304 multibeam echo sounders, SBP 29 sub-bottom profilers, and EK 80 split beam echo sounders. When used together, these systems provide the ability to collect high-quality bathymetry and seabed backscatter, deep penetration high-resolution sub-seabed structure; and water column structure and calibrated backscatter, which allows for the study of physical phenomena, biomass concentration and migration, as well as detect seafloor gaseous anomalies like methane seeps.
Unlocking ambition
“It is truly an honour to be selected for these trailblazing ships, which will have such an important role in serving the nation for decades to come,” comments Meme Lobecker, Technical Sales Manager, Kongsberg Discovery.
“Our technology has been developed to deliver outstanding results in the most demanding conditions, unlocking true understanding of the ocean depths for the good of society, security, and the environment. As such, this contract encapsulates the core of our purpose, demonstrating how Kongsberg Discovery innovations help customers meet their most ambitious objectives. We’re delighted to have been chosen as a trusted scientific supplier and integrator by both NOAA and the team at Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors.”
Significant project
Kongsberg Maritime’s contract, worth 123m NOK ($11.25m USD) for the two ship-program, signed with Thoma-Sea, includes an option to supply two further vessels. The supply contract will see the delivery of a complete integrated scientific handling system enabling safe and efficient operations with cables up to 5,000 meters in length.
The scientific winch system comprises two Hydrographic winches, one Brailing winch, and a comprehensive arrangement of sheaves for cable routing between units.
The delivery also includes overboard handling units: one Stern A-frame and one CTD Handling Gear, including a common Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), as well as Main- and Stores Cranes.
The control system, fully developed and maintained in-house by KONGSBERG, features KONGSBERG’s proprietary predictive active heave compensation (AHC) algorithm providing accurate winch system response matched to vessel motion, by aid of KONGSBERG’s motion reference unit (MRU).
Kongsberg Maritime is also supplying the anchoring and mooring systems for both vessels.
“We are delighted to have been selected by NOAA and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors for this significant project”, said Aileen Kehoe, VP Sales – Special Vessels – Navy, at Kongsberg Maritime. “Kongsberg Maritime supplies a wide range of mission-critical technology to many of the world’s most advanced oceanographic research ships, and we’re delighted to have been selected for these two latest vessels which will carry out essential scientific research duties for the USA”.
Future focus
Once operational, the ships will primarily focus on ocean mapping and nautical charting, acquiring, and processing large data sets to help mariners navigate US ports and harbours. Further missions will include collecting data for oceanographic monitoring, research, and modeling activities, while supporting coastal resource management and the nation’s blue economy.
“Creating the nation’s nautical charts is one of NOAA’s oldest responsibilities,” said Sin Suen, program manager for NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. “These new vessels will carry on that mission and having the latest technology and systems aboard is critical to their success.”
Kongsberg Discovery launched as a standalone business in April 2023, building on decades of experience within KONGSBERG to create a market leader focusing exclusively on cutting-edge underwater robotics and sensor technology.
For further details please see https://www.kongsberg.com/disc... and www.kongsberg.com/maritime/
Greensea IQ Partners with Water Linked in Successful Testing of IQNS Navigation and Autonomy System on VideoRay Defender ROV
Greensea IQ is pleased to announce the successful completion of field testing IQNS edge processing and navigation system on the VideoRay Defender ROV. Developed in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit, this significant navigation and stability upgrade provides expanded capabilities for subsea operations, offering improved control and efficiency for operators in demanding environments. For the demonstration, Greensea IQ worked closely with Water Linked AS, integrating the IQNS with the DVL A125 to create a stand-alone underwater navigation solution.
The IQNS, built on an NVIDIA platform with integrated navigation sensors and a fiber optic gyro (FOG), is designed for compact ocean robots, ideal for systems with stringent Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) constraints. Paired with Greensea IQ’s defense-focused EOD Edge software package, IQNS enhances vehicle autonomy, sensor processing, and onboard data analysis, making it a comprehensive solution for underwater tasks that demand precision and adaptability.
In recent trials, while under contract to the US Navy and Defense Innovation Unit, IQNS demonstrated marked improvements in navigation and stability for the VideoRay Defender ROV. Notable advancements in long-distance navigation, target search capabilities, and underwater mapping reflect IQNS’s robust performance. New features, such as auto-calibration and gyro-only mode, further empower operators with effective and flexible tools for a range of underwater missions.
The IQNS and DVL integration has been highly successful, marking a promising step forward in the partnership between Greensea IQ and Water Linked.
