The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI) will be hosting HYDRO 2025 on behalf of the International Federation of Hydrographic Societies (IFHS)
This 3-day conference and exhibition brings together the international hydrographic community along with manufacturers and service providers to share experiences, knowledge, and innovations within the hydrographic and related industries.
The format of the HYDRO conference series includes an extensive conference programme with workshops, user seminars, and boat demonstrations running in parallel, as well as a fantastic exhibition.
THS:UKI look forward to welcoming you to the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, UK on 28-30th October 2025.
Delegate tickets are currently at the early-bird rate and available to purchase on THS:UKI website, here: HYDRO 2025 - The Hydrographic Society
All sponsorship and exhibition details can be found, here: HYDRO 2025 - The Hydrographic Society
The organising committee of HYDRO 2025 is pleased to invite you to submit an abstract for proposed presentations at the conference. We hope you will share your experiences and present your innovative ideas and technologies. Presentations focusing on innovation, applications and those featuring case studies would be of particular interest
Further information can be found, here: HYDRO 2025 - Call for Papers
Please return your booking forms to [email protected] to secure your space today!
NOC and Royal Navy renew MOU on autonomous maritime capabilities
The UK's National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Royal Navy, reinforcing a long-standing partnership in marine science and technology.
The MOU, which includes collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s science and technology organisation, underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation and advances in autonomous and robotic underwater systems.
With expertise from NOC Innovations, the applied research and commercialisation arm of NOC, the agreement will help enhance the UK’s leadership in marine science and technology.
A ceremonial signing took place during the Ocean Business conference and exhibition at NOC in Southampton in April this year.
“This agreement reflects our mutual dedication to harnessing cutting-edge autonomous technology for the benefit of marine science, industry, and national security,” said NOC Chief Executive Dr John Siddorn. “NOC Innovations is proud to continue supporting the Royal Navy in its efforts with our world-leading expertise in marine science and autonomy.”
“This MoU renewal cements our strong partnership with NOC, allowing us to explore new technological frontiers in autonomy that will help to modernise our operations and ensure that the operational decisions we make are based on the most up-to-date environmental data,” said the Royal Navy’s Captain Jim Lovell, Captain Jim Lovell - Navy Develop – Head of Underwater Battlespace Capability.
“The partnership will also support the Royal Navy’s training and operational readiness, leveraging NOC’s expertise in deploying autonomous platforms.”
Dstl’s Chief Executive Dr Paul Hollinshead said, “The partnership with NOC and the Royal Navy demonstrates our commitment to collaborative development of autonomous maritime capabilities. By combining Dstl's scientific expertise with NOC's marine autonomy knowledge, we're accelerating the development of underwater technologies that provide clear operational advantage for UK defence.
“Together, we're strengthening the UK's position at the forefront of sustainable oceanographic science and technology and ensuring our armed forces have access to the most advanced autonomous systems and environmental data for effective decision-making in complex maritime environments.”
Since the first MoU was signed in 2014 and subsequently renewed in 2021, the collaboration has supported a number of initiatives helping the UK expand its ability to develop ocean solutions and conduct advanced marine scientific research.
This includes facilitating a wider scope of collaborative projects and information sharing, while also exploring net-zero operations, positioning the NOC, the Royal Navy and Dstl at the forefront of sustainable oceanographic science and technology.
The partnership aligns with national and international initiatives, including the G7 “Future of the Seas and Oceans” programme.
NOC is a leader in marine autonomy with extensive expertise in developing and operating autonomous underwater vehicles including underwater gliders, the centre’s Autosub range, remotely operated vehicles and other robotic systems used for ocean exploration and research.
These innovations are critical to under-ice operations, deep-sea exploration and for national security applications.
STR has strengthened its global technology and service offering by signing an exclusive technology and service partnership with SubC Imaging
STR, a leading provider of advanced sensor technology and solutions for marine applications, has strengthened its global technology and service offering by signing an exclusive technology and service partnership with SubC Imaging, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of subsea cameras, digital video recorder products and data-as-a-service provider.
The agreement is in response to increasing industry demand for enhanced optical solutions and real-time inspection data of critical infrastructure across the oil & gas, offshore wind, marine science, power & comms and defence markets.
The new technology and service offering will be managed through STR’s global network. It will combine STR’s in-house camera systems, cathodic protection (CP), flooded member detection (FMD) equipment and inspection service offering with SubC Imaging’s leading camera systems, digital video recording (DVR) products, lights and lasers, and real time data streaming service.
The partnership will provide clients with complementary state-of-the-art product and inspection service offering for use on manned and unmanned platforms and vessels.
