A new type of hydrographic survey solution developed for UK MoD has passed FAT
The first of its kind, a containerised remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV) solution, developed for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), has now successfully completed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) – just 6 months after the contract was awarded to Danish subsea engineering specialist EIVA. Through containerisation, this new type of survey solution enables hydrographic surveys with multiple acoustic survey sensors and instruments to be performed from many different host platforms with very short deployment time.
‘The agility with which this total solution has been developed showcases that by combining our efforts with several strong players in the market, we can leverage our many years of experience. Together, we make way for new possibilities in defence and other maritime markets,’ explains Christian Thomsen, CEO of EIVA.
The components of this survey solution include SH Group’s 20’ Cube container module and launch and recovery system for EIVA’s ScanFish L ROTV, which is equipped with Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav Mini hybrid INS/DVL and Voyis’ Observer Pro optical camera and Insight Pro laser scanner. Two dedicated computer workstations are built into the container and equipped with EIVA's NaviSuite software for efficiently processing and analysing the collected data.
‘After visiting EIVA headquarters for the FAT, we were extremely happy with the system developed. The EIVA team have worked hard to deliver a capability that will expand the survey capability of our ships, enhancing survey operations and features within our Future Military Data Gathering programme. We look forward to the next steps including commission testing and training with the Royal Navy’s specialist Hydrographic teams.’ said Lieutenant Commander Mark Butcher Royal Navy.
EIVA is working with Forcys, a global maritime defence company and EIVA’s sister company in Covelya Group, to ensure the solution aligns with the current requirements of Navies for portability, flexibility, scalability and standardisation.
ecoSUB AUV dives to new depths – 2,000m mission
During a recent deep water trials campaign in Madeira, an ecoSUm25-Science Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was launched and successfully completed a spiral behaviour to provide vertical profiling of the water column down to 2,000m depth, and back again.
The ecoSUBm25-Science AUV is a disruptive technology, based on the extremely affordable ecoSUBm series AUV platform, it weighs just 12kg and is depth rated to 2,500m. Whilst most deep rated AUV technology is based on large and expensive platforms, costing millions of dollars, the ecoSUB platform is in the tens of thousands, providing a step-change in accessibility to autonomous ocean data collection for the marine science community and others.
The ecoSUBm25-Science AUV was equipped with a CTD and a Chelsea Technologies TriLux sensor, providing measurements of Conductivity, Temperature, Chlorophyll, Turbidity and Phycoerythrin. The m25 platform is also capable of hosting sensors to measure Dissolved Oxygen, CDOM, pH, Oil in Water, as well as navigation sensors such as altimeters and DVL, along with acoustic coms for underwater communications. 
The 2,000m depth mission was completed on 30 July 2024. Launch and recovery was from Observatoio 1, a fast RIB research vessel, kindly provided by the Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, who generously supported the trials providing workshop and vessel support. This mission marks a world-AUV-first, industry leading 2,000m deployment for a micro-AUV system – proving real world technology to aid ocean data collection.
Furthermore, on board navigation and mission parameters maintained a launch point and recovery point separation of just 125 meters, demonstrating the systems ability to maintain a straight down and straight up capability. Total mission length was 1h 40m. Maximum depth recorded was 2,002 meters.
For more information about the ecoSUB family of affordable AUV systems please visit and contact us via www.ecosub.uk. View a short video of the mission here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4K7T8Ij7KM
Greensea IQ Unveils Subsea Edge Processing Systems with Integrated Navigation: IQNS and IQNS Mini
Greensea IQ, a leader in advanced technology for ocean robotics, is proud to announce the launch of two ground-breaking products: IQNS and IQNS Mini. These advanced edge processing systems are designed to elevate the capabilities, scale, and scope of underwater robots in defense applications using EOD Workspace with superior GNCC (Guidance, Navigation, Command, and Control) and onboard AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) processing.
