Kraken Robotics Demonstrates New KATFISH Autonomous Launch and Recovery System to Navy Customers
Kraken Robotics Inc. announces the completion of demonstrations for its new Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS) for KATFISH™ towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS). The Company performed demonstrations for more than 40 naval customers and partners from October 21-25, 2024 in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia.
“This was a great opportunity to both test our new ALARS and demonstrate KATFISH for key naval clients,” said Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics. “The ocean is an unforgiving environment, and the highest risk to technology and personnel is during launch and recovery. Demo participants were able to witness our technology in action, observing both the advanced autonomy of the ALARS as well as the high-resolution real-time SAS data from KATFISH while aboard the vessel.”
The new ALARS was built to fit a 20-foot International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container footprint to increase interoperability with different vessels, allowing for rapid mobilization and demobilization on multi-role platforms. The system enables autonomous launch and recovery of KATFISH up to Sea State 5.
During the demonstrations, participants were able to view the KATFISH SAS data live-streaming onboard the vessel, detecting, classifying, and identifying various seafloor contacts in real-time, including high-resolution imagery of the Governor Cornwallis shipwreck.
High-resolution SAS data and command and control information were also streamed wirelessly back to shore and displayed to the attendees of Canadian Naval Mine Countermeasures Symposium taking place at HMCS Scotian in Halifax, Nova Scotia the same week.
“The ability to stream live, high-resolution seafloor data to analysts and mine warfare officers in real-time, from both manned and unmanned platforms, is a critical enabler for modern navies,” said David Shea, Executive Vice President and CTO of Kraken. “Kraken was excited to be able to provide a live demo simultaneously in-person and for a remote audience, showing how remote operation and intelligent autonomy helps get humans out of the minefield. These capabilities are standard with the KATFISH system and are being continuously improved as our NATO customers deploy them in operations every day. We look forward to getting this new ALARS out into the field with our customers.”
Kraken’s new ALARS will be delivered to an Asia-Pacific naval customer by the end of the year.
USV marine data acquisition specialist Uncrewed Survey Solutions unveils its rebrand alongside new messaging and enhanced offerings
The UK’s innovative specialist marine data acquisition provider and USV manufacturer, Uncrewed Survey Solutions (USS) has unveiled its new corporate identity, alongside new messaging and enhanced offerings.
Formerly Unmanned Survey Solutions, the company and the maritime sector has evolved since its inception, therefore the corporate revitalisation reflects the rapid development and of the business, the sector and associated technology, particularly across Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
Uncrewed Survey Solutions (USS), builds and operates its own fleet of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV), and delivers customised marine data collection projects and missions primarily across the hydrographic and geophysical domains.
The utilisation of USS’ specialist innovative Accession and Inception class USVs, enables customers to swiftly transition from traditional crewed vessel solutions to more safer, highly efficient, and greener operations.
James Williams, USS’ CEO comments, “Having been involved in the marine acquisition and USV market since its advent, it was timely that the business underwent this revitalisation of its branding, messaging and identity. This has been achieved in line with the evolving nature of the industry, and as a reflection of how our offering to meet customers’ needs have evolved since our business’ inception.”
He continues, “As a pioneering technology-based business that solely uses USVs to facilitate high quality marine data acquisition and management, we are delighted to unveil Uncrewed Survey Solutions (USS) as our new brand on the eve of implementing our genesis and growth strategy.”
Uncrewed Survey Solutions (USS) new website showcases USS’ own range of designed and self-manufactured survey USVs, together with USS’ comprehensive suite of marine data acquisition and management solutions.
Visit the new website at www.uncrewedsurveysolutions.com to find out more.
Greensea IQ Secures $2.79M Contract for IQNS with EOD Edge Upgrade for U.S. Navy MK20 Defender ROV Platform
Greensea IQ, a leader in subsea robotics and defense solutions, is proud to announce the award of over $2.79M contract through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Darley of Itasca, IL, as part of DLA’s Tailored Logistics Support Program. This contract will supply the U.S. Navy with the IQNS system, enhanced with the EOD Edge Upgrade, to improve the capabilities of the MK20 Defender Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) platform as part of the Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) initiative.
