Voyis Certification Validates Unmatched Accuracy for Underwater Inspections
Voyis Imaging Inc. announces its Discovery Stereo Vision System has achieved Bureau Veritas (BV) certification, underscoring its industry-leading accuracy in subsea metrology and mooring chain inspections. This third-party validation reinforces Voyis’ leading position in the subsea inspection market, where accuracy is paramount for ensuring reliable measurements of underwater assets.
The Bureau Veritas Certification is based on rigorous testing procedures, including subsea metrology and mooring chain inspection accuracy assessments. The Discovery Stereo Vision System’s linear accuracy, validated at less than 0.3mm error per meter, supports confident distance metrology measurements, Voyis achieved an exceptional result, exceeding the 0.3mm requirement, underscoring the device’s impressive capability. For localized inspection needs, such as mooring chain and defect metrology, the camera demonstrated a local accuracy of less than ±0.5mm, with results outperforming this specification in BV testing on chain link diameter and width measurements.
Following the successful certification of system accuracy, Voyis has introduced a significant industry advantage by ensuring that every Discovery Stereo Vision System undergoes the same linear accuracy verification test as executed by BV before every system delivery. While 3rd Party Certifications are only conducted on a single reference unit,
Voyis ensures that each product is delivered with a calibration report that documents the unit’s accuracy in distance metrology, bringing forward a new standard of confidence by eliminating the need for additional validation by customers.
Voyis’ proprietary calibration process is integral to achieving these high accuracy standards. Incorporating highly refined intrinsic and extrinsic calibration phases, the process also optimizes each unit’s optical alignment to ensure the highest quality focus and camera-pair consistency. Each Discovery Stereo unit produces clear, high-resolution 3D reconstructions in real-time. This industry-leading calibration process, and unique optical design, ensures end-users can rely on consistent, high-precision measurements without additional in-field verifications, simplifying and expediting operations in varied underwater environments.
Voyis has achieved this milestone through innovative design features crucial for delivering accuracy in subsea stereographic imaging. With high-resolution global shutter sensors, a distortion-free dome viewport, and advanced HDR image processing algorithms, the Discovery Stereo Vision System captures precise, and accurate datasets even in dynamic underwater conditions. These advances, along with optimized stereo baseline spacing and precise camera synchronization, make the Discovery Stereo a top choice for complex underwater inspections.
The Bureau Veritas Certification not only affirms the Discovery Stereo Camera’s accuracy but also allows Voyis to raise the bar in confirming system performance, by delivering every unit with the same degree of accuracy validation. As we continue to push the boundaries of subsea inspection technology, this certification reinforces our commitment to quality and accuracy for our customers around the world.
FET to Supply ROV to UK Ministry of Defence’s Salvage Experts
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) today announced that its subsea division secured a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence’s highly specialised Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) unit, to supply a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
ROVs are large adaptable underwater robots with mechanical arms - of similar dexterity to human arms - designed to carry out a variety of tasks, both through the water column and on the seabed. They can also be fitted with a large range of sensors and tools for specific tasks.
The ROV earmarked for SALMO will complement and increase the UK’s existing marine defence salvage and emergency response capabilities. It will be used for a variety of in-water tasks including wreck surveys and salvage response, and can be deployed from various vessels.
The FET ROV system, acquired following a voluntary transparency notice issued this July, is being manufactured at the company’s UK facility at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. It will be delivered in 2025 with sea trials carried out in the UK.
The contract also includes a two-year support solution, spares package, vessel integration and sea trials support, a training package and the potential for upgrades and additions.
A previously supplied FET ROV was deployed by SALMO in January 2024 to successfully recover the bell of USS Jacob Jones from the depths near the Isles of Scilly after 107 years. The first US Navy destroyer to be sunk during wartime, the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1917 whilst returning to home port after successfully escorting a convoy to Brest. Sixty-six crew members were lost in the attack.
Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President Operations - Subsea, said: “We are extremely pleased that FET has been selected again by SALMO for an additional ROV system. This is one of the most versatile systems on the market and has the capabilities required for the tasks that it will undertake for the SALMO team. We look forward to delivering the solution on time next year.”
Andy Liddell, Head of SALMO, said: “A momentous amount of work has gone into preparing what has been a complex contract in a very short time. The project team have pulled together and demonstrated a holistic and agile route to procurement. It was a great feeling to sign the contract and move us into the next stage.”
FET has previously supplied ROVs and submarine rescue vehicles to major navies around the world and has also built emergency life support store (ELSS) pods for the Hellenic Navy. Its products are suited across underwater industry applications, including defence, traditional and sustainable energy, telecommunications, mining, aquaculture and academia.