Scott McLay, Chief Commercial Officer of Water Linked, commented, “The Water Linked DVL A50 has set a new standard for what smaller underwater vehicles can achieve, with Greensea incorporating this world’s smallest DVL into several of their existing systems. This latest integrated solution from Greensea IQ, built upon IQNS technology and our extended-range DVL A125, delivers a high-performance Inertial Navigation System (INS) with a minimal footprint, enabling smaller vehicles to perform tasks that demand highly accurate positioning.”.
The testing process highlighted the system’s ability to support Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software, enabling operators to locate, classify, and engage underwater targets with increased accuracy. The combined improvements in navigation and autonomy allow operators to carry out their tasks with enhanced confidence and control.
Ben Kinnaman, Founder and CEO of Greensea IQ, commented, “I am very pleased with the performance of IQNS. This product offers operators a modular upgrade in capability—it integrates seamlessly above the DVL in the VideoRay Defender’s foam pack and provides a significant set of new capabilities for the operator. Navigation is everything in these operations; accuracy and efficiency relies on navigation, as does the operator’s confidence. With IQNS, we are seeing operators do their job more confidently and with better results.”
IQNS ships with Greensea IQ’s EOD Edge software platform, tailored specifically for defense applications, adding a powerful suite of ROV capabilities for the unique needs of underwater missions.
Both companies are excited to continue their collaboration and will be showcasing their innovative products at Underwater Intervention 2024 from November 12-14. You can find Greensea IQ at Stand UI-3901 and Water Linked at Stand UI-3930—stop by to see the latest advancements in underwater technology firsthand.
Voyis Certification Validates Unmatched Accuracy for Underwater Inspections
Voyis Imaging Inc. announces its Discovery Stereo Vision System has achieved Bureau Veritas (BV) certification, underscoring its industry-leading accuracy in subsea metrology and mooring chain inspections. This third-party validation reinforces Voyis’ leading position in the subsea inspection market, where accuracy is paramount for ensuring reliable measurements of underwater assets.
The Bureau Veritas Certification is based on rigorous testing procedures, including subsea metrology and mooring chain inspection accuracy assessments. The Discovery Stereo Vision System’s linear accuracy, validated at less than 0.3mm error per meter, supports confident distance metrology measurements, Voyis achieved an exceptional result, exceeding the 0.3mm requirement, underscoring the device’s impressive capability. For localized inspection needs, such as mooring chain and defect metrology, the camera demonstrated a local accuracy of less than ±0.5mm, with results outperforming this specification in BV testing on chain link diameter and width measurements.
Following the successful certification of system accuracy, Voyis has introduced a significant industry advantage by ensuring that every Discovery Stereo Vision System undergoes the same linear accuracy verification test as executed by BV before every system delivery. While 3rd Party Certifications are only conducted on a single reference unit,
Voyis ensures that each product is delivered with a calibration report that documents the unit’s accuracy in distance metrology, bringing forward a new standard of confidence by eliminating the need for additional validation by customers.
Voyis’ proprietary calibration process is integral to achieving these high accuracy standards. Incorporating highly refined intrinsic and extrinsic calibration phases, the process also optimizes each unit’s optical alignment to ensure the highest quality focus and camera-pair consistency. Each Discovery Stereo unit produces clear, high-resolution 3D reconstructions in real-time. This industry-leading calibration process, and unique optical design, ensures end-users can rely on consistent, high-precision measurements without additional in-field verifications, simplifying and expediting operations in varied underwater environments.
Voyis has achieved this milestone through innovative design features crucial for delivering accuracy in subsea stereographic imaging. With high-resolution global shutter sensors, a distortion-free dome viewport, and advanced HDR image processing algorithms, the Discovery Stereo Vision System captures precise, and accurate datasets even in dynamic underwater conditions. These advances, along with optimized stereo baseline spacing and precise camera synchronization, make the Discovery Stereo a top choice for complex underwater inspections.
The Bureau Veritas Certification not only affirms the Discovery Stereo Camera’s accuracy but also allows Voyis to raise the bar in confirming system performance, by delivering every unit with the same degree of accuracy validation. As we continue to push the boundaries of subsea inspection technology, this certification reinforces our commitment to quality and accuracy for our customers around the world.
FET to Supply ROV to UK Ministry of Defence’s Salvage Experts
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) today announced that its subsea division secured a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence’s highly specialised Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) unit, to supply a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
ROVs are large adaptable underwater robots with mechanical arms - of similar dexterity to human arms - designed to carry out a variety of tasks, both through the water column and on the seabed. They can also be fitted with a large range of sensors and tools for specific tasks.