The IQNS system is being delivered over the next 4-6 months, providing cutting-edge navigation and autonomy solutions to the U.S. Navy’s expanding fleet of MK20 Defender ROVs. The system was specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing platform, offering a critical upgrade to enhance Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions with greater precision and operational efficiency.
The IQNS with EOD Edge Upgrade was rigorously tested in partnership with the Navy earlier this year and has proven to meet the demanding requirements of the fleet expansion.
“Our team worked closely with the U.S. Navy throughout 2024 to ensure the IQNS would fulfill the operational needs of the MESR program. The successful testing and validation demonstrate the value of this system in providing advanced capabilities for our nation’s defense forces,” said Paco Santana, VP of Business Development, Defense at Greensea IQ.
The IQNS represents Greensea IQ’s continued commitment to innovation in the field of subsea robotics, offering unmatched performance in navigation and autonomy for military and defense applications.
The University of Southampton and ecoSUB Robotics Sign Licensing Agreement to Revolutionize Underwater Sampling Technology
The University of Southampton has today announced a ground-breaking licensing agreement with ecoSUB Robotics to bring an innovative underwater water sampler to market. Developed by researchers at the University of Southampton in collaboration with engineers from ecoSUB Robotics, this advanced water sampler is designed to facilitate autonomous collection of water samples, even at depths of up to 2,500 meters.
This versatile sampler, available in multiple configurations, can be seamlessly integrated with any of ecoSUB’s autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The new capability provides marine researchers, environmental agencies and others, with the unprecedented ability to collect water samples autonomously and, if necessary at depth, significantly expanding the scope of underwater exploration and analysis.
Traditional underwater data collection has relied heavily on sensors, which often have limitations when it comes to detecting specific water parameters such as DNA, RNA, heavy metals etc. The new sampler overcomes this limitation, enabling users to capture physical water samples for laboratory analysis. This development allows researchers to assess parameters that are currently inaccessible through standard sensor technology, providing a richer and more detailed picture of underwater environments.
Dr. Adrian Nightingale, at the University of Southampton, commented on the significance of this achievement: “Our collaboration with ecoSUB Robotics has been instrumental in bringing this advanced sampler to market. This is a significant step forward for marine science, as it provides a practical and scalable new solution for water sampling at depth and inhospitable environments.”
Terry Sloane, Managing Director at ecoSUB Robotics, highlighted the benefits of the sampler for the ecoSUB fleet, saying: “The water sampler is a welcome addition to our ecoSUB vehicles, increasing their functionality for a wider range of underwater data collection missions. With this tool, we can support our customers in gathering critical data in ways that were previously not possible. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge, robust, and versatile AUV solutions. The unique ability of ecoSUB to dive vertically, presents researchers with a new way of obtaining water column data using a combination of traditional sensors as well as water samples.”
The sampler, opens new avenues for applications including environmental monitoring, marine biogeochemistry, oceanography, and offshore operations, where detailed water quality data is essential. In addition to providing this tool for the ecoSUB fleet, ecoSUB Robotics aims to continue its collaboration with the University of Southampton on future technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in autonomous underwater exploration.
This collaboration underlines the University of Southampton and ecoSUB Robotics’ shared commitment to advancing technology and addressing critical challenges in marine science and industry. With this innovative water sampler, users worldwide can now access a deeper understanding of underwater environments.
Kraken Robotics Completes $51.75 Million Bought Deal Public Offering
Kraken Robotics Inc. is pleased to announce today that it has closed its previously announced “bought deal” short form prospectus offering of common shares of the Company. A total of 32,343,750 Common Shares were sold at a price of $1.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $51,750,000, inclusive of the full exercise of the over-allotment option by the Underwriters (as defined below).
