OceanWise Ltd. has announced two brand new partnerships this month seeing the addition of Avenca Limited and Neotek to their Licenced Partnership programme.
Avenca Limited, a UK company based in Salisbury, will be integrating and reselling the extensive marine mapping range from OceanWise to their government, commercial and military customers around the world. Avenca have developed a range of systems and services for marine data analysis and wish to integrate OceanWise’s Marine Mapping Data Services like the Electronic Navigation Charts Web Map Service, into their products.
For more information please view their website at: www.avenca.co.uk.
Neotek, who supply end-users with high-tech instrumentations in the field of marine environmental assessment providing “best quality solutions for successful operations at sea” are based in Caudan France. Neotek will be reselling the OceanWise range of environmental monitoring products including OceanWise’s data platform Port-Log, which is widely used by a majority of ports in the UK and increasingly across the world. The system which provides a quick and easy storage and publishing solution for environmental data is consistently being developed to cater for the changing needs of this important sector.
For more details please view their website at: neotek-web.com
UK based OceanWise Ltd. Deliver their portfolio of speciality products and services that cater for the unique requirements of the marine industry directly and through their network of licenced partners around the world. They are looking forward to developing their relationship with both new partners.
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), Canada’s Ocean Company, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 13 Robotics Ltda of Brazil (“13R”). The 13R team, with offices in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Brazil, consists of software developers and engineers who have significant experience in underwater robotics and autonomous systems for the energy markets. Since inception in 2013, 13R have completed projects for a number of global energy companies, with a focus on autonomous underwater inspection in offshore oil and gas as well as renewable energy.
Commenting on the acquisition, Karl Kenny, Kraken President and CEO said, “Kraken has known and worked with members of the 13R team since 2016. We look forward to utilizing their expertise in robotic system development, leveraging their relationships with leading international energy companies, and to them providing a base of opportunity for Robotics/Data as a Service capabilities in South America. As the offshore energy markets continue to focus on reduction of costs and reduction of greenhouse gases through the use of resident autonomous systems, Kraken and the 13R team will be well positioned to support the need for clean, efficient and cost-effective technology.”
13R, which will operate as Kraken Robotics Brasil Ltda., is highly complementary to Kraken:
13R’s substantial experience in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy will both complement and augment Kraken’s existing offerings, reducing time to market for new applications of Kraken’s SeaVision underwater 3D laser scanner.
13R has a demonstrated track-record in subsea autonomy for seabed resident AUVs, including dynamic path planning, obstacle detection and avoidance, underwater docking, and adaptive failure-tolerant control systems, all of which will directly benefit Kraken’s ThunderFish XL Seabed Resident AUV program.
13R’s continued work in resident systems with multi-modal inspection capabilities will support Kraken’s ongoing applications in digital twinning of critical subsea assets.
Furthermore, Kraken’s acquisition of 13R provides technical and commercial on-the-ground access to the Brazilian offshore oil and gas industry, opening the door to further opportunities in that major market.
Consideration for the 13R acquisition was US$220,000 cash.
Offshore hydrographic survey specialist joins forces with subsea glider and ocean monitoring expert team
Hydrographic marine survey company Nicola Offshore GmbH and Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services C.S.C.S. Ltd (C.S.C.S.) have signed a commercial partnership agreement with the goal of sharing knowledge and resources to unlock new efficiencies for acquiring marine data using multibeam echosounders, subsea gliders and ocean monitoring instruments.
Opened in March 2021 as a sister company to Nicola Engineering, a survey company operating since the seventies, Nicola Offshore will bring technical expertise on the more specialist aspects of marine data acquisition such as object and unexploded ordinance (UXO) search to the partnership. Established in 2012, Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services C.S.C.S. Ltd will contribute its expertise in subsea glider surveys and oceanographic sensors for marine monitoring, as well as its experience in automating aspects of marine environmental surveying.
Nicola Offshore Explorer
“The partnership helps to extend the reach of both companies, opening more opportunities to support clients in Northern and Southern Europe,” said Daniel Esser, Managing Director, Nicola Offshore. “While the commercial potential is exciting, we’re also keen to extend our service platform with glider capabilities and expertise, and be part of developing new methodologies and processes together with C.S.C.S. that will enable us to expedite and secure the precision of the data we acquire on behalf of clients.”