Introducing IQNS: An Edge Processing Solution with Onboard GNCC and AI/ML
Greensea IQ’s latest model in the Inertial Navigation System (INS) product line, the IQNS, enhances the popular GS4 INS with advanced edge processing, vehicle control, and integrated inertial navigation. Designed for small vehicle applications, IQNS is a compact sensor and processing solution for Greensea’s EOD Edge software package. IQNS provides superior GNCC capabilities with sonar integration and onboard AI/ML processing for ATR, Obstacle Avoidance, and Target Tracking.
EOD Edge is the latest upgrade of the EOD Workspace software system used worldwide by multiple defense organizations for automating the search, detection, and neutralization of subsea threats. EOD Edge moves processing to the robot in an edge processor (“Brain”) adding local navigation, command, and control to the ROV. This allows the ROV to use different communication schemes with the operator (lossy tethers, lower bandwidth comms, ACOMMS, etc.) while providing stable operation. This also allows the implementation of contingency behaviors and safety features on the robot. With a local processor, the software system can easily scale towards greater autonomy, perception, and payload operation without having to scale the communications method.
Key features of the IQNS include:
- Full Inertial Navigation Solution: Onboard sensor package with aiding from additional sensors such as DVL, USBL, and GPS, the IQNS ensures accurate positioning and navigation with Greensea’s patented navigation algorithms.
- Single-axis Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG): Provides exceptional heading stability, making the IQNS a robust choice for precise underwater operations, intervention, and payload operation.
- Edge processing system from NVIDIA supports perception processing and Advanced AI/ML capabilities: Capable of onboard Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning processes, the IQNS supports Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), Obstacle Avoidance, and Target Tracking using sonar or video.
- Superior Navigation and Control: With enhanced edge processing capabilities, the IQNS ensures precise and reliable navigation for underwater robots, even in challenging environments.
- Autonomy: IQNS provides positioning, mission, and task autonomy with integration options to common battle space integration platforms.
IQNS Mini: Compact and Powerful
The IQNS Mini is tailored specifically for small underwater vehicle applications, offering the same advanced EOD edge processing features and capabilities as the IQNS but in a more compact form factor. The IQNS Mini provides an edge processor-only version of the IQNS system without onboard navigation sensors. This system was designed to add scalable processing power to the IQNS or to add edge processing to underwater robots in the smallest form factor possible. The IQNS-Mini was designed to fit above the DVL on the VideoRay Defender.
The IQNS serves as the autonomy and navigation engine for Greensea IQ’s Bayonet AUGV product line, proving its capabilities through rigorous sea trials and field testing.
Teledyne Gavia expands Engineering and Production facilities in Kopavogur, Iceland
Teledyne Gavia announces the significant expansion of its Engineering and Production facilities in Kopavogur, Iceland, in response to the increased demand for both low logistics Gavia class systems and larger the Osprey and SeaRaptor Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
To meet this growing demand, Teledyne Gavia has more than doubled the size of its manufacturing facility and significantly increased its staff in engineering, manufacturing, and support roles. These enhancements will bolster operations both at the Gavia facilities in Iceland and for support positions servicing the North American market in North Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Teledyne Gavia has a long-standing history of innovation in AUV technology, having manufactured the Gavia 1000m rated AUV since 2003. In 2018, the company added the SeaRaptor 6000m AUV to its fleet. By 2022, Teledyne Gavia released the Osprey 2000m rated AUV and is currently working on an air deployed Gavia variant expected to launch in late 2024. The company has also enhanced the low-logistics Gavia AUV by incorporating high-capability imaging sensors such as the Teledyne RESON T20 multibeam and the Kraken MINSAS sonars. This diversified fleet allows users to explore deeper waters globally, covering greater distances in a shorter timeframe.
Stefan Reynisson, Vice President and General Manager of Teledyne Gavia, stated, “Teledyne Gavia is pleased to be able to respond to customer requests for added capacity and capabilities and shorter lead times. The response to a diversified product line and additional sensors has been very positive. The goal is to meet the ever-changing needs of Teledyne Gavia’s customers.”
Teledyne Gavia continues to benefit from its strategic location in Kopavogur, Iceland. The facility offers convenient access for in-water testing and easy access to the harbor, supporting Teledyne’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in subsea technology.