The Offering was led by Cormark Securities Inc. as lead underwriter, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters including Canaccord Genuity Corp., Beacon Securities Limited, Raymond James Ltd., and Scotia Capital Inc. (the “Underwriters”). The Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, which is $2,587,500.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used to advance the Company’s long-term strategy, including: (1) investing in expanded facilities and increased manufacturing capacity; (2) providing flexibility to take advantage of opportunities for accretive acquisitions of complementary technologies and businesses; (3) increasing the Company’s attractiveness as a stable and reliable long-term supplier; (4) strengthening the Company’s balance sheet to provide additional working capital to meet customer requirements in connection with potential additional large orders, as well as new program and contract opportunities; and (5) for general corporate purposes.
The Offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange’s (“TSXV”) final acceptance of requisite regulatory filings.
Open Ocean Robotics Closes $2.8M Investment Round to Further Scale Commercial Operations for Sustainable Ocean Monitoring
Open Ocean Robotics (OOR), a maritime robotics and AI company transforming ocean monitoring, announced today the close of a CA$2.8M investment round.
The round was co-led by Antares Ventures, a Singapore-based deep-tech venture fund focused on sustainability challenges in Southeast Asia, and Spring Impact Capital, a Canadian impact venture fund, with participation from Katapult Ocean, Alacrity Canada, DTN Ventures, individual investors, and PacifiCan.
The funds will support product and technological advancements, geographic expansion into Southeast Asia, and scaling manufacturing of its uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). To advance its innovative solutions in Southeast Asian markets, OOR is currently participating in the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge, an initiative of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the National University of Singapore.
“This investment from leading global impact investors underscores their confidence in our company and our vision for sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable ocean monitoring,” says Julie Angus, CEO and co-founder of OOR. “With this funding, we will expand our ability to help maritime companies and agencies achieve safe and secure ocean monitoring through real-time data provided by our USVs and AI systems.”
As the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland, Julie’s deep connection to and understanding of the world’s oceans has guided OOR’s success. Their USVs have been used to safeguard marine protected areas against illegal fishing, protect endangered whale populations, and help restore maritime biodiversity.
Traditionally, monitoring coastlines and open waters required fixed assets on shore, satellites, crewed ships, or aircraft, which were expensive, labor-intensive, and polluting. OOR provides safe, affordable, sustainable, and scalable ocean monitoring solutions that are solar-powered, allowing their uncrewed surface vehicles to operate at sea for months at a time, collecting data with a suite of sensors without producing GHG emissions, noise pollution, or risking oil spills.
“We are excited to support Julie’s mission to revolutionize and decarbonize ocean monitoring through advanced technology,” says Michael Gryseels, Founder and Managing Partner of Antares Ventures. “Open Ocean Robotics' solutions empower private and public organizations with safer, more affordable, and sustainable coastal and open ocean oceanographic and maritime data collection, enhancing marine resource understanding and preservation for a sustainable future.”
“Spring has been supporting Open Ocean Robotics since 2019, when we first saw how Julie Angus was delivering on a compelling vision for the future of ocean data and the impact it can have on all facets of marine and land life,” says Keith Ippel, Spring Impact Capital Managing Partner and Spring Co-CEO. “We’re excited to help her scale her company with measurable success and impact.”
Miros Strengthens Real-Time Ocean Insights Portfolio with Full Acquisition of Miros Mocean
Miros AS is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its strategic growth by acquiring full ownership of Miros Mocean AS.
The acquisition enhances Miros’ ability to provide cutting-edge real-time ocean insights, benefiting all relevant market segments, including commercial shipping.
As of September 2024, Miros acquired all remaining shares in Miros Mocean from its joint venture partners, BW Group and Copenhagen Commercial Platform (CCP).
Miros Mocean will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Miros, under the leadership of CEO Marius Five Aarset.