GeoAcoustics Ltd adds Australia’s autonomous solutions provider No Humes to growing global Channel Partner list
Hydroacoustic technology manufacturer GeoAcoustics Ltd has appointed No Humes as its first Channel Partner dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand markets. GeoAcoustics now has more than 50 Channel Partners serving customers in 69 countries.
The new channel partner agreement covers the entire GeoAcoustics portfolio of bathymetric sonars, side scan sonars and sub-bottom profilers, with the Brisbane-based No Humes offering GeoAcoustics technology as part of its own integrated autonomous solutions as well as selling direct to commercial and scientific customers. With more than 25 years of experience, No Humes (www.nohumes.com) is a leading technical advisor and systems integrator specialising in autonomous solutions for Australia’s blue economy. The company has been a part of the growth of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) over the past decade, identifying hydrospatial and geophysical applications as ideal for its cutting-edge autonomous developments.
“The precision and repeatability offered by autonomous platforms are fundamental attributes of delivering high-quality survey data, so it makes sense that we join forces with respected sensor manufacturers like GeoAcoustics Ltd in order to offer our customers the best of both worlds,” said Cory Brooks, Managing Director at No Humes.
Having applied autonomous systems for diverse applications from mission planning to optimising navigation solutions and testing datasets, No Humes plans to deliver real-time survey data processing with advanced AI software for the GeoSwath 4 bathymetric sonar as part of its portfolio. The company will also support sales and service of the Pulsar and GeoPulse ranges in Australia and New Zealand.
“Becoming a GeoAcoustics Channel Partner offers us several advantages. We gain access to high-end products known for their build quality and reliable data for scientists. Their ease of use and deployment streamlines the entire integration process, coupling leading-edge autonomous technology and AI generated live data processing to ensure No Humes can meet the evolving needs of the scientific community,” added Brooks.
“We are looking forward to getting closer to our Australian customers together with the help of the highly experienced No Humes team,” said Richard Dowdeswell, Chief Commercial Officer, GeoAcoustics Ltd. “Our partnership agreement is a significant boost for the entire portfolio in the region, but we are especially looking forward to working with No Humes on new autonomous platform projects that will deliver new efficiencies using our AI technology for bathymetric surveys.”
ASL Awarded Subcontract to Assess Metocean Data Needs for Offshore Wind Development in Atlantic Canada
ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a research and development subcontract from Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions Ltd., of Dublin Ireland, as part of a metocean data needs assessment for the development of offshore wind projects in Atlantic Canada for Natural Resources Canada. ASL was selected as a subcontractor for its 45 years+ of expertise in sea ice, icebergs, and freezing spray accretion as well as a history of delivering successful metocean-ice studies to clients.
The primary objective of the work is to identify all types of
data needed to enable successful offshore wind project development in Atlantic Canada. Following a review of existing datasets, and a dataset gap analysis, we will be making recommendations for specific appropriate measures to collect necessary datasets. The analysis focuses on Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, where near-term offshore wind development is more likely. The study also keeps in mind the broader Atlantic Canada region, with future data needs for projects in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Quebec.
The final report is intended to support the development of public measurement campaigns that can be leveraged by a variety of stakeholders to ensure that informed decisions are made in pursuit of developing Canada’s offshore wind industry over the coming years. The outcomes of this work will be of interest to regulators, industry, engineers, and the broader offshore wind community alike. For more information on this work, contact Dr. Matthew Asplin at [email protected] or Sahar Tavangar of GDG at [email protected]
Saab’s Seaeye SR20 eWROV succeeds in milestone water trials
Saab UK announces that the Seaeye SR20 eWROV, its most advanced fully-electric work-class remotely operated vehicle, has successfully completed inshore water testing.
The SR20 successfully completed a dedicated period of water trials last month, marking a significant milestone for the robotic vehicle’s development.
The testing was a key part of the verification and validation work package, testing against the specification, measuring performance, and stressing the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as a system. In particular, the SR20 demonstrated its high degree of precise manoeuvrability and dexterity, using both manual joystick control and automation. This testing has paved the way for sea trials which will take place in spring 2025.
Andy Fraser, Managing Director at Saab UK, said:
“The SR20 going to water trials is a huge milestone in Saab UK’s journey to take electric ROV capabilities to the next level, focusing on eco-responsibility and greater efficiency. We’re thrilled that the trials were a success and I look forward to seeing what the next step is for this ground-breaking vehicle.”
The SR20 is Saab UK’s highly capable and environmentally-conscious work-class underwater vehicle, which is designed for operational concepts such as resident deployment and over-the-horizon control. The all-electric vehicle, which uses limited oil (reducing its environmental footprint), sets itself apart with its exceptional thrust and performance, electric manipulators, and impressive efficiency compared to hydraulic systems.
Ocean Infinity is the SR20’s launch customer, transforming operations using innovative technology as they develop a fleet of uncrewed robotic vessels.