The ROV earmarked for SALMO will complement and increase the UK’s existing marine defence salvage and emergency response capabilities. It will be used for a variety of in-water tasks including wreck surveys and salvage response, and can be deployed from various vessels.
The FET ROV system, acquired following a voluntary transparency notice issued this July, is being manufactured at the company’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. It will be delivered in 2025 with sea trials carried out in the UK.
The contract also includes a two-year support solution, spares package, vessel integration and sea trials support, a training package and the potential for upgrades and additions.
A previously supplied FET ROV was deployed by SALMO in January 2024 to successfully recover the bell of USS Jacob Jones from the depths near the Isles of Scilly after 107 years. The first US Navy destroyer to be sunk during wartime, the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1917 whilst returning to home port after successfully escorting a convoy to Brest. Sixty-six crew members were lost in the attack.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President Operations - Subsea, said: “We are extremely pleased that FET has been selected again by SALMO for an additional ROV system. This is one of the most versatile systems on the market and has the capabilities required for the tasks that it will undertake for the SALMO team. We look forward to delivering the solution on time next year.”
Andy Liddell, Head of SALMO, said: “A momentous amount of work has gone into preparing what has been a complex contract in a very short time. The project team have pulled together and demonstrated a holistic and agile route to procurement. It was a great feeling to sign the contract and move us into the next stage.”
FET has previously supplied ROVs and submarine rescue vehicles to major navies around the world and has also built emergency life support store (ELSS) pods for the Hellenic Navy. Its products are suited across underwater industry applications, including defence, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.
GeoAcoustics Ltd adds Australia’s autonomous solutions provider No Humes to growing global Channel Partner list
Hydroacoustic technology manufacturer GeoAcoustics Ltd has appointed No Humes as its first Channel Partner dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand markets. GeoAcoustics now has more than 50 Channel Partners serving customers in 69 countries.
The new channel partner agreement covers the entire GeoAcoustics portfolio of bathymetric sonars, side scan sonars and sub-bottom profilers, with the Brisbane-based No Humes offering GeoAcoustics technology as part of its own integrated autonomous solutions as well as selling direct to commercial and scientific customers. With more than 25 years of experience, No Humes (www.nohumes.com) is a leading technical advisor and systems integrator specialising in autonomous solutions for Australia’s blue economy. The company has been a part of the growth of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) over the past decade, identifying hydrospatial and geophysical applications as ideal for its cutting-edge autonomous developments.
“The precision and repeatability offered by autonomous platforms are fundamental attributes of delivering high-quality survey data, so it makes sense that we join forces with respected sensor manufacturers like GeoAcoustics Ltd in order to offer our customers the best of both worlds,” said Cory Brooks, Managing Director at No Humes.
Having applied autonomous systems for diverse applications from mission planning to optimising navigation solutions and testing datasets, No Humes plans to deliver real-time survey data processing with advanced AI software for the GeoSwath 4 bathymetric sonar as part of its portfolio. The company will also support sales and service of the Pulsar and GeoPulse ranges in Australia and New Zealand.
“Becoming a GeoAcoustics Channel Partner offers us several advantages. We gain access to high-end products known for their build quality and reliable data for scientists. Their ease of use and deployment streamlines the entire integration process, coupling leading-edge autonomous technology and AI generated live data processing to ensure No Humes can meet the evolving needs of the scientific community,” added Brooks.
“We are looking forward to getting closer to our Australian customers together with the help of the highly experienced No Humes team,” said Richard Dowdeswell, Chief Commercial Officer, GeoAcoustics Ltd. “Our partnership agreement is a significant boost for the entire portfolio in the region, but we are especially looking forward to working with No Humes on new autonomous platform projects that will deliver new efficiencies using our AI technology for bathymetric surveys.”
Teledyne Valeport Welcomes Major Equipment Investment from NOR Offshore Rental to Boost UK and Global Operations
Teledyne Valeport, a leader in oceanographic and hydrographic instrumentation, is pleased to announce a substantial investment from NOR Offshore Rental (NOR), as NOR makes a significant new order for Valeport technology for its subsidiary, in Aberdeen, NOR LTD.
As part of a global growth strategy, NOR has expanded its equipment pool with a selection of Valeport precision instruments, including the Bathy 2, Midas SVX2, miniSVS, miniIPS2, and Model 106. These investments are designed to enhance NOR’s ability to meet the growing demand for its services and equipment both in the UK and worldwide.