“Nicola Offshore has demonstrated a unique focus on delivering high quality marine data for demanding ad-hoc campaigns, which we feel strongly complements our existing services and technology portfolio,” said Cyprus Subsea Managing Director, Dr. Daniel Hayes. “We’re looking forward to developing the capabilities, technology and network of C.S.C.S. and Nicola Offshore, while at the same time providing new and extended capabilities to our established client base.”
Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) underwater tracking technology is to support to critical oceanographic work from the research vessel Atlantis, including science expeditions in the human occupied submersible Alvin. The most updated version of Ranger 2 replaces the vessel’s existing Ranger 1 system, and provides greater precision, speed and range tracking and.
Additional upgrades include a new 10,000 m rated AvTrak tracking and telemetry instrument for Alvin, needed to support the increased depth rating of the submersible, from 4,500 m to 6,500 m. The Ranger 2 system will support the Atlantis’ work by enabling science teams to precisely position submersibles and other underwater platforms deployed from vessel, as well as tracking instruments, towed sleds and dredges, in all water depths.
The team on the Atlantis will also be able to use Ranger 2 to communicate with scientists onboard the Alvin via the AvTrak, which can also act as a relocation beacon for the Alvin, as well as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) deployed by the Atlantis. The Atlantis, which is owned by the US Office of Naval Research and operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for the benefit of the US oceanographic community, is also upgrading its through-hull transceiver from a High Performance Transceiver (HPT) 5000 to a Gyro USBL 7000, complete with a new gate valve, flanges and sea chest.
Partnership will offer leading offshore geotechnical services across the world
Marine robotics company Ocean Infinity and geotechnical drilling experts Gregg Drilling, a subsidiary of Alaska Native Corporation Sealaska, have formed a Joint Venture (JV) to provide geotechnical services to offshore markets in traditional and renewable energy field developments and cables.
The JV combines the expertise and assets of the two companies and will see Gregg Drilling mobilise its seabed drills onto the Armada fleet of uncrewed and optionally crewed vessels ranging from 21m-78m in size.
Pairing Gregg’s deep-water geotechnical drilling capability with Ocean Infinity’s Armada geophysical fleet, and recently enhanced data analytics capabilities following the acquisition of MMT, will expand capabilities for both companies to complete offshore investigations globally. The JV will enable more sustainable underwater development, including geotechnical data collection, needed to support offshore wind anchor and foundation design.
Oliver Plunkett, Ocean Infinity’s CEO, said:
“Partnering with Gregg Drilling to further expand the capabilities of our Armada fleet of vessels will enable us to provide full-service solutions to customers spanning geophysical and geotechnical tasks.”
“Gregg Drilling and its parent company Sealaska share our vision for reducing the environmental impact of offshore activities. This agreement marks another step on our journey to transform marine operations, and we are excited to be doing so in partnership with another innovative team that shares our passion for sustainability.”
John Gregg, President of Gregg Drilling, said:
“We are pleased to partner with Ocean Infinity to provide an industry-leading geotechnical offering. Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet has revolutionised the outlook for marine operations through its uncrewed capability and its unmatched focus on sustainability. We look forward to working together to best use the expertise of both companies.”
aae technologies, an award-winning manufacturer of specialist subsea equipment, has refreshed its brand and website as it looks to accelerate business growth in the UK and overseas.
Complementing the launch of its groundbreaking Easytrak Pyxis INS + USBL tracking system, the rebrand also underpins recent company expansion and the formation of aae’s dedicated geophysics and renewables divisions.
Originally founded as applied acoustics in 1989, aae technologies was launched in 2016 as a parent company for applied acoustics and sister company, modulus technology. Through its two sub-brands, the company designs and develops innovative hydro-acoustic solutions for customers in the marine, defence, oil & gas and renewable energy industries worldwide.
applied acoustics has twice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, in recognition of its technical innovation and export growth.
Adam Darling, chairman of aae technologies, first launched the company from a goat shed in his back garden. A talented engineer himself, he now heads a team whose products are used extensively around the globe and in ways that genuinely transform the world for the better – whether it’s playing a vital role in the development of offshore renewable energy installations, keeping marine traffic safe from underwater threats and hazards, or helping the scientific community gain a better understanding of the oceans.
The company’s rebrand encompasses contemporary new logos for aae technologies and its two sub-brands – applied acoustics and modulus technology – as well as a new website that incorporates the refreshed branding and effectively consolidates the three companies.