Steve Steele, STR CEO, said: “This is a significant partnership for us as part of our commitment is to provide clients with the very best sensor, inspection and data solutions through technology and service quality. This collaboration enables us to direct opportunities toward one another, where appropriate, and focus on the best optical and inspection solutions for our clients. We look forward to building a strong working relationship with Chad and his world-class team.”
Chad Collett, SubC Imaging CEO, said: “This partnership reflects SubC Imaging’s commitment to making advanced optical and data solutions more accessible to the global offshore market. STR’s rental expertise and strong international presence align perfectly with our goal of delivering flexible, high-quality technology that helps clients improve efficiency and data quality in the field.”
MacArtney introduces new and powerful LUXUS Compact IP Camera
We are thrilled to launch the LUXUS Compact IP camera, our latest innovation in underwater imaging technology. Small, robust, and easy to integrate, it is designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals across various industries.
The new LUXUS camera introduces IP capabilities, enabling direct network connection for remote viewing and management. This feature enhances versatility, simplifies integration into various systems, and improves usability in diverse underwater applications. A 12-24 VDC supply powers the camera and consumes only 3.5 W, making it energy-efficient for prolonged use.
"We are proud to introduce the LUXUS Compact IP camera, developed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Its compact design is perfect for space-constrained applications, and its flexibility makes it an ideal choice for a broad range of users, including divers, civil engineers, and operators of ROVs and mounted templates," says Ron Voerman, Managing Director with MacArtney Benelux.
Small footprint, high performance
The increasingly streamlined design of underwater technology solutions demands advancements in instrumentation, equipment, and systems development. A primary focus during the development of the new camera was creating a compact housing without compromising performance, which MacArtney's skilled engineering team achieved with innovative design techniques.
Compared to previous models in the LUXUS range, the new Compact IP camera stands out with its smaller size and IP feature, offering enhanced integration capabilities and improved performance. The camera features a 1/2.8" Progressive Scan SONY STARVIS CMOS sensor, providing a resolution of 1920x1080 at 25fps (2mp).
The LUXUS Compact IP camera offers a horizontal angle of view of 95.0° in air and 72.0° in water, with a focus length of >0.5m (F2.0). It supports multiple control options, including ONVIF (S), and features fully automatic or manual gain and exposure settings. The camera's minimum illumination is 0.05 Lux, ensuring high-quality imaging even in low-light conditions. The housing is sandblasted titanium for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, consistent with the other cameras in the LUXUS Compact range.
Positive user feedback
"Feedback from early users has been overwhelmingly positive. Users have praised the camera for its ease of installation, compact size, and precise image quality," states Ron. “The standard depth rating of 4000 metres and the low power consumption are highly appreciated features, and the Subconn® Micro connector ensures compatibility with existing systems.”
The long-term goals for the LUXUS range include launching a small LED and IP camera with a higher data rate, superior image quality, and a
TrustLinkTM connector as standard.
The LUXUS Compact IP camera is ready for immediate deployment and is available from stock. For more information, please get in touch with your local MacArtney operation.
The Benelux operation
Established in 1998, MacArtney Benelux boasts an experienced and trained team led by Managing Director Ron Voerman. In 2022, the operation relocated to modern administration and technical facilities in Maassluis, near Rotterdam, a significant industrial and technological hub. The operation supports the markets in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Teledyne Marine – Vehicles Unit Expands Customer Service and Support
Teledyne Marine is excited to announce major advancements in customer service and support with significant investments in facilities, personnel, and global service locations.
Key highlights of this expansion include:
• Enhanced facilities and staff in Kopavogur, Iceland
• New AUV Repair Center in North Falmouth, Massachusetts
• New Service Center at Teledyne Raymarine in Fareham, England
• Expansion of the field engineering team
The demand for cutting-edge marine technology is on the rise, especially for applications in defense, security, oceanographic research, and environmental monitoring. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), gliders, acoustic underwater communications, and profiling floats are becoming indispensable work horses for these applications. Teledyne Marine is stepping up to meet this demand by delivering innovative solutions and prioritizing faster, more efficient service to optimize system availability, usability, and return on investment (ROI).
Facility Expansions: In August 2024, Teledyne Gavia, a world-class manufacturer of AUVs, significantly expanded operations in Kopavogur, Iceland. New facilities, additional staff, and the appointment of a Gavia Service & Support Manager address growing demand for both compact Gavia systems and larger Osprey and SeaRaptor AUVs. These upgrades reduce lead times, enhance production capabilities, and improve customer service efficiency.