This strategic investment will equip NOR LTD with the same state-of-the-art capabilities available from NOR's headquarters in Norway, allowing the company to mobilise equipment and services with greater speed and efficiency from both sides of the North Sea.
The move underscores NOR's commitment to providing clients with the best marine technology available and streamlining operations across its global network.
NOR’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jostein Jansen, emphasised the importance of this investment in Valeport’s equipment:
“The addition of Teledyne Valeport’s technology to our rental pool enables us to offer advanced solutions to our clients. This investment is a significant step forward in our efforts to align our UK subsidiary with the same comprehensive quality offer we deliver from our headquarters. With expanded capabilities in Aberdeen, we are confident we can serve our clients with greater speed, efficiency, and reliability.”
As part of this expansion, NOR LTD will be relocating to a larger facility in Aberdeen—triple the size of their current premises— to further support their growth in the region.
This larger footprint will enable faster mobilisation of equipment, improved logistics, and strengthened service delivery to support their clients in the North Sea and beyond.
Kevin Edwards, Chief Commercial Operations at Teledyne Valeport, welcomed the investment:
"NOR’s continued investment in our instruments reflects the trust they place in the quality and precision of our technology. We look forward to supporting NOR as they grow their operations and continue to serve their clients globally with the best in marine instrumentation."
This investment forms a core part of NOR’s larger strategy to meet the increasing global demand for its services. Alongside expanding its presence in the UK, NOR is also investing in Valeport equipment for deployment in key regions worldwide, further reinforcing their role as a leading provider of advanced offshore rental solutions.
For more information about Teledyne Valeport and its range of solutions, please visit www.valeport.co.uk.
For more information about NOR, please visit www.offshorerental.no
ASL Awarded Subcontract to Assess Metocean Data Needs for Offshore Wind Development in Atlantic Canada
ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a research and development subcontract from Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions Ltd., of Dublin Ireland, as part of a metocean data needs assessment for the development of offshore wind projects in Atlantic Canada for Natural Resources Canada. ASL was selected as a subcontractor for its 45 years+ of expertise in sea ice, icebergs, and freezing spray accretion as well as a history of delivering successful metocean-ice studies to clients.
The primary objective of the work is to identify all types of
data needed to enable successful offshore wind project development in Atlantic Canada. Following a review of existing datasets, and a dataset gap analysis, we will be making recommendations for specific appropriate measures to collect necessary datasets. The analysis focuses on Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, where near-term offshore wind development is more likely. The study also keeps in mind the broader Atlantic Canada region, with future data needs for projects in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Quebec.
The final report is intended to support the development of public measurement campaigns that can be leveraged by a variety of stakeholders to ensure that informed decisions are made in pursuit of developing Canada’s offshore wind industry over the coming years. The outcomes of this work will be of interest to regulators, industry, engineers, and the broader offshore wind community alike. For more information on this work, contact Dr. Matthew Asplin at [email protected] or Sahar Tavangar of GDG at [email protected]
Saab’s Seaeye SR20 eWROV succeeds in milestone water trials
Saab UK announces that the Seaeye SR20 eWROV, its most advanced fully-electric work-class remotely operated vehicle, has successfully completed inshore water testing.
The SR20 successfully completed a dedicated period of water trials last month, marking a significant milestone for the robotic vehicle’s development.
The testing was a key part of the verification and validation work package, testing against the specification, measuring performance, and stressing the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as a system. In particular, the SR20 demonstrated its high degree of precise manoeuvrability and dexterity, using both manual joystick control and automation. This testing has paved the way for sea trials which will take place in spring 2025.
Andy Fraser, Managing Director at Saab UK, said:
“The SR20 going to water trials is a huge milestone in Saab UK’s journey to take electric ROV capabilities to the next level, focusing on eco-responsibility and greater efficiency. We’re thrilled that the trials were a success and I look forward to seeing what the next step is for this ground-breaking vehicle.”
The SR20 is Saab UK’s highly capable and environmentally-conscious work-class underwater vehicle, which is designed for operational concepts such as resident deployment and over-the-horizon control. The all-electric vehicle, which uses limited oil (reducing its environmental footprint), sets itself apart with its exceptional thrust and performance, electric manipulators, and impressive efficiency compared to hydraulic systems.
Ocean Infinity is the SR20’s launch customer, transforming operations using innovative technology as they develop a fleet of uncrewed robotic vessels.