Adam Darling, chairman of aae technologies
“Lockdown gave us an opportunity to refocus the business and find even better ways of connecting with our customers,” said Adam Darling, chairman of aae technologies. “Our new website reflects a changing industry, and indeed a changing aae technologies, as we continue to develop new products and enhance our expertise in a number of areas, not least geophysics and renewables, which are vital industries both now and in the future.”
applied acoustics’ products range from sophisticated underwater positioning and tracking systems to acoustic equipment for sub-bottom profiling and geophysical surveys. modulus technology provides technical support for applied acoustics products, as well as custom engineering services for customers in need of bespoke solutions for one-off projects.
Integrated subsea technology and services provider Ashtead Technology has signed a deal with Zetechtics to offer customers a range of new ROV tooling technologies.
The agreement will see an array of torque tools, control systems and associated peripherals from the subsea control systems specialist made available to customers through Ashtead Technology’s nine customer service hubs.
David Mair, Ashtead Technology’s Business Development Director said: “We are continually developing and expanding our capability to meet the diverse needs of our customers around the world, who operate in all areas of the global energy industry. These new technologies offer improved performance, reliability and efficiency, as well as a greater level of user-friendliness.
“Zetechtics has 27 years of experience for us to draw on and this collaboration is set to add undeniable value to our customers operations.”
The deal gives both organisations the scope to add further specialist equipment based on demand.
Alan Duncan, Commercial Director of Zetechtics, said: “Customers prefer to use modern, easily-supported equipment, with the type of technical features they would have access to if buying new.
“We are excited to collaborate with Ashtead Technology and by introducing a wide range of new equipment to the market in this way will enable their customers to unlock the potential of our market-leading solutions.”
Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF), Canada’s Ocean Company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the “LOI”) dated April 8, 2021 in connection with the proposed acquisition of PanGeo Subsea Inc. (“PanGeo”) from Cahill Innovation Inc, a member of the Cahill Group of Companies, and Argentum Asset Management AS. Moya Cahill, a director of Kraken, is a shareholder of Cahill Innovation Inc, and she resigned as a director of Kraken prior to the approval and execution of the LOI in order to ensure proper governance and review of the transaction by a fully arm’s length board.
PanGeo is a private Canadian services company specializing in high resolution 3D acoustic imaging solutions for the sub-seabed. This proposed acquisition would accelerate Kraken’s transformation to a Robotics/Data as a Service model by increasing recurring service revenue and providing increased exposure to the non-defense market, including the offshore renewable energy market. Following completion of the proposed acquisition, Kraken would offer a holistic solution of world-leading technologies and services in subsea acoustic and optical imaging: Kraken’s suite of ultra-high resolution seabed 3D acoustic imaging sensors, autonomous robotics, and optical laser scanning paired with PanGeo’s suite of leading-edge sub-seabed high resolution 3D acoustic imaging systems.
Acquisition Rationale
The proposed acquisition would create a Canadian-headquartered global leader in ocean technology in the areas of subsea and sub-seabed imaging. If completed, Kraken would benefit from a number of synergies and advantages including:
PanGeo would provide a broader foundation for Kraken to build a significant recurring revenue stream from a provision of reduced carbon emissions survey services.
The acquisition will result in a more balanced blend of revenue (both defense and commercial) and product mix (product sales and services).
PanGeo has an attractive diversified customer base consisting of leading companies in offshore renewables and offshore energy. Most of PanGeo’s offshore survey revenue is generated in Europe, with new opportunities emerging in the U.S. and Asia.
PanGeo’s geotechnical and geophysical expertise, operational excellence and service delivery capabilities for the marine survey market are complementary to Kraken’s newly emerging service business. Kraken’s service capabilities consist of ultra-high-definition subsea imaging technologies that have been proven and well received in the defense market but are just as applicable to the commercial subsea survey and inspection markets, albeit delivered as a service (rather than a product sale).
PanGeo’s technology augments Kraken’s to provide a more complete range of subsea surveying services. PanGeo’s Synthetic Aperture Sonar 3D seabed penetrating technology, which allows customers to understand the characteristics of the sub-seabed, will pair well with Kraken’s high ultra-high-definition seabed imaging technologies. This is essential to understanding the sub-seabed characteristics for infrastructure builds as well as maintenance and repair (buried pipelines, buried cables, buried UXOs, offshore wind turbine and offshore oil platform construction).
Kraken will be able to take advantage of synergies to advance the development of technology on both platforms more quickly and more efficiently. The combined platforms will have a strong R&D feedback loop as new technologies are deployed, tested, and iterated in Kraken’s services business.