North American Growth: Recognizing the increasing need for support in North America, Teledyne Marine opened a dedicated AUV Repair Center at its North Falmouth, Massachusetts facility. This center ensures faster repairs and shorter turnaround times to keep vehicles operational and effective for customers across the region.
Expanding Support in the UK: To better serve the growing UK customer base, Teledyne Marine is establishing a service center for APEX floats, Slocum gliders, and Gavia AUVs at the Teledyne Raymarine facility in Fareham, England. Scheduled to open in Q2 2025, this site will offer repair and field service capabilities, guaranteeing top-tier, local support for UK clients.
Strengthened Engineering Team: The North Falmouth service and engineering team welcomed new members, including two Glider Field Applications Engineers, an Acoustics Sales Support Engineer, and a Profiling Float Applications Engineer. These experts bring specialized knowledge and customer-focused dedication to bolster Teledyne Marine’s service capabilities.
Brian Maguire, Marine Chief Operating Officer and Vehicles BU General Manager, said, “We’re doubling down on our investment to provide exceptional service and support to our customers worldwide. These strategic investments reflect Teledyne Marine's dedication to addressing the evolving needs of our growing customer base and leaning in to make our customers successful.”
Sulmara grows global operations with three new offices and bolsters its global team by 25%
Leading independent subsea survey and inspection company Sulmara has reinforced its growing footprint by relocating to larger premises in Glasgow and Taipei, and opening a brand new office in Norwich, to support a global team which grew by 25% over the last year to 250 employees.
Sulmara’s new offices are located closer to key industry hubs, strengthening the firm’s ability to support local clients and projects. This includes bringing the company, which also has offices in Aberdeen, Singapore and Houston, closer to key suppliers who play a vital role in their operations.
Kevin McBarron, Chief Executive Officer at Sulmara, said: “We are experiencing another exciting period of growth at Sulmara. These recent moves, combined with our staff growth, will allow us to expand our service lines to incorporate more innovative solutions, enhance data capabilities and bring together strong expertise from across the sector, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality solutions to all our clients.”
“The new offices enable valuable operational improvements by building on Sulmara’s in-house capabilities in data processing and reporting. Dedicated data departments have been established to ensure greater control over data quality and further support the company’s delivery of high-value marine data.”
In Norwich, Sulmara’s new office in Broadland Gate will provide direct access to a strong talent pool in the East Anglia region, benefiting the company’s
commercial and data processing teams. It will also enhance Sulmara’s ability to serve key clients in the area whilst leveraging regional expertise to continue driving innovation across their operations.
The relocation of Sulmara’s Glasgow headquarters to the city’s Atlantic Quay underpins its commitment to the region and Scotland’s renewables industry while strengthening ties with local stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
In Taiwan, Sulmara has moved to the Zhongshan District which, as well as improving proximity to several key clients, provides a high-quality working environment for the local onshore team. The offices will serve as a hub for data management and house the Remote Operations Centre (ROC) for running Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) operations.
Mimi Leung, a key member of Sulmara’s Taiwan team, said: “In addition to enhancing our services, the move underlines our compliance with local regulations which require a strict survey and mapping license to conduct survey operations and manage associated data within Taiwan.”
“The new Taipei City office will also provide local talent with the opportunity to thrive while supporting the development of our domestic supply chain and offshore wind industry.”
Since being founded in 2019, Sulmara has grown rapidly to more than $70m annual revenue and has seen staff numbers increase to 250, including 50 people in the past 12 months. To further support its growth trajectory, the company secured an $18.9m (£15m) investment in late 2024 from BGF, one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland.
Seabed Exclusivity Agreement Confirms Scottish Development of Pioneering Floating Offshore Wind Asset Storage
• Offshore Solutions Group signs initial Agreement with Crown Estate Scotland to develop sites in Moray Firth
• Moray FLOW-Park first to provide temporary safe anchorage for floating offshore wind (FLOW) assets
Offshore Solutions Group (OSG), a UK-based developer focused on the floating offshore wind (FLOW) sector, has signed a two-year Exclusivity Agreement with Crown Estate Scotland for areas of seabed in the Moray Firth, the proposed location of its ground-breaking FLOW-Park.
Developed by OSG and recognised as a global industry first, the Moray FLOW-Park aims to provide temporary safe anchorage (wet storage) for FLOW assets - namely the foundation base units - thus optimising risk management and logistics during the assembly, wind turbine generation (WTG) integration and deployment process. An early proponent of the benefits of FLOW-Park to Scotland’s floating offshore wind sector, Scottish Enterprise has provided grant support to OSG and guidance on public and private sector funding opportunities.
Scotland is a global leader in offshore wind and the ports in and around the Moray Firth are expected to be key in delivering large-scale FLOW projects. The Moray FLOW-Park leverages the OSG team’s expertise in designing and delivering offshore mooring of large assets, together with structuring and investing in renewable energy infrastructure.
Future FLOW-Park strategy will be informed by OSG’s shortlist of potential locations, the outcome of a three year, comprehensive survey of the UK coastline and detailed assessment of over 200 potential locations.
Shane Woodroffe, OSG Chief Commercial Officer comments: “We are delighted to have achieved this milestone in our development of this project. Our agreement with Crown Estate Scotland allows us to conduct some initial surveys of our proposed sites, and engage further with local stakeholders and communities around our plans. The Moray FLOW-Park is set to truly leverage and enhance Scotland’s existing port infrastructure to deliver its floating offshore wind ambitions.”
Scottish Enterprise’s Director for Energy Transition, Suzanne Sosna, said: “Our vision is for Scotland to be viewed as a global centre of excellence for offshore wind, with supply chains that are world-leading in terms of value, competitiveness and quality.
“The plans for the Moray FLOW-Park align perfectly with that vision and will provide critical infrastructure that supports the effective build out of offshore wind delivery in Scotland. This agreement is tangible evidence of the actions being taken to lead the world in this sector and we are delighted to back the ambition that Offshore Solutions Group has shown.”
Teledyne Marine Secures First Orders For New Compact Navigator From Ashtead Technology
Teledyne Marine is pleased to announce its first orders for the Compact Navigator—its new ultra-compact, high-performance autonomous navigation system for subsea and surface vehicles—following a successful launch at Ocean Business 2025. Ashtead Technology has placed a significant initial order, marking the first commercial adoption of what is now the world’s smallest and highest-performing, fully integrated autonomous navigation solution.
Teledyne Marine and Ashtead Technology have enjoyed a successful, collaborative relationship over many years, consistently delivering cutting-edge subsea solutions to the offshore energy sector. This latest agreement reinforces both companies’ shared commitment to innovation and performance.
As an industry leader in offshore equipment solutions and services, Ashtead Technology plays a key role in accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies across global subsea markets. The integration of the Teledyne Marine Compact Navigator into its rental fleet not only enhances the capabilities available to its customers but also reflects Ashtead Technology’s forward-thinking approach to enabling safer, more efficient, and more agile offshore operations.
“We are thrilled to see such a strong response to the Compact Navigator following its debut at Ocean Business,” said Paul Mariner, Sales Manager at Teledyne Marine. “Ashtead Technology is a valued partner, and their investment in this leap forward in navigation technology is a testament to the growing demand for versatile, high-performance, compact navigation solutions. Combining class-leading performance with a remarkably small footprint, the Compact Navigator operates independently of GNSS and excels in acoustically challenging environments—making it ideal for the latest generation of autonomous surface and subsea vehicles.”
The Compact Navigator is Teledyne Marine’s latest advancement in navigation technology, designed to deliver high-precision positioning and enhanced performance in a lightweight, ultra small form factor. Extreme optimisation on size, weight, power, performance, and functionality makes the new Compact Navigator revolutionary. Ideal for small vehicles, it enables new inspection and survey operations that were previously unachievable.
Phil Middleton, Head of Survey and Robotics, Ashtead Technology commented, “Ashtead Technology is delighted to be the first integrated subsea technology partner to bring the brand-new Teledyne Marine Compact Navigator to the global subsea operations market. This next-generation navigation solution is a differentiator in the market, enabling inspection and survey applications to be performed using small subsea vehicles. Available from Ashtead Technology in Q4 2025, we look forward to delivering this solution to our clients.”
Available in two depth-rated versions—4000m and 300m—the Compact Navigator has been developed using unique Teledyne Marine technology by their world-leading navigation experts and in consultation with key ROV and AUV companies.
Teledyne Marine’s Compact Navigator is now available for commercial orders, with deliveries scheduled for Q4 2025.
visit the Teledyne Marine website here.
Sea Vorian Expands SEA360 Fleet with Teledyne Gavia AUV
Teledyne Marine announces the purchase and delivery of a Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to one of the subsidiaries of the Sea Vorian group, SEA360, located in Caudan, France. With this investment, SEA360 will be able to provide cutting-edge geophysical surveys, cable and subsea infrastructure inspection, environmental studies and become a leading European provider for underwater data collection and analysis.
The newly acquired Teledyne Gavia AUV is equipped with advanced technologies, including the EdgeTech 2205 sonar, with bathymetric and gap-filling module, EXail PHINS C3 Inertial Navigation System (INS), and USBL modules. These technologies will enable Sea360 to perform geophysical survey missions, underwater inspections, and environmental monitoring at depths of up to 1,000 meters.
This acquisition aligns with Sea Vorian’s goal to establish SEA360 as a leading name in European commercial undersea surveying services. By integrating state-of-the-art autonomous systems, SEA360 is advancing unmanned technologies in the ocean surveying and inspection market.
"We are very excited to add one of our Gavia AUVs to the SEA360 fleet," said Valentin Hann, Senior Director of Sales – Marine Vehicles, EMEA "Not only will this investment add to SEA360 ’s operational capacity, but it will also allow them to expand their geophysical surveying and infrastructure inspection services to meet the growing needs of the underwater commercial market.”
"This acquisition of the GAVIA marks a significant step forward in enhancing our operational capabilities” said Simon Ichstchenko, Marine Service Manager”. With its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled efficiency, the GAVIA will enable us to conduct maritime missions with greater precision, safety, and sustainability. We are proud to integrate such an innovative solution into our fleet, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and innovation in maritime operations."
With a strong expertise in the marine data collection and analysis, SEA360 provides high-quality marine data services through innovative autonomous underwater technologies as well as conventional survey means. Its vision is to reinvent ocean surveying and inspection using the latest autonomous and sensor technologies, pursuing accuracy, efficiency, flexibility and low carbon emissions.
Kongsberg Discovery on board with One Ocean Expedition for ambitious, year-long research voyage
Kongsberg Discovery has helped transform the 111-year-old, three-masted sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl into a state-of-the-art research vessel for the upcoming One Ocean Expedition, departing from Bergen, Norway, on 11 April.
The almost 100-metre-long vessel, Norway’s largest sailing ship, has been fitted with an array of Kongsberg Discovery technology to help scientists monitor and understand unique ocean environments, including the waters of the legendary Northwest Passage.
Onboard systems now include 75 and 300 kHz ADCPs, EK80 Echo Sounders, an advanced hydrophone cluster, and the Seapath GNSS-aided inertial navigation system, while Blue Insight, a cutting-edge ocean data management and analytics platform, will process and share captured data with land-based teams daily. In addition, a wide range of equipment, such as weather stations, water samplers, situational awareness, and motion reference units, has also been integrated.
A world of opportunity
The One Ocean Expedition 2025-2026 is a 12-month voyage encompassing 26 ports across three continents. It will see a crew featuring seasoned scientists, eager students and key stakeholders crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.
En route, the team will collect a wealth of data to help ascertain ocean health, monitor marine ecosystems, and assess the impact of climate change, building both knowledge and awareness of pressing issues.
Proven performance
“It is a great honour to be supporting this crucial expedition with our cutting-edge solutions,” says Martin Wien Fjell, President of Kongsberg Discovery. “The ship will work as a unique data acquisition platform, empowering insights in often remote and little-understood environments, such as the Northwest Passage, while gathering invaluable information about the broader state of ocean health.
“Our systems are perfectly suited to the tasks ahead, performing with proven reliability, optimal precision and high-quality results in even the most demanding conditions. We’re looking forward to setting sail, while also helping the students set sail on their careers as the next generation of ocean scientists and explorers. We believe major discoveries await.”
Global benefits
Kongsberg Discovery’s innovations will be put to work on a number of key assignments, including measuring ocean currents, with the ADCP, to help understand how marine life is affected by ocean movements, and recording underwater noise, using hydrophones, to ‘listen’ for pollution and monitor marine mammals, such as whales.
“The Statsraad Lehmkuhl is an incredible vessel, but to meet the ambitious expedition goals, it needed a major technology upgrade,” comments Haakon Vatle, CEO and expedition leader, The One Ocean Expedition. “We’re immensely grateful to Kongsberg Discovery and the Kongsberg Group for their commitment to tailor a technology package that will allow us to shine light on the depths and unlock a level of understanding that, we hope, can benefit the entire world.”
The One Ocean Expedition sets sail during One Ocean Week in Bergen, calling in at ports including Reykjavik, Nuuk (Greenland), Cambridge Bay (Canada), Seattle, La Paz (Mexico), Cartagena (Columbia), Cadiz, and Dublin. During its stop in Nice, France, vessel team members will participate in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. Statsraad Lehmkuhl will return to Bergen in April 2026, in time for next year’s One Ocean Week.