Kraken Robotics Demonstrates New KATFISH Autonomous Launch and Recovery System to Navy Customers
Kraken Robotics Inc. announces the completion of demonstrations for its new Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS) for KATFISH™ towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS). The Company performed demonstrations for more than 40 naval customers and partners from October 21-25, 2024 in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia.
“This was a great opportunity to both test our new ALARS and demonstrate KATFISH for key naval clients,” said Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics. “The ocean is an unforgiving environment, and the highest risk to technology and personnel is during launch and recovery. Demo participants were able to witness our technology in action, observing both the advanced autonomy of the ALARS as well as the high-resolution real-time SAS data from KATFISH while aboard the vessel.”
The new ALARS was built to fit a 20-foot International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container footprint to increase interoperability with different vessels, allowing for rapid mobilization and demobilization on multi-role platforms. The system enables autonomous launch and recovery of KATFISH up to Sea State 5.
During the demonstrations, participants were able to view the KATFISH SAS data live-streaming onboard the vessel, detecting, classifying, and identifying various seafloor contacts in real-time, including high-resolution imagery of the Governor Cornwallis shipwreck.
High-resolution SAS data and command and control information were also streamed wirelessly back to shore and displayed to the attendees of Canadian Naval Mine Countermeasures Symposium taking place at HMCS Scotian in Halifax, Nova Scotia the same week.
“The ability to stream live, high-resolution seafloor data to analysts and mine warfare officers in real-time, from both manned and unmanned platforms, is a critical enabler for modern navies,” said David Shea, Executive Vice President and CTO of Kraken. “Kraken was excited to be able to provide a live demo simultaneously in-person and for a remote audience, showing how remote operation and intelligent autonomy helps get humans out of the minefield. These capabilities are standard with the KATFISH system and are being continuously improved as our NATO customers deploy them in operations every day. We look forward to getting this new ALARS out into the field with our customers.”
Kraken’s new ALARS will be delivered to an Asia-Pacific naval customer by the end of the year.
Greensea IQ Secures $2.79M Contract for IQNS with EOD Edge Upgrade for U.S. Navy MK20 Defender ROV Platform
Greensea IQ, a leader in subsea robotics and defense solutions, is proud to announce the award of over $2.79M contract through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Darley of Itasca, IL, as part of DLA’s Tailored Logistics Support Program. This contract will supply the U.S. Navy with the IQNS system, enhanced with the EOD Edge Upgrade, to improve the capabilities of the MK20 Defender Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) platform as part of the Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) initiative.
The IQNS system is being delivered over the next 4-6 months, providing cutting-edge navigation and autonomy solutions to the U.S. Navy’s expanding fleet of MK20 Defender ROVs. The system was specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing platform, offering a critical upgrade to enhance Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions with greater precision and operational efficiency.
The IQNS with EOD Edge Upgrade was rigorously tested in partnership with the Navy earlier this year and has proven to meet the demanding requirements of the fleet expansion.
“Our team worked closely with the U.S. Navy throughout 2024 to ensure the IQNS would fulfill the operational needs of the MESR program. The successful testing and validation demonstrate the value of this system in providing advanced capabilities for our nation’s defense forces,” said Paco Santana, VP of Business Development, Defense at Greensea IQ.
The IQNS represents Greensea IQ’s continued commitment to innovation in the field of subsea robotics, offering unmatched performance in navigation and autonomy for military and defense applications.
The University of Southampton and ecoSUB Robotics Sign Licensing Agreement to Revolutionize Underwater Sampling Technology
The University of Southampton has today announced a ground-breaking licensing agreement with ecoSUB Robotics to bring an innovative underwater water sampler to market. Developed by researchers at the University of Southampton in collaboration with engineers from ecoSUB Robotics, this advanced water sampler is designed to facilitate autonomous collection of water samples, even at depths of up to 2,500 meters.
This versatile sampler, available in multiple configurations, can be seamlessly integrated with any of ecoSUB’s autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The new capability provides marine researchers, environmental agencies and others, with the unprecedented ability to collect water samples autonomously and, if necessary at depth, significantly expanding the scope of underwater exploration and analysis.
Traditional underwater data collection has relied heavily on sensors, which often have limitations when it comes to detecting specific water parameters such as DNA, RNA, heavy metals etc. The new sampler overcomes this limitation, enabling users to capture physical water samples for laboratory analysis. This development allows researchers to assess parameters that are currently inaccessible through standard sensor technology, providing a richer and more detailed picture of underwater environments.
Dr. Adrian Nightingale, at the University of Southampton, commented on the significance of this achievement: “Our collaboration with ecoSUB Robotics has been instrumental in bringing this advanced sampler to market. This is a significant step forward for marine science, as it provides a practical and scalable new solution for water sampling at depth and inhospitable environments.”
