Bright tide launches UK's most specialist Blue Economy ocean accelerator
To keep 1.5 degrees within reach, we need a healthy ocean and the Blue Economy was rightly a key topic at COP26. As the emerging ocean-innovation market continues to gain recognition, social enterprise and sustainability training outfit Bright Tide, has announced the launch of its first Blue Economy Ocean Accelerator Programme for SME businesses. The most specialist of its kind in the UK, it’s free to apply to and take part in. Applications are open for submissions from 15th March to 15th April 2022 and a final 10 successful businesses will make it through.
Bright Tide is on the hunt for exciting SME businesses within the field of ocean-impact innovators to take part, from food producers using ocean sourced ingredients such as seaweed, through to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, offshore wind and beyond.
Founder and director of Bright Tide, Harry Wright, said: “By moving human activities which directly impact and depend on the ocean towards being more sustainable, we can rebuild ocean prosperity and restore biodiversity. Activities such as shipping, fishing and marine renewable energy need to rapidly transition into a sustainable blue economy, however currently this remains exceptionally underfunded. This was the motivator behind us launching our biggest ever accelerator programme for ocean-impact innovators. We’re proud to be supported by founding sponsors at The University of Plymouth and Investec Wealth & Investment, and we can’t wait to see the exciting businesses that apply to take part.”
Adrian Dawson, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, said:
“As the world’s leading marine research university, we are delighted to be a founding partner in this innovative Blue Economy Ocean Accelerator Programme. Our Marine Institute represents the broadest spectrum of academic expertise anywhere in the country, but collaborations with industry are essential if we are to develop effective and lasting solutions to the challenges facing our ocean. This programme offers genuine potential to create new and exciting connections with those SMEs working in the blue economy and contributing to the socioeconomic value of pristine marine environments and biodiversity.”
Stacy Parrinder-Johnson, chief investment officer at Investec Wealth & Investment, said:
“We believe the climate crisis poses a significant threat to the global economy and society. In addition, our business is always looking to work with partners who are change-makers, disruptors and out-of-the-box thinkers. So we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support an important initiative which is looking to find exciting, and potentially transformative, businesses in the field of ocean impact.”
Despite current underfunding of the ocean innovator sector, a 2020 report from the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (the Ocean Panel), indicated the investment return on the sustainable ocean economy over the next 30 years is 500%, meaning every $1 invested in sustainable ocean solutions returns at least $5 in global benefits.
Ten successful businesses will ultimately secure places on the 8-week programme which will offer between 5-10 hours a week of dedicated support including 1 to 1 tailored expert individual mentorships with industry experts, group mentorship sessions, peer-to-peer learning, commercial pitching opportunities, workshops and access to professional networks. Shortlisted businesses will also take part in exclusive in-person industry meet-ups with the programme’s corporate and blue economy partners, professional networks, peer-to-peer circles and scientific academic partners, and will have the opportunity to pitch at its Meet-The-Buyers event in London. This community and eco-system building element will be a key part of the programme, which is geared towards building game-changing contacts in the industry for all finalists. Beyond this, the programme will offer technical support to help ocean ventures scale up their commercial aims with leading experts, including access to pro bono support, including legal, investment readiness, tax, scientific advice and impact measurement.
Bright Tide’s Blue Economy Ocean Accelerator Programme is sponsored by The University of Plymouth and Investec, as well as enjoying a number of well-known in-kind supporters.
To find out more and apply to Bright Tide’s Ocean Accelerator Programme, visit https://www.bright-tide.co.uk/blueeconomy.
Miros’ RangeFinder supports safe operations at two ports in Vietnam
- Environmental monitoring systems provider to deliver increased safety and efficiency through its RangeFinder technology -
Miros, in association with Reecotech, its partner in Vietnam, has been awarded two separate contracts to support major industrial projects with its RangeFinder solution.
The Miros RangeFinder is a dry, radar-based sensor measuring airgap, tide, water level, draught, and waves, offering millimetre accuracy in all weather conditions. The sensor, which was chosen for its ability to reliably deliver high data quality, will be implemented as part of tailored automated weather and sea monitoring systems.
The first contract with Long Son Petrochemical Complex Project (LSPCL) involves the construction of a large greenfield petrochemical complex on Long Son Island in Vietnam. The $5.4 billion project involves a power plant as well as supporting infrastructure. As it requires intensive ocean data monitoring during the operational phase, Reecotech will supply an automated ocean and meteorological monitoring system integrating the Miros RangeFinder Ex.