“The full integration of Miros Mocea
n into Miros allows us to further consolidate and optimize our portfolio of vessel performance services,” said Mr Aarset. “Our strengthened offering will provide even greater value to customers and partners across the maritime industry.”
Miros focuses on enhancing the real-time understanding of how weather affects vessel performance, enabling operators to make safe and informed decisions. By digitizing local ocean conditions, Miros uses reliably measured – not derived – data, for an accurate overview of vessel performance and efficiency in real-time, throughout the lifetime of a vessel.
Mr Aarset added: “The alignment between Miros and Miros Mocean reinforces our commitment to delivering industry-leading ocean insights that enhance vessel performance and fuel efficiency while increasing maritime safety and sustainability. We focus on our client’s evolving needs by providing innovative solutions, including wave and current measurements from the industry-recognized product Wavex, vessel performance indicators with VTI, and safety monitoring with Anti-Roll assistant.”
Miros would like to extend its gratitude to BW Group and CCP for their invaluable cooperation in growing Miros Mocean and its portfolio of services to its current stage.
Exail to equip French skippers Eric Bellion and Jean Le Cam with Hydrins navigation system for the Vendée Globe
Exail, a global leader in inertial navigation technology, has been selected to equip the boats of French skippers Eric Bellion and Jean Le Cam with Hydrins Inertial Navigation System (INS) for the upcoming Vendée Globe. By delivering highly accurate and reliable navigation data, Hydrins will play a crucial role in enhancing both the performance and safety of the skippers during this offshore race, which is one of the most challenging and prestigious in the world.
Hydrins features advanced sensors and data processing algorithms, providing a heading accuracy of 0.01 0 and a maximum data output frequency of 200Hz with minimal latency. This enables optimal integration with the boat's autopilot system, facilitating precise course adjustments and speed control. Such capabilities are critical for responding effectively to the rapidly changing conditions encountered during the race. At sea, this will allow the skippers to make quick, informed strategic decisions, essential for improving their overall race performance. The system's robust design and ability to operate autonomously, even in the event of GNSS signal loss, will ensure safe and efficient navigation throughout the race, especially during its most challenging moments.
Commenting on the partnership, Eric Bellion said: "Having Hydrins onboard gives me an extra level of confidence in my navigation. It allows me to focus more on my race strategy, knowing I have reliable data at all times."
Jean Le Cam added: "In a race like the Vendée Globe, precision is everything. Exail technology provides us with the reliability we need to navigate safely and efficiently. We have full trust in Hydrins, not just for its exceptional performance, which is wellknown in the world of competitive sailing, but also for the high level of support provided by Exail's team throughout the installation and setup process, ensuring we are wellprepared for the race."
Quentin Chiche, Regional Sales Manager at Exail, stated: "We are proud to collaborate with such distinguished sailors as Eric Bellion and Jean Le Cam. Their experience and dedication to solo offshore racing align with our commitment to delivering innovation and performance. Hydrins will be central to ensuring the precision and reliability required for optimal navigation during the race. '
The Vendée Globe is widely regarded as one of the most grueling endurance tests in professional sailing, pushing both sailors and their technology to the limit. Exail's involvement in this race further solidifies its position as a leading provider of highperformance inertial navigation systems, with more than 80% of racing boats worldwide equipped with its technology.
TDI-Brooks completes geotechnical program offshore filyos, turkey – black sea
TDI-Brooks has successfully completed its fifth geotechnical investigation for DenAr Ocean Engineering S.A. The RV NAUTILUS was dispatched to the Black Sea from the US East Coast to facilitate this operation. The geotechnical aspect of the investigation
included 49 gCPTs, 50 JPCs, 48 CPTs, and 41 BCs. Additionally, an environmental component was incorporated, which comprised 27 Environmental BCs, 28 CTDs, 19 water samples, and 180 kilometers of marine fauna transects. TDI-Brooks provides a comprehensive range of marine geotechnical survey services, covering offshore, nearshore, and inland regions. Our team utilizes a diverse set of advanced instruments to ensure accurate soil sampling and measurement.