TDI-Brooks completes geotechnical project off Mexico
TDI-Brooks has successfully and safely executed a third-party geotechnical coring project for Geohidra. This operation took place in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, near Ciudad del Carmen, aboard the MV LAGUNA AZULE. During this campaign, TDI-Brooks conducted a total of thirty-two (32) Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) using their Neptune 3000 miniature coiled rod CPT system, achieving penetration depths of 4-6 meters in water depths ranging from 30 to 40 meters.
The TDI-Brooks Datem Neptune 3000 Miniature Coiled Rod CPT System is designed for Cone Penetration Testing and boasts a push capability of 10kN. This lightweight system is suitable for deployment in water depths of up to 3000 meters and is engineered to endure the most challenging marine conditions. The coiled tubing CPT system is easily mobilized, and its compact design allows the Neptune 3000 to be self-contained, making it deployable from even the smallest survey vessels where space is often limited. This CPT unit is frequently utilized for pipeline surveys by oil and gas operators, as well as for cable route surveys in offshore renewable energy projects.
TDI-Brooks offers an extensive selection of marine geotechnical survey services, encompassing offshore, nearshore, and inland areas. Our team employs a wide array of advanced instruments to guarantee precise soil sampling and measurement. The following portable geotechnical took kits are available for use on a 3rd party vessel:
- Light coring kit: PC, BC operations. Available Winch, Control House, Track, A-frame components additionally.
- Heavy coring kit: PC, BC, JPC, CPT operations. Available Winch, Control House, Track, A-frame components additionally
Arctic Rays Announces Acquisition by Inkfish
Arctic Rays, a pioneering leader in subsea imaging technologies, proudly announces its acquisition by Inkfish, a newly established organization dedicated to providing services to support marine researchers globally. This strategic acquisition is set to combine Arctic Rays's innovative product offerings with Inkfish's ability to connect with scientific partners and causes around the world.
Founded in 2015 on a commitment to manufacture turnkey custom imaging solutions with superior responsiveness, Arctic Rays has consistently delivered patented lighting packages, still and video capture payloads and other integrated systems for subsea vehicles operating as deep as 6,000 meters.
Inkfish was founded in 2021 to support marine researchers by planning and executing research expeditions, providing resources and developing new technologies to further research initiatives.
With this acquisition, Inkfish recognizes the value of Arctic Rays's market position and its dedication to quality engineering design, manufacturing processes and post-deployment support.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company and ocean exploration,” said Dirk Fieberg, general manager and co-owner of Arctic Rays. “As we join forces with Inkfish, we embrace the opportunity to pioneer new technologies and make discoveries beneath the waves. Together, we will chart new frontiers in marine exploration, inspiring innovation that will define the future of our industry and beyond.”
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the evolution of both companies. Customers can expect continued support and availability of Arctic Rays's current product lines, including repairs, replacements and ongoing customer service. In alignment with the acquisition, new custom development will be evaluated on a case-by-base basis. The Arctic Rays brand will be phased out and will take the Inkfish name, including its Satellite Beach, Florida, location and equipment sales.
“What Inkfish has accomplished quietly in only three years, is nothing short of amazing,” said Lee Frey, director of engineering and co-owner of Arctic Rays. “We are proud to add Arctic Rays’ extensive engineering knowledge and field experience to the exceptional Inkfish team, and we look forward to an exciting future together, pushing the boundaries of technology toward furthering marine science and the betterment of our oceans.”
"This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for marine exploration and technology," says Annika Andresen, who oversees Inkfish operations and research programs. "By combining our expertise and resources, we'll be able to push the boundaries of ocean research further than ever before, developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies that will benefit the entire marine industry."
For more information about the acquisition, please visit arcticrays.com or contact [email protected]
New Partnership in Germany with Ocean Metrics
Impact Subsea has appointed Ocean Metrics, a leading provider of innovative solutions in environmental monitoring and marine technology, as its official distributor.
With their expertise and commitment to customer service, Ocean Metrics is the perfect partner to ensure German sensor users receive continued exceptional support.
Ben Grant, Managing Director says,
“We are thrilled to work closely with Ocean Metrics in Germany to further enhance our customer support in the region.
The technical focus and capability of Ocean Metrics is well aligned with the customer supporting ethos of Impact Subsea.”
Kraken Robotics completes High Resolution route survey contract in Australia
Kraken Robotics Inc. announces the successful completion of a contract to supply high-resolution seabed mapping sonar service to Precision Hydrographic Services (PHS), a customer supporting the Australian Department of Defence. The Australian Department of Defence project sought to undertake Hydrographic High Resolution Route Surveys (RS) for a number of Australian ports. The purpose of these surveys was to enable the collection of Maritime Geospatial Information (MGI) to support maritime domain awareness through the acquisition of high-resolution seabed foundation data and associated oceanographic data.
Managing Director of Precision Hydrographic Services Pty Ltd (PHS), Neil Hewitt stated: “Our decision to partner with Kraken Robotics and the KATFISH synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system for this important Defence project has proven to be highly successful. Over the course of five months our team travelled non-stop from port to port and surveyed several thousand line-miles of Australia’s most important ports and waterways for Defence. The Kraken KATFISH performed faultlessly with not one hour of downtime.”
Kraken President and CEO, Greg Reid commented: “The Australian Defence Route Survey project has provided an excellent opportunity to test and demonstrate the performance of the Kraken KATFISH system. This is the first time that a customer has undertaken a wide area, multi-port survey project of this scale with the KATFISH - anywhere in the world. To do so in a safe and efficient manner with no downtime is a great credit to the vessel crew and the teamwork of the technical and survey personnel from PHS and Kraken Robotics.”
Under the scope of Kraken’s contract, a KATFISH™ high-speed survey/detection solution was used to acquire high-resolution route surveys of Australian ports. Under the contract, the survey campaign commenced in January 2024 and was fully complete in May 2024. This contract follows the results of a successful in-country demonstration of KATFISH™ for the RAN in Q1 of 2023 and the purchase of a KATFISH system by the RAN in Q2, 2023.
ABOUT KATFISH
The KATFISH is a high-speed seabed survey system providing ultra-high resolution seabed imagery and bathymetry for defense and commercial customers. The acoustic imagery and bathymetry collected by KATFISH systems provides customers with actionable intelligence about subsea assets and infrastructure such as subsea pipelines and fiber optic cables, as well as important hydrographic information about the safety of key transit routes for ocean going assets. Kraken has integrated KATFISH to a variety of manned and unmanned vessels of opportunity, providing both standalone turnkey seabed mapping as well as optional integration to a customer’s combat mission management systems.
ABOUT KRAKEN ROBOTICS INC.
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX.V:PNG) (OTCQB: KRKNF) is a marine technology company providing complex subsea sensors, batteries, and robotic systems. Our high-resolution 3D acoustic imaging solutions and services enable clients to overcome the challenges in our oceans - safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Kraken Robotics is headquartered in Canada and has offices in North and South America and Europe. Kraken is ranked as a Top 100 marine technology company by Marine Technology Reporter.
Wavefront announces shipment of first batch of Vigilant FLS® 600
Wavefront, a leader in innovative sonar technology, is thrilled to announce the shipment of the first batch of its highly anticipated Vigilant FLS® 600. This latest addition to the Vigilant family of forward looking sonars will see the first units installed in a range of applications including surface and subsurface, crewed and uncrewed platforms.
Vigilant FLS 600 is a compact navigation and obstacle avoidance sonar creating – with unrivalled resolution and detail – a real-time, easy to interpret 3D terrain map of the seabed with automated alarms warning of objects in the water column ahead.
Vigilant has two principal operating modes: 3D and SONAR mode, both of which offer a class leading 120 degrees field of view on all range scales. Vigilant’s unique patented technology allows our 3D mode to provide stunning 3D depth imagery, further ahead of the platform than any competing system, at ranges in excess of 20 times the prevailing water depth up to a maximum 600 m range and down to 100 m depth. Sonar mode processes the intensity of the acoustic data to extract long-range positional data of objects up to ranges of 600 m. Data from both modes are used to automatically generate alerts for the operator or supervising system to warn of the presence of a navigationally relevant obstacle.
With its history mapping capability, a comprehensive picture of the underwater environment surrounding the vessel is built up. This provides crews and autonomous systems with maximum situational awareness for collision or ground avoidance, tight manoeuvres or backing out of confined areas. 
Speaking about this milestone for the Vigilant FLS 600, Paul Badger, Wavefront Managing Director, said ‘Vigilant FLS 600 bridges the gap from UUV, AUV and ASV applications all the way through to mega yachts and cruise ships to deliver high resolution navigational imaging and long range obstacle avoidance’.
About Wavefront
Wavefront was founded in 2004 with a mission to apply engineering excellence to the problems of underwater detection, imaging and navigation. Wavefront works with its customers to make the underwater world visible – protecting Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), preventing maritime collisions, monitoring the integrity of undersea assets and exploring our under-water world with stunning high-resolution imagery.
Wavefront is proud to have designed and developed some of the world’s most capable commercially available sonar systems:
- Sentinel IDS is the world’s most deployed Intruder Detection Sonar capable of detecting, tracking and classifying underwater targets including new drone threats;
- Vigilant FLS is a Forward Looking Sonar with unique patented technology capable of depth finding at ranges ahead of your vessel in excess of 20 times the prevailing water depth;
- Solstice MAS is a unique Multi-Aperture Sonar designed to provide world-class imagery by blending the high performance of Synthetic Aperture Sonar with the reliability and robustness of conventional side-scan; and
- Sentry IMS is a field-proven Integrity Monitoring Sonar designed for ocean depth deployments where it continuously monitors billions of cubic feet of seawater around critical seabed assets.
Wavefront’s industry-leading products are in use globally in civilian, public, defence, offshore and commercial markets.
Contact Information:
Andy Covey, Marketing Manager, [email protected]
Wavefront Systems Ltd - Camway, West 303, High Street, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JQ, UK
Grand opening of Teledyne GAVIA AUV Service Center in Poland
Teledyne Gavia ehf. Headquartered in Kopavogur, Iceland, proudly announces its attendance at the grand opening of the Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Service Center established by ENAMOR Limited in Gdynia, Poland.
ENAMOR Limited has supported the Polish Navy´s expanding fleet of Gavia AUVs for over a decade. To commemorate this long-standing relationship, the Service Center has been opened in partnership with the Polish Naval Academy. Several honored guests, including highly respected Polish Navy Admirals, Captains, and Officers, attended the grand opening in July 2024. Representatives from Teledyne Gavia in Iceland, Teledyne Marine personnel from the United States and Europe, as well as various NATO partners and Gavia AUV Users, attended the grand opening.
Teledyne Gavia and ENAMOR have developed a robust partnership over the past ten years. The Polish Navy’s initial acquisition of Gavia AUVs in 2013 was facilitated through a contract secured by ENAMOR Limited. Following the delivery, the Polish Navy received guidance and training from both Teledyne Gavia ehf. and ENAMOR Limited.
The Polish Navy has been successfully operating Gavia AUVs for mine countermeasures (MCM) since 2013. Beginning with that initial delivery ENAMOR has continued to support the Polish Navy both operationally and 
technically over the last decade. With an increased number of Gavia AUVs in Poland and with other NATO users combined with an increase in critical underwater projects in Europe comes an increased need for Gavia service and support outside of Iceland. To expand Gavia technical support in Europe, as well as increase ENAMOR’S technical support capabilities, ENAMOR has dedicated personnel and investments to open a Gavia AUV Service Center in Gdynia, Poland. The service center can perform Gavia Maintenance with a faster turnaround for Polish and other continental customers due to its central European location.
Stefan Reynisson, Vice President, and General Manager of Teledyne Gavia ehf., was very pleased with the Service expansion into Europe. In his speech at the grand opening, Reynisson highlighted the strong partnership between ENAMOR, the Polish Navy, and Teledyne Gavia. “A strong and successful working relationship has been the foundation of the success of Gavia AUVs in Poland. Thank you to both ENAMOR and the Polish Navy. Teledyne Gavia looks forward to continuing our partnership and collaboration.”