The enhanced system, which is suitable for use in hazardous, potentially explosive areas, can supply highly accurate and reliable weather and ocean data whilst complying with national safety requirements. RangeFinder Ex is certified to Atex IECEx standards for areas where an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances is likely to occur in normal operation.
The second contract will see Miros supporting Hoa Phat Group, a leading steelmaker in Vietnam, which is developing a new integrated steel and iron production complex in the central province of Quang Ngai. The project, valued at more than $2 billion, includes a deep-water port system which will allow heavy ships of up to 200,000 tons to dock as they are transporting raw materials and finished steel products globally.
Miros RangeFinder was chosen to support port safety and efficiency by providing real-time measurements with millimetre accuracy of airgap, water level, tide, and non-directional wave parameters, including the measurement of wave periods longer than 120 seconds.
Emilie Dorgeville, VP Business Development, Ports & Renewables, commented: “We are perfectly placed to support these two major projects in Vietnam. As RangeFinder allows for internal depth-to-water sampling at up to 200Hz and results output at up to 50Hz, the high data rate provided is extremely helpful in avoiding any observation errors.
"Since our RangeFinder Ex is fully certified for use in Zone 1, it is the ultimate sensor to deliver accurate, real-time measurements of water level, tide, and air gap measurements in hazardous areas. The RangeFinder and RangeFinder Ex deliver a reliable extra layer of safety providing wave data with incredible accuracy for improved port efficiency.”
Hai Minh Tran, Managing Director of Reecotech, added: “We are delighted with the quality of real-time data that RangeFinder can provide our clients. The system is cloud-integrated, robust, and reliable, allowing port authorities and investors to accurately assess and take the necessary actions to minimise risks associated with project implementation and port operations.
“We trust RangeFinder as it has proven its ruggedness and reliability through decades of service in extreme weather conditions all over the world.”
ECA Group and iXblue enter exclusive negotiations period to create new European high-tech champion
ECA Group and iXblue have entered an exclusive negotiations period to bring the two French companies together. Carried out by Group Gorgé, this operation will lead to the rise of a European high-tech industrial champion in the fields of maritime, inertial navigation, space and photonics.
Long-standing partners, ECA Group and iXblue benefit from strong technological and commercial synergies. Bringing those two companies together will create a world-class player in the civil and defense sectors. With a unique offer ranging from components to complex systems, the group will provide high performance solutions for critical missions in harsh environments.
"Our two companies share the same culture of innovation, agility and entrepreneurship that are at the heart of each of our DNAs and for which we are both recognized and valued," explains Fabien Napolitano, President & CEO of iXblue. "The new synergies created will not only ensure we keep this DNA but will also strengthen our capacity for innovation by leveraging our complementary expertise. This will allow us to continue to push the technological frontiers and support our customers in their most demanding challenges."
"The joining of our two companies, which will employ over 1,500 people, offers great growth opportunities,” rejoices Dominique Giannoni, CEO of ECA Group. "Once combined, our various technological expertise will greatly help strengthen our leadership positions in our markets, while our complementary geographical footprint will enable us to better serve our customers by being closer to them.”
A Red Letter Oi 2022 opening day for the SUT and the MTS
- Captain Don Walsh at Oi 2022 to present the SUT/MTS Award made in his name to Victor Vescovo and Patrick Lahey in recognition of their contribution to ocean exploration
- Presentation by Vescovo and Lahey – 2021 winners of the SUT/MTS Captain Don Walsh Award
- SUT-moderated session on Women in Industry
- A chance to find out more about making nomination for the 2022 Captain Don Walsh Ocean Exploration Award on the SUT and MTS stands
SUT Contact:
Cheryl Burgess [email protected]
MTS Contact:
Kristina Norman [email protected]
Since it launched Oceanology International (Oi) in 1969, the Society for Underwater Technology has always played a key part in the exhibition and conference. This year is no exception with OI’s partner, the SUT and its members, playing a particularly active role in the conference on opening day (Tuesday, 15 March) at ExCeL London.
Dr Ralph Rayner, Oceanology Conference Chair, a past President of the SUT and a Fellow of the Learned Society, will introduce the Oi opening conference session ‘Ocean Futures – The New Blue Economy’ (10:00-12:15).
As SUT’s Chief Executive, Cheryl Burgess explains:
“The New Blue Economy is a knowledge-based economy, looking to the sea not just for extraction of material goods, but for data and information to address societal challenges and inspire their solution”’.
“The New Blue Economy session Ralph is introducing, with a truly stellar line-up (see https://tinyurl.com/ycku899z) explores how emerging capabilities for acquiring ocean data and delivering actionable ocean information can enable a growing Blue Economy that balances delivering the vast economic potential of the ocean with protecting ocean health and ensuring social equity.