TDI-Brooks owns and operates five (5) oceanographic research vessels on the spot market. RV BROOKS McCALL and RV MISS EMMA McCALL are both U.S. registered Jones Act-compliant, and services the U.S. East and West Coasts, Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. RV GYRE, RV PROTEUS and RV NAUTILUS (DP2) are all Vanuatu registered, fully SOLAS compliant, and serve clients globally. These multi-use vessels suited for a wide variety of oceanographic research duties for the offshore renewables and energy sectors.
Kongsberg Discovery puts ‘eyes under the water’ for historic infrastructure challenge on Lake Superior
Kongsberg Discovery demonstrated the ability of advanced to illuminate the world beneath the waves with a detailed, efficient, and comprehensive inspection of the historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock at Marquette on Lake Superior.
The iconic structure, a pivotal point for the transportation of iron ore from Michigan mines right across the Great Lakes region, dates back to the late 19th century. Kongsberg Discovery’s 21st century multibeam sonar and imaging technology showed just how well it had withstood the test of time, harsh weather, and a busy history of vessel operations.
Structural insights
Situated a stone’s throw from Marquette town center, the imposing concrete and steel structure is now a popular tourist attraction and local landmark. Kongsberg Discovery, which specializes in innovative underwater robotics and sensor technology, gathered a group of leading organizations and companies to showcase how the latest hydroacoustics could
deliver rapid, powerful, and high-resolution imaging of structural integrity. Qualities which are essential for reliable inspection and monitoring of key shore and ocean infrastructure.
Attendees at the day-long survey included U.S. Army Corps Detroit District, U.S. Border Patrol, Krech Ojard Engineering, Schnabel Engineering, Lundin Mining, Carmeuse Mining, AMI Engineers, and U.S. Geologic Survey.
From challenge to opportunity
Jessica Daignault, Professional Civil Engineer with Kongsberg Discovery comments: “Long-term exposure to the forces of water and weather take their toll. Add in decades of large vessel operations and you have a recipe for undermining structural integrity. The iconic Lower Harbor Ore Dock retains its strength and beauty above the waterline, but we also wanted to make sure it was equally as robust below the water surface.
“It’s the kind of infrastructure inspection that can be challenging when using traditional methods, such as dive teams, but can be conducted efficiently and safely with modern hydroacoustic solutions. Our technology gave a powerful demonstration of that ability, revealing the dock as it’s never been seen before.”
Crystal clear
Kongsberg Discovery used two of its sonars, the M3 Sonar HF multibeam sonar and the 1171 Hi-Res Scanning singlebeam sonar, to scan the vertical wall structure. SoundTiles, an IQUA Robotics software, was used to process the multibeam data for rapid mosaicking. The high resolution 1171 single-beam sonar was then deployed to create a powerful real time visualization of the walls, diving into detail across the timber pole piles and concrete foundations for “incredible imaging”.
“The entire group of stakeholders we invited were able to enjoy a beautiful day on the water while learning about new technology,” notes Jessica. “The images were distortion free and of excellent resolution, giving a crystal-clear view of the structure and allowing everyone to appreciate the durable quality of this unique engineering project.
“This was a ‘fun’ assignment, but with a very serious message. In busy, operationally challenging environments conducting efficient, safe, and high-quality infrastructure inspection and monitoring is essential. Hydroacoustic technology truly opens the possibility to do just that, simplifying and fast-tracking the entire process, while providing outstanding results. The day at Marquette provided tangible proof of that fact. It was great to get eyes under the water and see the dock above and below the waterline.”
Norwegian headquartered Kongsberg Discovery boasts over 1000 expert employees and a network of locations spanning the globe. With products ranging from advanced Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) to naval support solutions and state-of-the-art communication, positioning and mapping technology, the company is positioned to help clients address a broad range of ocean challenges and opportunities.
To discover more please see: https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery/