Saab’s advanced UK manufacturing facility opened by Secretary of State
Saab UK celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art, three-building campus on 4th February, 2025. The site is developing, manufacturing, and supporting Saab's radar systems and market-leading Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio. This includes the 3D multi-mission radar, Giraffe 1X, and the all-electric subsea remotely operated vehicle, Seaeye SR20.
The opening marks the conclusion of the investment pledged by Saab in 2023. The site supports up to 400 jobs and provides local opportunities for apprenticeships. It enhances the UK's sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities, serving both domestic customers and international export markets, with capacity for further growth.
Saab’s new campus is expected to significantly benefit the UK Ministry of Defence. The site is a centre of excellence ready to meet future customer radar requirements and servicing, in addition to supporting in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces; the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defence radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said:
“This new campus is testament to Saab’s growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s defence. Thanks to our investment here we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers. We are pleased to have the Secretary of State for Business and Trade join us today to mark this important occasion and to underline the important relationship between Saab and the UK.”
Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said:
“Following the Government’s pledge to go further and faster to grow the economy, this is another vote of confidence in the UK, our world-class defence sector, and our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Saab’s investment in Hampshire has brought a major boost to local communities with hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs, and is exactly the sort of growth our pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy will support.”
Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, said:
“This major investment has demonstrated how defence is an engine for growth. Saab’s new facility strengthens manufacturing and support for the radars that help protect our Armed Forces, having created highly skilled jobs while driving innovation. With promising apprenticeship opportunities, this site is helping to drive the jobs of the future – ensuring the next generation has the expertise to keep Britain at the forefront of defence technology.”
Sonardyne launches SPRINT-Nav DP: revolutionising shallow water dynamic positioning technology
Sonardyne, a leading provider of pioneering marine technology, today announced the launch of its new shallow water dynamic positioning (DP) reference system.
Building on the company’s decade-long expertise in hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation systems, SPRINT-Nav DP integrates high-grade inertial navigation with doppler velocity log (DVL) technology in a single, pre-calibrated unit. The system joins Sonardyne's renowned SPRINT-Nav family, which has become the standard for underwater vehicle navigation worldwide.
Developed in response to SPRINT-Nav customer’s requests and an increasing demand for shallow water DP operations from the offshore wind farm sector, SPRINT-Nav DP has undergone extensive trials and validation tests to ensure it maintains the mandatory class requirements as an alternative position reference into a vessel’s DP system.
SPRINT-Nav DP provides accurate and reliable positioning without the need for a GNSS signal. This makes it ideal for a wide range of shallow water operations, including offshore renewable energy and nearshore work where GNSS signals are often spoofed, blocked or distorted by nearby structures.
This latest addition to the SPRINT-Nav family also saves DP vessel operators both time and money. The DVL bottom-lock technology, effective up to 230m depth, means there is no need to deploy sensors or other equipment as the seabed itself is used as the positioning reference. Factory pre-calibration means that SPRINT-Nav DP is operational as soon as the vessel arrives on site.
"SPRINT-Nav DP represents a leap forward in shallow water vessel positioning," said Duncan Rigg, Business Development Manager – Vessel Systems, at Sonardyne. "By removing GNSS dependencies, we're enabling operators to work more efficiently and dependably in challenging environments. Many existing customers had asked about using their SPRINT-Nav’s for dynamic positioning and we are delighted to introduce SPRINT-Nav DP to enhance their operations."
New Arctic Ocean map marks key milestone in global seafloor mapping
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project is pleased to announce the publication of the latest version of the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean (IBCAO), Version 5.0. This release adds 1.4 million square kilometers of mapping coverage – an area over three times the size of Sweden – to the global seafloor dataset.
This development represents a significant step forward in the mission to achieve a complete map of the seafloor by 2030, offering an unprecedented level of detail for the Arctic Ocean. It also provides vital insights for researchers and policymakers, contributing to safer navigation and more effective ocean exploration.
Established in 1997, IBCAO has long been the authoritative source of bathymetry for the Arctic Ocean, with the latest version – published in Scientific Data by Nature – representing a quantum leap in detail, with a grid-cell size of 100 x 100 meters, compared to 200 x 200 meters in the previous version.
This achievement was made possible through advanced compilation methods, including the use of cloud-based distributed computing and the integration of metadata.
The release also highlights the challenges and innovations associated with mapping the Arctic Ocean, where perennial sea-ice cover and extreme conditions have traditionally limited data collection. Overcoming these obstacles has required groundbreaking technology and international collaboration.
Commenting on the release, Martin Jakobsson, Co-Head of Seabed 2030's Arctic and North Pacific Regional Center, said: "The release of IBCAO Version 5.0 is a testament to the collaborative effort of the Arctic research community and our dedication to overcoming the challenges posed by the extreme Arctic environment.
“This dataset not only furthers our understanding of the Arctic seabed, but also exemplifies the power of teamwork in advancing global knowledge."
Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips added: “This release underscores the importance of regional initiatives like IBCAO in helping us achieve our goal of a fully mapped ocean floor by 2030. It represents a crucial step towards making essential data accessible for sustainable ocean management."
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project will be included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.
Marine Science and Technology Business Person of the Year Award 2025
Every other year at Ocean Business the Marine Science and Technology Group Council (MSTG) hand out their MSTG Business Person of the Year award. Therefore, nominations are now invited for the 2025 Award by completion of this form to be received no later than 28th February 2025.
The Business Person of the Year Award recognises individuals who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic business thinking and are regarded as leaders in their field. This Award also acknowledges and celebrates the personal and generous contributions by a Business Person and the difference their involvement makes to the Marine Science & Technology (MST) community overall. Individuals entering into this category can be self-employed or employed by a business. Previous winners of the award have been Versha Carter (Intelligent Exhibitions), John Partridge (Sonardyne International), Matthew Quartley (Valeport), Ralph Rayner (BMT Group), Brendan Hyland (WFS Technologies), Keith Birch (National Oceanography Centre), Roger Scrivens (RS Aqua), Dan Hook (ASV), Claire Cardy (Nortek), Terry Sloane (Planet Ocean) and Geraint West (Sonardyne). All of whom have exemplified the spirit of this award through their flair, innovation and business acumen.
The SMI MSTG Council will review all nominations and will consider:
• The nature and extent of the personal contribution by the nominee to the MST business community
• The nature and extent of the personal contribution by the nominee to the MST community at large
• Their demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, drive business growth and foster innovation
The award will be presented on 8th April at Ocean Business 2025.
Please use this form to nominate a candidate for the award.
Tritech Announces Launch of New Gemini 1200id
An easy upgrade path to higher resolution imaging for work class ROVs
An integrated speed-of-sound sensor ensures that targets are displayed to a high degree of positional accuracy. CHIRP processing provides improved target separation over longer ranges.
The 1200id is fully compatible with Tritech’s software package, Genesis. This ensures improved user interaction and allows for control of multiple Tritech products from within one software package. Software development kits (SDKs) are also available for Windows and Linux operating systems.
Bruce Hardy, Sales and Marketing Director, commented:
“We are really pleased to bring the new dual frequency Gemini 1200id to market. Having listened to our customers’ requests for higher definition and enhanced target resolution we believe the new 1200 kHz acoustic frequency will provide just that, along with Tritech’s reputation for quality and reliability, backed by our 3-year guarantee.”
Unrivalled Imaging Performance
The Gemini 1200id employs a completely in-house developed analogue front-end solution that incorporates fully differential receiver channels for enhanced acoustic reception. Internal electronic circuits have been optimised and where necessary additional filtering exclusively employed to minimise self-generated noise. The sonar also actively attenuates external waterborne noise from other subsea equipment in the vicinity of the sonar. These enhancements enable the Gemini 1200id to produce sonar images displaying sharp and bright acoustic returns on a noise reduced background resulting in crisp sonar images of impressive clarity.
Asim Azad, Hardware Engineering Manager, commented:
“With its ultra-low-noise differential analogue front-end supporting a wide dynamic range optimised for sonar imaging applications, and with its ability to actively attenuate waterborne electrical noise from other subsea equipment, the Gemini 1200id provides work class ROV operators the clarity and confidence necessary for mission critical operations.”
Disposable fiber-optic spools for hybrid Aerial and Underwater drones
The RBOB-HAUV for amphibious drones and hybrid airborne and underwater applications is the latest addition to the range of airborne (UAV), land-based (UGV) and underwater (UUV) spools already offered by SEDI-ATI.
Drawing on its experience in the field of optical wire links on aerial and underwater UAVs, SEDI-ATI is offering a singleuse fiber-optic spool for amphibious UAVs: RBOB-HAUV. Ultra-compact and lightweight, it is mounted directly on the drone. It is designed for high-speed missions of up to 10 km, both in the air and deep water! It has been tested at 150 km/h in the air and 20 knots underwater.
It is particularly well suited to guiding an amphibious drone, and to transmitting huge data streams in real-time from on-board cameras and high-resolution sensors. Moreover, it's an EMI-insensitive solution, immune to Hertzian jamming. As a result, manoeuvres such as diving, getting out of the water, circling or even around obstacles are not a problem. It will be possible to access steep or hard-to-reach places. The fiber-optic cable is never a ‘leash’ on the drone and ensures permanent, real-time communication between the craft and the control station.
The spool is single use, so all you have to do is cut fiber at the end of the mission. There's no need to make the same journey back because the optical fiber is never a leash on the drone. Moreover, the fiber can be easily reconnected in the field using a simple connector kit.
The technical characteristics are the same as for the submarine reel: length from 500 meters to 10 kilometers, singlemode fiber 1310-1550 nm, ST connector, wide bandwidth for video and control transmissions.
UK Marine Tech Companies Set to Innovate at Canada’s COVE
COVE to host seven UK companies in the ten-month Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator
Seven innovative marine technology companies from the United Kingdom (UK) will spend ten months at COVE, Canada’s hub for marine sector innovation. This unique international partnership aims to advance these businesses by building connections with industry leaders, partners, and potential customers in North America.
This Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator is delivered as part of Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Programme, an international collaboration between COVE and Innovate UK, which is a part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a national funding agency supported by the UK government. The Accelerator brings together forward-thinking marine sector businesses from the United Kingdom to foster innovation within COVE's thriving marine technology hub and expansive industrial network. The 2025 cohort will be the third to participate in the programme.
The seven Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator participants began their immersive ten-month program in January 2025 and are scheduled to arrive in Nova Scotia the first week of February 2025 for their Canadian market visit. The cohort of companies, including AUTOMASS, BioBright, Marble, RAB-Microfluidics, Samudra Oceans Ltd., Verlume, and Walker Subsea Engineering Ltd., will engage in key industries such as aquaculture, offshore energy, robotics, and marine environmental monitoring.
“This program is a significant step towards advancing marine innovation and commercialization on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Melanie Nadeau, CEO at COVE. “By welcoming the ScaleUp Accelerator cohort, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a sustainable future for our ocean through global collaboration and technological advancement.”
During their time at COVE in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, participating companies will engage in a dynamic program designed to accelerate their growth and deepen their understanding of the North American market. The cohort will benefit from tailored mentorship, market visits, and workshops, all aimed at refining their market entry strategies. Additionally, the in-person visit portion of the program creates opportunities for invaluable networking, connecting companies with industry leaders, potential customers, and partners.
The program culminates at COVE Demo Day, a premier event for viewing the most recent advancements in marine technology, where the cohort presents their innovative solutions to a curated global audience of stakeholders.
“Innovate UK is proud to support this partnership with COVE as part of the Global Incubator Programme, enabling UK marine tech companies to explore new markets and develop innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable ocean economy,” said Jon Hazell, Innovate UK Partnership Manager North America. “Together, we can drive meaningful change.”
The ten-month collaboration is poised to strengthen the partnership between Canada and the United Kingdom, fostering innovative solutions for the nations’ shared interests in marine technologies. With Canada vast coastline and an abundance of marine resources, this partnership focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that support sustainable growth and advance the marine sector.
COVE has established itself as a vibrant marine technology hub where innovative ideas are nurtured into impactful solutions. Dedicated to advancing marine commerce and fostering sustainable practices for the economy, COVE is home to over 65 local and global marine technology businesses, start-ups, researchers, and service providers. It also facilitates collaboration with more than 400 organizations through its programs and services. Engaging with a global network of over 3,000 companies, academic institutions, and government partners, COVE is at the forefront of driving progress in the marine sector.
Ocean Business launches cutting-edge technology Training and Demonstration programme
With Ocean Business 2025 less than three months away, details can now be revealed about the Training and Demonstration programme, one of the main attractions of the global technology and science exhibition for marine industries.
The three-day show, which runs from April 8-10 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, is open to all visitors for free by registering online here.
This year’s Training and Demonstration programme, featuring the most exciting developments in the ocean sector, is bigger than ever, with 180-plus hours of new technologies demonstrated in the dockside waters, onboard vessels and in the classroom.
Visitors will have the opportunity to observe cutting edge sensor technology close up and meet the top industry innovators, displaying the latest in underwater monitoring, next generation ROVs, ground-breaking advances in AUV technology, and much more.
Among the highlights on the dockside will be Kongsberg Discovery & Saildrone’s Infrastructure Inspection, using USVs and ROVs to provide high-definition images for underwater inspection of critical infrastructures.
EvoLogics will showcase advances in its Sonobot 5, including a submersible USBL antenna for acoustic data transfers and positioning. And the company’s latest iteration of the Quadroin AUV will be in Southampton after final optimisations.
Other major draws on the dockside include Unique Group’s small, carbon fibre USV, the UniMini, which can perform all hydrographic survey operations from land with minimal to low risk levels.
Meanwhile, on board Callista, the University of Southampton’s purpose-built research vessel, Navtech will unveil its new radar, with engineers on hand to answer questions and explain the software solutions that deliver tracking and collision avoidance for unmanned vessels.
Also on RV Callista, visitors can gain valuable insights into Nortek’s vessel mounted advanced Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), designed for commercial and scientific applications.
Test tank and classroom Training and Demonstration sessions will embrace the fast pace of technological progress, with pioneers such as Voyis highlighting what’s next for underwater exploration with the latest generation of its Discovery Stereo Vision System.
Ocean Business 2025 provides unrivalled access to today’s transformational ocean technology - from sustainable environmental monitoring to breakthroughs in robotics and lean crewed fleets.
With more than 350 manufacturers and service providers already booked for the sold-out exhibition, this year’s event promises to attract record crowds from around the world, offering unbeatable networking opportunities.
Cheri Arvonio, Event Director at show organiser Diversified Communications, said: ‘Our popular Training and Demonstration programme is back, packed with even more innovations, ideas and product launches from this dynamic sector.
‘We’re looking forward to welcoming a line-up of leading ocean experts, sharing their wealth of scientific, technological and engineering expertise at one of the busiest shows in the sector calendar.’
All training and demonstration sessions are free to attend and visitors can book in on a first come first served basis at the show, or in advance by contacting the company hosting the session.
To view the full Training and Demonstration programme, please visit: https://testv2.divcomstaging.co.uk/events/.
USV manufacturer and marine data acquisition specialist, Uncrewed Survey Solutions can now operate in UK waters utilising MGN 705
The innovative marine data acquisition provider and USV manufacturer, Uncrewed Survey Solutions (USS) has received MCA acknowledgement against MGN 705 general exemption for ROUV safe operations, enabling the business to now conduct its specialist hydrographic surveying work within UK waters.
A builder and operator of its own fleet of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), USS delivers customised marine data collection projects and missions primarily across the hydrographic and geophysical domains.
Having successfully operated internationally, the UK-headquartered business has received official acknowledgement that USS’ own Accession Class USV can be operated to support customers in UK waters, due to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) releasing MGN 705 specifically for Mini-MASS craft from 2.5 to <4.5 metres in length.
USS’ CEO, James Williams is an advocate of driving the industry in its safer operations, both in the UK and on a global basis. Williams is an active member of numerous working groups including the Surface Autonomy Subgroup for the FAST (Future Autonomous At Sea Technologies) Cluster, and also champions engagement with the DfT and MCA regarding matters affecting Mini-MASS.
James Williams comments, “As a pioneering business, we are delighted that USS is at the forefront of supporting the UK as a leader in upholding ROUV safe operations. The MCA’s new general exemption regulations enable smaller uncrewed vessels to be remotely operated in UK waters, in line and hand-in-hand with other stringent regulations including SOLAS and COLREGS’’.
He continues, “Being one of the first to embrace the new Marine Guidance Note mirrors USS’ ethos in focusing on greener, safer, and efficient seagoing operations, together with helping to drive MASS industry innovation, and also supporting the success of UK PLC.”
The UK is regarded as a global leader in safe ROUV operations, as demonstrated by the MCA’s Marine Guidance Notice MGN 705 setting a pathway for hi-tech small ROUVs operating in UK waters.
ROUVs between 2.5 metres and under 4.5 metres in length overall may comply with the General Exemption set out in MGN 705 permitting eligible vessels to operate without certification issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency or its delegates. Vessels subject to this General Exemption are expected to be under the constant supervision of a human operator, with the means to take control at any time.
Operating under the General Exemption allows USS to further assist its customers in their transition from traditional crewed surveying operations to the utilisation of smaller, uncrewed craft delivering turnkey 24/7 hydrographic surveying and marine data acquisition solutions for both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) over-the-horizon projects.
Oceaneering acquires 100 Exail Octans 9 Attitude Heading Referencing Systems to enhance offshore operations
Oceaneering, a global provider of engineered services and products for the offshore energy industry, has placed an initial order for a minimum of 100 units of Exail’s new Octans 9 Attitude Heading Referencing Systems (AHRS). This strategic acquisition underscores Oceaneering's commitment to innovation and operational excellence while significantly enhancing its capabilities in offshore survey and positioning projects.
The Exail Octans 9 systems will be integrated into a variety of offshore applications, including high-specification offshore field support vessel navigation suites, deep-water drillship remotely operated survey positioning systems, dynamic positioning platforms and general USBL positioning systems. This integration addresses the requirements of Oceaneering's clients for high-performance, high-precision navigation, control, and stabilization.
“At Oceaneering, we understand the critical importance of best-in-class, dependable and high-performance navigation systems in the offshore industry,” said Mark Beaton, Director, Survey & Positioning Solutions Survey Services at Oceaneering. “The initial acquisition of 100 Octans 9 AHRS units from Exail highlights our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, efficient solutions. These advanced systems will redefine our offshore operations, setting new industry standards for accuracy and reliability, all while delivering high end customer value”.
For Exail, this contract marks a milestone as the first significant order for their new Octans 9 systems, the latest addition to the Exail navigation product line. “This order, which complements Oceaneering's existing portfolio of Exail maritime sensors and robotics equipment, reaffirms the reliability and quality of our solutions, while further strengthening our valued partnership,” said Euan MacKay, Business Development Manager at Exail. “We are confident that the advanced features of Octans 9 will elevate operators' navigation capabilities and significantly enhance the flexibility and efficiency of their offshore operations”.
The new Octans 9 AHRS delivers highly precise real-time attitude and heading data and comes equipped with a suite of advanced features. These include an export-free status, a compact design, enhanced durability, reduced power consumption, in-motion alignment capabilities, and integrated advanced GNSS sensors.