“As the session comes to a close, it will feature a very special moment when the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, will be presented by Captain Don Walsh, Moya Crawford, President of the SUT and Zdenka Willis, President MTS to Victor Vescovo and Patrick Lahey.
“The Award is made annually by SUT and MTS and it is a great honour to have Don Walsh with us at Oi this year during the presentations.
Full information on the nomination process for the 2022 Captain Don Walsh Ocean Exploration Award, with its deadline of 31 May 2022, will be on the SUT stand (R550) at Oi; along with information on other awards such as the Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award with its submission deadline of 31 March.
Presentation by the winners of the 2021 Don Walsh Award + Women in Industry
The next presentation in the Ocean Futures Theatre at Oi 2022 will be ‘Into the Abyss: Exploring the Deepest Realms of the World’s Oceans’ when delegates will be invited to join undersea explorer Victor Vescovo and submarine engineer Patrick Lahey, winners of the captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, as they recount their experiences of making possible dives to the deepest points in each of the world’s oceans.
This will be followed by ’Women in Industry’ chaired by SUT’s Chair, Sue John with a panel of women engineers, scientists, and technologists from the subsea, underwater, and wider marine sector each sharing insights from their career progression, successes, and challenges. A moderated panel discussion will follow the presentations, including audience Q&A where attendees are encouraged to engage with panellists and their peers.
Further information
Further information on SUT its global branches; corporate, individual and student membership; special interest groups; and activities is at www.sut.org and on Oceanology International at www.oceanologyinternational.com/
Csignum appoints Mark Rhodes Chief Technical Officer
Innovator in Radio Communications Systems, Embedded Software, Sensors and IoT
CSignum Ltd., the global innovator in wireless underwater communications, asset digitization, and for ocean and freshwater industries, today announced Mark Rhodes as Chief Technical Officer. Mark joins the startup at a critical point in its development as it finalizes design, testing and go-to-market for the HydroFi modem, the first reliable point-to-point wireless underwater communications system that enables the transmission of data through the water-air boundary. CSignum’s patented communication, monitoring and navigational platform and solution is designed to help the underwater observing, water quality, offshore wind, oil and gas, and aquaculture industries scale to deliver data wherever it needs to be in adverse conditions. Mark is based out of the company’s headquarters in Scotland and reports directly to CSignum CEO, Chris Brooks.
A former founding employee and VP Technology for WFS Technologies (whose IP was acquired by CSignum), Mark was the author of over 40 revolutionary patents associated with underwater radio technology and its antenna design. He joins CSignum from SKF Ltd. Conditioning Monitoring, the world’s leading bearing manufacturer. As SKF’s wireless sensor Technical Lead, he was responsible for designing sensor systems that gathered vibration conditioning monitoring data and implemented embedded software for front-end processing before data is transferred to the cloud for real-time bearing condition diagnosis.
“We are delighted to welcome Mark as the engineering architect of CSignum’s breakthrough technologies,” said Chris Brooks, CEO of CSignum. “His broad technical acumen -- from electronics hardware and mechanical engineering, to embedded firmware, software supporting data communications, IoS app development and web interfaces, to signal analysis condition monitoring – provides us with the skill set to optimize our technology and bring it to market successfully.”
Mark has a long history of leading technology advancements on land as well as underwater. Additional projects at SKF included a new remote condition monitoring product for the rail industry. This IoT application, used by railroad operators worldwide, captures vibration data from robust, long-term battery-powered sensors on a railway wheel and relays that data by cellular data link to a cloud analysis system based on Amazon Web Services. In addition, Mark has worked with BAE Systems on microwave receivers and transmitters, Agilent Technologies as Senior R&D Engineer to design Ethernet and Fibre Optic over SONET/SDH systems, as well as stints at Motorola, and GEC-Marconi. He holds a Bachelors Science with honors in Physics from the University of Bath.
“I’m excited to be back where I started with the innovation of wireless signaling across the water-air boundary and to bring it to market as the HydroFi Modem,” said Mark. “This will be just the start of the innovations possible with the HydroCore platform, which provides a building block approach to developing standardized CSignum solutions rapidly to meet the digitization needs of our customers.”
About CSignum, Ltd.
CSignum is the only wireless communications provider that enables the first automatic and reliable transmission of data through and across the water-air boundary, water column, seabed and underwater structures using HydroFi technology. Our patented communication, monitoring and navigational platform and solutions help aquaculture, freshwater, ocean observing, offshore wind, and oil and gas industries automate and reliably transmit data as they digitally transform and scale remote communications systems for greater sustainability, increased performance, and preparedness for unforeseen events.