Terry Sloane, Managing Director at ecoSUB Robotics, highlighted the benefits of the sampler for the ecoSUB fleet, saying: “The water sampler is a welcome addition to our ecoSUB vehicles, increasing their functionality for a wider range of underwater data collection missions. With this tool, we can support our customers in gathering critical data in ways that were previously not possible. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge, robust, and versatile AUV solutions. The unique ability of ecoSUB to dive vertically, presents researchers with a new way of obtaining water column data using a combination of traditional sensors as well as water samples.”
The sampler, opens new avenues for applications including environmental monitoring, marine biogeochemistry, oceanography, and offshore operations, where detailed water quality data is essential. In addition to providing this tool for the ecoSUB fleet, ecoSUB Robotics aims to continue its collaboration with the University of Southampton on future technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in autonomous underwater exploration.
This collaboration underlines the University of Southampton and ecoSUB Robotics’ shared commitment to advancing technology and addressing critical challenges in marine science and industry. With this innovative water sampler, users worldwide can now access a deeper understanding of underwater environments.
Kraken Robotics Completes $51.75 Million Bought Deal Public Offering
Kraken Robotics Inc. is pleased to announce today that it has closed its previously announced “bought deal” short form prospectus offering of common shares of the Company. A total of 32,343,750 Common Shares were sold at a price of $1.60 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $51,750,000, inclusive of the full exercise of the over-allotment option by the Underwriters (as defined below).
The Offering was led by Cormark Securities Inc. as lead underwriter, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters including Canaccord Genuity Corp., Beacon Securities Limited, Raymond James Ltd., and Scotia Capital Inc. (the “Underwriters”). The Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, which is $2,587,500.
The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used to advance the Company’s long-term strategy, including: (1) investing in expanded facilities and increased manufacturing capacity; (2) providing flexibility to take advantage of opportunities for accretive acquisitions of complementary technologies and businesses; (3) increasing the Company’s attractiveness as a stable and reliable long-term supplier; (4) strengthening the Company’s balance sheet to provide additional working capital to meet customer requirements in connection with potential additional large orders, as well as new program and contract opportunities; and (5) for general corporate purposes.
The Offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange’s (“TSXV”) final acceptance of requisite regulatory filings.
Open Ocean Robotics Closes $2.8M Investment Round to Further Scale Commercial Operations for Sustainable Ocean Monitoring
Open Ocean Robotics (OOR), a maritime robotics and AI company transforming ocean monitoring, announced today the close of a CA$2.8M investment round.
The round was co-led by Antares Ventures, a Singapore-based deep-tech venture fund focused on sustainability challenges in Southeast Asia, and Spring Impact Capital, a Canadian impact venture fund, with participation from Katapult Ocean, Alacrity Canada, DTN Ventures, individual investors, and PacifiCan.
The funds will support product and technological advancements, geographic expansion into Southeast Asia, and scaling manufacturing of its uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). To advance its innovative solutions in Southeast Asian markets, OOR is currently participating in the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge, an initiative of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the National University of Singapore.
“This investment from leading global impact investors underscores their confidence in our company and our vision for sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable ocean monitoring,” says Julie Angus, CEO and co-founder of OOR. “With this funding, we will expand our ability to help maritime companies and agencies achieve safe and secure ocean monitoring through real-time data provided by our USVs and AI systems.”
As the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland, Julie’s deep connection to and understanding of the world’s oceans has guided OOR’s success. Their USVs have been used to safeguard marine protected areas against illegal fishing, protect endangered whale populations, and help restore maritime biodiversity.
Traditionally, monitoring coastlines and open waters required fixed assets on shore, satellites, crewed ships, or aircraft, which were expensive, labor-intensive, and polluting. OOR provides safe, affordable, sustainable, and scalable ocean monitoring solutions that are solar-powered, allowing their uncrewed surface vehicles to operate at sea for months at a time, collecting data with a suite of sensors without producing GHG emissions, noise pollution, or risking oil spills.
“We are excited to support Julie’s mission to revolutionize and decarbonize ocean monitoring through advanced technology,” says Michael Gryseels, Founder and Managing Partner of Antares Ventures. “Open Ocean Robotics' solutions empower private and public organizations with safer, more affordable, and sustainable coastal and open ocean oceanographic and maritime data collection, enhancing marine resource understanding and preservation for a sustainable future.”
“Spring has been supporting Open Ocean Robotics since 2019, when we first saw how Julie Angus was delivering on a compelling vision for the future of ocean data and the impact it can have on all facets of marine and land life,” says Keith Ippel, Spring Impact Capital Managing Partner and Spring Co-CEO. “We’re excited to help her scale her company with measurable success and impact.”