Kraken does not expect significant integration risk as PanGeo’s management team is also headquartered, and has significant operations, in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
Kraken CEO Comments
Karl Kenny, Kraken President and CEO said:
Commenting on the LOI, “Since plans for our OceanVision project started in 2018, we have been preparing our industry leading Synthetic Aperture Sonar and 3D underwater laser scanning technologies to be used in a Robotics/Data as a Service (RDaaS) business model as opposed to a product only strategy. While customers in the defense industry generally purchase this technology, in the commercial market customers are more focused on the provision of services by capable third-party companies. We believe that this potential acquisition would complement Kraken’s existing products and services with a stronger base of recurring revenues. As in the past, we expect PanGeo and Kraken will continue to work with many offshore service companies that prime these jobs and integrate specific scopes of work from various sub-contractors.”
PanGeo CEO Comments
Moya Cahill, PanGeo’s co-founder and CEO noted:
“Notwithstanding that there is due diligence and negotiation for Kraken to complete this acquisition, this opportunity is very exciting for PanGeo as Kraken and PanGeo are world leaders in seabed and sub-seabed technology applications, respectively. Assuming closing of this transaction, I am confident that ocean industry customers will benefit from a broader suite of offerings from sensors, platforms, and service delivery solutions. PanGeo has a more than 10-year commercial track record of providing 3D acoustic imaging solutions to offshore renewable energy, offshore energy, and defense customers.”
Proposed Transaction Details
Although the LOI remains non-binding, it is anticipated that the purchase price will be between $18-$24 million, based on PanGeo’s performance over the 2-year period following the acquisition, to be paid by way of cash and stock over that period. Based on initial information provided by the target, the unaudited consolidated assets at December 31, 2020, of the business that Kraken is proposing to acquire were $11.7 million and net debt was $0.4 million. Unaudited trailing 12-month revenues for the period ended December 31, 2020, were $9.0 million and the corresponding EBITDA was a loss of $0.5 million. This was down from comparable 2019 revenues of $10.8 million and EBITDA of $2.3 million. The year-over-year decline was largely due to the impact of COVID on customer activity.
Completion of the acquisition is subject to, among other matters, the completion of due diligence, the negotiation of a definitive agreement providing for the transaction, and satisfaction of certain other conditions to be negotiated therein. Given the materiality to Kraken, it is not anticipated that any Kraken shareholder approval would be required to complete the proposed acquisition. Pursuant to the LOI, the parties have agreed to a 60-day exclusivity period during which they will complete their due diligence and negotiate exclusively with each other with a view to settling the terms of the transaction and the form of definitive agreement. Further details will be provided upon successful completion of the due diligence period and the signing of a definitive agreement. The LOI may be terminated by either party if a definitive agreement is not entered into by May 31, 2021. In addition to other conditions, the proposed acquisition remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and The Marine Technology Society (MTS) announce the second annual Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration is now open. Nominations must be received by 31 May 2021.
Awarded jointly by both societies, the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, or propagation of marine/ underwater technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration. The award is named in honour of Captain (Ret) Don Walsh, an accomplished American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste on January 23, 1960 when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point of the world's oceans. Dr. Edie Widder, an MTS member, won the inaugural award in 2020.
The judging panel, comprised of the presidents and three members from each society, will reflect diversity in demographics, sector and discipline. In addition, Dr. Edie Widder, MacArthur Fellow, a deep-sea explorer, and conservationist known for her expertise in oceanographic research and technological innovation and her commitment to reversing the worldwide trend of marine ecosystem degradation, will join the judging panel.
“A pioneer, outstanding Naval officer, mentor and influencer is how I describe Don Walsh. MTS is proud to join SUT in this award that recognizes an individual who is pushing the limits of ocean exploration,” said Zdenka Willis, President of MTS
“Don Walsh has been an inspirational role model for six decades, we are looking for a winner whose achievements will similarly inspire early career marine technologist, scientists and engineers,” said Judith Patten MBE, President of the SUT.
The ocean wildlife and diverse ecosystems of the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) will soon be more visible than ever thanks to pioneering work to establish a major network of underwater camera deployments.
Funded as part of the UK Government Blue Belt programme, scientists from Cefas, the University of Western Australia and partners in the UKOTs are working with Blue Abacus, in a world first to supply and analyse the data collected from 66 non-intrusive stereo-Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), which will be deployed in open ocean and coastal habitats.