CSignum was founded in 2020 to engineer a smarter planet by optimizing ocean and freshwater health for the sustainable use by all. The company is headquartered in Bathgate, Scotland.
The IMarEST welcomes UNESCO’s ocean education plan
The Institute of Marine Science, Engineering and Technology (IMarEST) has welcomed UNESCO’s goal of including ocean education in the school curricula of its 193 Member States by 2025. The plan includes a new toolkit for policy makers and curriculum developers which has been co-authored by IMarEST’s strategic partner Encounter Edu.
Daniel Stoker, IMarEST, Head of Technical, Policy & Content says: “The oceans are one of our most precious environments. It is vital that societies engage and educate young people to recognise this, and inspire them to help build a sustainable ocean future.”
Later this year, the Institute plans to extend its global educational outreach with the launch of a new special interest group focusing on inspiring young people, supporting cadets and students, and developing early career professionals.
Daniel explains: “Our new group will bring together experts and those concerned with, and working at, the forefront of marine STEM engagement to help support teachers, educators and students across the globe. It is an extension of our ongoing activities at the local level by our global branch network, along with the work of our partners, including Encounter Edu, whose virtual reality experiences and live expedition broadcasts introduce the oceans to millions of young people in an exciting way and help us bring ocean based careers to life.”
As part of its commitment to inspire the next generation and secure the future marine workforce, the Institute runs a number of STEM outreach initiatives including careers advice, volunteering and internship opportunities, student competitions, free student membership, as well as a wide range of educational resources through its Sea Your Future section of its website.
Daniel concludes: “Providing opportunities to develop the knowledge of, and inspire, those who might find solutions to our global challenges and provide a sustainable future for our oceans, our industry and for humanity, is at the heart of our work.”
Ocean Technology companies Nortek AS, Strategic Robotic Systems, and Blueprint Lab merge to form General Oceans AS
The three ocean technology companies Nortek AS (Norway), Strategic Robotic Systems (USA), and Blueprint Lab (Australia) have merged to form a common holding company, General Oceans AS. Together, the three companies have almost 200 employees and operate across all major segments of the ocean technology market. Revenues in 2022 are expected to reach $63 million with focus on vehicles, actuators, and sensors.
Each company will retain their brand and maintain their own production, engineering, and sales. General Oceans will provide management services from a base in London, facilitating collaboration between the companies while also being responsible for funding new initiatives and providing common marketing, human resource, and finance services. The group will be led by Nortek founder and General Oceans President, Atle Lohrmann, along with executive management from each merging company. Long-term, the group aims to achieve synergies in the areas of sales, production, and in the joint development of intelligent, semi-autonomous vehicles and sensor systems.
The merger is the result of an 18-month long process seeking the best way to develop an effective partnership within the ocean technology space. Special emphasis was placed on the idea of retaining quality staff, recruiting young engineering talent to ocean technology, and allowing innovative energy to flourish while also preserving the financial stability that comes with being part of a larger entity.
Contact information:
For business and investor inquiries, please contact [email protected].
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Subsea Europe Services wins six-figure funding to accelerate autonomous survey development
Angel investor supports R&D focus on expanding autonomy from autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the hydroacoustic payloads they carry
A new round of funding has strengthened hydroacoustic technology specialist Subsea Europe Service GmbH’s commitment to taking autonomous technologies to the next level for marine survey applications.
The investment boosts the company’s unique approach which focuses on the integration of new generation smart, A.I. and machine learning enabled hydroacoustic systems with diverse survey platforms including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Surface Vessels, and crewed vessels as survey motherships.
Subsea Europe Services is working with several autonomy-focused partners globally and the first fruits of these collaborations will be shown as early as April 2022, during demonstrations of a new solution created with MARTAC Inc., and based on the high-performance Mantas T12 Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) with a tightly integrated hydrographic survey payload.
The solution is expected to be ready for operation in May, with short, on-demand surveys at offshore wind farms projected to drive demand for the combination of a high-speed USV and increased autonomous payload functionality.
“The autonomous and unmanned platforms available today are incredibly advanced, but survey technology payloads are still complex systems that require an experienced and professional operator to utilise properly,” said Sören Themann, CEO, Subsea Europe Services.
“This investment is a platform for our on-going autonomy R&D, which aims to unlock more agility and efficiency through the seamless integration of survey system and platform to create a single, holistic solution that ultimately, will collect more data, of higher quality and at a faster rate than traditional survey operations,” adds Luis Carlo Soto, Survey Manager, Subsea Europe Services.
Core specifications on the Mantas T12 solution and further information on the Subsea Europe Services GmbH autonomous survey innovation strategy can be found here.
Kraken Awarded $4.8 Million Subsea Battery Contract from Defense Industry Customer
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), Canada’s Ocean Company™, is pleased to announce an order for subsea batteries from a US defense industry customer, for integration on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The order is valued at $4.8 million with deliveries occurring in 2022. For confidentiality reasons, we cannot disclose the customer’s name.
Kraken’s SeaPower® 6000-meter rated pressure tolerant batteries are based on Kraken’s unique pressure tolerant gel encapsulation technology for lithium polymer batteries. This provides an attractively priced, environmentally friendly, and superior energy density alternative to the traditional oil compensated batteries commonly used for deep subsea battery applications.
Kraken’s hot swappable batteries are modular and include an integrated battery management system within each battery module which provides a very high level of redundancy and safety to the vehicle.
Kraken also announces that Cathy Bennett has resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors. Kraken thanks her for her time and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.
Ocean Infinity Broadens Remote Fleet Plans with Order of 85m Robotic Vessels From VARD
Ocean Infinity has contracted VARD for the design and construction of a new series of six multipurpose offshore vessels, all of which will be operated from shore and will eventually utilise green
ammonia as fuel.
This landmark order of six, 85-metre, optionally crewed robotic vessels will take Ocean Infinity’s remote vessel fleet to 23 vessels – the largest in the world.
With Ocean Infinity’s control infrastructure and remote control centre currently undergoing commissioning, transformational low-emission remote operations are becoming a closer reality for the global maritime industry. This new contract between Ocean Infinity and VARD facilitates the next phase of joint development between the two companies, including VARD’s subsidiaries, Vard Design, Vard Electro and Seaonics. VARD’s vessel systems management and automation techniques coupled with Ocean Infinity’s systems integration capability and remote operations infrastructure will enable remote ship operation on a uniquely global scale.
Richard Daltry, Technical Director – Surface Technology at Ocean Infinity said “Armada will play a huge role in enabling the global maritime community to reduce its carbon emissions from operations at sea. These new 85m vessels will be optimised for inspection, maintenance and repair and light construction work to offer remote, ultra-low carbon services to the offshore energy market. Like the 78m series currently under construction, the new design continues to drive minimalised environmental impact with its integration of new fuel-cell and battery technology.”
Dan Hook, Chief Technology Officer at Ocean Infinity said “The team have made significant progress in recent months; commissioning our shore-side remote control infrastructure, running ROVs remotely and developing our fleet management capability. The way in which we will optimise the control and operation of these remote vessels is key. We’re wholeheartedly committed to our goal of transforming operations at sea, to enable people and the planet to thrive, and we’re proud to demonstrate that with the announcement of this next phase of Armada”.
Fredrik Mordal Hessen, General Manager of VARD’s Offshore and Specialized Vessels business area, is impressed with Ocean Infinity’s willingness and ability to take the lead in contributing to a sustainable and future-oriented maritime industry. “This contract addresses the core of VARD’s mission and strategy to enable sustainable maritime operations together with our customers, and further strengthens our partnership with Ocean Infinity. Advanced equipment integration and remote operation is becoming a reality for the maritime industry. Vard Design, Vard Electro, Seaonics and our shipyards have joined forces to enable the required integration, demonstrating the strength of our fully integrated value chain. We are excited to be working with Ocean Infinity on developing and building pioneering vessels backed by a strong business case. It’s a winning team,” he said.
Christian Utvik, VP Sales & Marketing at VARD, said: “It’s a very exciting project that addresses the carbon crisis head-on, leaps in technology with regards to remote control and monitoring, and the integration of tailor-made mission equipment. We have been working together with Ocean Infinity for several years, utilizing all aspects of our expertise and specialist knowledge from our inhouse disciplines and specialized subsidiaries”.
The new vessels of VARD 9 80 design will augment Ocean Infinity’s current Armada fleet of nine 21- metre and 36-metre vessels, plus eight 78-metre vessels which are already in production.
VARD won the contract to design and build the eight highly advanced, 78-meter vessels in November 2020. The first four are underway while steel cutting for the fifth began recently at Vard Vung Tau in
Vietnam. The new series of six vessels are scheduled for delivery from Vard Vung Tau in 2025. The first vessels will have the full suite of new technology and equipment installed and integrated at one of VARD’s
shipyards in Norway utilizing VARD’s global integrated value chain.