Together these BRUVS will form the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network, which will provide information on ocean biodiversity and ecosystems found in the vast maritime and coastal areas of the UKOTs in the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern Ocean.
The UKOTs involved in the project are: Anguilla, Ascension Island, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha.
BRUVS will enable researchers to see below the surface and provide a benchmark of scientific understanding of the marine species within their maritime area, allowing the UKOTs to take more informed decisions about protecting and managing these diverse ecosystems.
The data the cameras collect will provide a standard measure of the status of both open ocean and reef species, letting scientists and the UKOTs set benchmarks for diversity and abundances. This will form valuable information on the many migratory species of open ocean and coastal reef fish species, assist in the management of data-poor fisheries and also improve our understanding of the functioning of pelagic and benthic ecosystems.
Co-founder of Blue Abacus and Professor at the University of Western Australia, Jessica Meeuwig said:
“The world’s tunas, sharks and large reef fish continue to decline in numbers and this trend must be reversed. This programme will give decision makers the evidence they need to act decisively in support of their blue economies.
“We are delighted that the UK Government and Overseas Territories support the drive for increased knowledge as we rebuild our oceans. Our refinements to conventional underwater cameras are what makes possible the rollout of this programme over four ocean basins, the largest single such government-supported initiative globally.
“We look forward to working with the communities in the Overseas Territories, building on their local knowledge and experience.”
The Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network of underwater stereo-baited cameras supports ongoing work amongst the UKOTs, many of which are part of the UK Government Blue Belt Programme, which now covers more than 4 million square kilometres of ocean.
Cefas project lead, Dr Paul Whomersley said:
“The UKOTs are taking a global lead on protecting their oceans and the wildlife and livelihoods that it supports.
“Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network will provide UKOTs with a world-first network of stereo-baited remote underwater video systems which will enable us all to better understand the biodiversity, functioning and connectivity of these ocean areas, while providing valuable and necessary data to inform and develop UKOTs marine management and protection strategies.”
The project has received support from UK ministers and UKOT representatives.
Timothy Austin, Deputy Director, Research and Assessment, Cayman Islands Department of Environment said:
“The Cayman Islands Department of Environment is very excited at the opportunity to participate in the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network that will bring the BRUV network into the Caribbean region for the first time.
“Nearshore benthic BRUVs have been an important research tool for informing marine species and protected area management in the Cayman Islands. The opportunity to take this technology further offshore will greatly enhance the Cayman Islands’ ability to implement meaningful and effective conservation regimes for this data limited, poorly understood, but crucially important ecosystem.”
Diane Baum, Director of Conservation and Fisheries, Ascension Island Government said:
“Ascension is committed to safeguarding its vast 445,000km2 Marine Protected Area, but we recognise how challenging this will be. The support of the Blue Belt Programme and the opportunity to join Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network will help us to meet that challenge.
“Our previous use of BRUVs has given us an insight into the amazing diversity of our open ocean ecosystems and enabled us to identify hotspots of biodiversity that need special protection. Being part of this initiative will provide Ascension with the information we need to take good local management decisions.
“It will also strengthen the network of UK Overseas Territories that is driving improvements in marine conservation at a global scale. Ascension aspires to be the best MPA in the world by basing its management on sound evidence, adopting new technologies and seeking inspirational international partners; this project achieves all three.”
Dr Simon Morley, British Antarctic Survey, representing British Antarctic Territory said:
“Science is constantly striving to find innovative solutions to monitor the marine environment and these baited cameras offer a solution to help us better understand mid-water communities close to shore along the Antarctic Peninsula. This global network, gives us an excellent opportunity to compare different oceans and understanding the impact of our changing climate."
Over the next few months, complete sets of carbon-fibre stereo-BRUVS and associated equipment will be delivered to the UK Overseas Territories.
This initiative builds on progress to date through the Blue Belt programme to improve our understanding of the marine environment of the UKOTs, and to ensure these diverse ecosystems are protected and managed for future generations. Through the programme, the UKOTs have put in place large-scale marine protection and management measures which cover an area of over 4 million square kilometres.
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Awarded jointly by both societies, the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, or propagation of marine/ underwater technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration. The award is named in honour of Captain (Ret) Don Walsh, an accomplished American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste on January 23, 1960 when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point of the world's oceans. Dr. Edie Widder, an MTS member, won the inaugural award in 2020.