Geographic expansion and key appointments strengthen Unique Group’s Survey division
Following the successful expansion into Australia, leading integrated subsea and offshore solutions provider, Unique Group, has expanded its survey operations in the Netherlands, whilst strengthening its global survey team with three senior appointments.
The move is in line with the company’s strategy to provide autonomous survey solutions and technologically advanced survey and inspection equipment to customers in Europe via Unique Group’s Netherlands facility, and with a view to navigating the challenges wrought by both Brexit legislation and COVID-19 restrictions.
With a large warehouse and servicing premises, the Werkendam-based facility will house significant stock of Unique Group’s core rental products including Multibeam systems, Magnetometers, Side Scan Sonars, Inertial Navigation Systems as well as a range of diver and ROV inspection equipment.
Maintaining the company’s ongoing global growth strategy, Unique Group has made three new senior appointments to its survey team, based in Singapore, Aberdeen and Houston. Zac Lee joins as Senior Business Development Manager in Singapore, bringing over 10 years’ experience working in the technical and management roles within the subsea equipment sector. Brook Rodger joins as UK Sales Manager in Aberdeen following management positions within subsea specialists Nortek and iXblue. As Global Asset Manager, Houston-based subsea expert, Dave Ross, joins Unique Group with a remit to optimise increased asset investment across the Group through enhanced asset tracking and advanced visibility.
Sahil Gandhi, COO at Unique Group, said: “We are making good progress with our strategic goals for the Survey division; the addition of autonomous survey and equipment capabilities to our Netherlands office brings us closer to our clients in mainland Europe. Equally, our soon-to-be-launched e-commerce website, which will make ordering requirements easier for our customers, regardless of location.”
Andy Doggett, Unique Group’s Survey Equipment Group Director, added: “We are pleased to welcome Zac, Brook and Dave to the team, as they bring with them a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge which will add value to our clients and Unique Group alike.”
For more information visit: www.uniquegroup.com
Sercel and Kappa Offshore Solutions jointly launch PIKSEL – a new high-resolution 3D marine seismic solution for renewable energy applications
Sercel and Kappa Offshore Solutions are pleased to announce PIKSEL, a compact marine seismic solution specially designed for acquiring the best seismic data for high-resolution 3D imaging of targeted offshore areas. Capitalizing on Sercel’s Sentinel® streamer technology, widely recognized for its outstanding robustness and accurate measurement capabilities, and Kappa Offshore Solutions’ expertise in equipment integration and hydrodynamic modeling, PIKSEL can acquire high- and ultra-high-precision seismic data using a new and highly efficient process, meeting the requirements of the market for high-resolution site surveys.
PIKSEL draws on the low noise performance of its Sentinel® streamer’s hydrophone design as well as an optimized rigging and handling system that minimizes vibration. For enhanced broadband imaging, PIKSEL can also utilize Sercel’s Sentinel MS 3-C multi-sensor streamer to ensure the most accurate and noise-free signal possible.
With its optimized hydrodynamic shape, towing speed has never been so high, making survey acquisition faster. PIKSEL can also be towed deeper than any other solution, allowing for data recording in rough seas and thereby
reducing downtime.
For improved operational efficiency, the turnkey PIKSEL solution can be containerized to enable quick installation onboard a range of vessel types. PIKSEL is also compatible with QuietSeaTM, Sercel’s Passive Acoustic Monitoring system, Nautilus®, Sercel’s powerful streamer positioning solution, and SeaProNav Suite, Sercel’s complete high-performance navigation platform.
Thibaut Choquer, Kappa Offshore Solutions CEO, said: “We are extremely proud to partner with Sercel in designing an industrial system for high-resolution and ultra-high-resolution seismic data acquisition at sea. This new system improves the efficiency of geohazard assessment surveys and paves the way for geophysical and geotechnical data integration, which is of particular interest for the development of offshore renewable energies.”
Emmanuelle Dubu, Sercel CEO, said: “As a result of our partnership with Kappa Offshore Solutions, Sercel offers the best-in-class marine seismic acquisition solution with unprecedented performance to meet the rigorous requirements of all types of high-resolution marine seismic applications, including renewable energy infrastructure projects. The new PIKSEL solution makes it significantly easier to conduct continuous surveys even in poor weather conditions, thereby improving offshore productivity.”
For more information visit: www.kappaoffshoresolutions.com
New survey company Nicola Offshore opens for business
Expert team to focus on offshore industry requirements for niche, specialised marine data acquisition
Nicola Offshore GmbH, a new company specialising in turnkey services for the most challenging marine survey campaigns and on-demand missions in and around Europe started operations from its HQ in Hamburg today on 15th March 2021.
Working from an agile logistics and technology platform, Nicola Offshore was established to service the more complex and specialist aspects of marine surveying, including underwater object detection, unexploded ordinance (UXO), and subsea cable investigations, as well as pre- and post-dredging reports.
The company is a joint venture between Nicola Engineering GmbH, a German marine survey provider with over 40 years’ experience and ProMarine BV, a well-known and highly regarded Dutch workboat manufacturer.
Fulfilling its laser-sharp focus of providing fast-turnaround surveys for offshore oil & gas, and renewable energy clients, Nicola Offshore has developed an advanced marine data acquisition platform based on ProMarine fast workboats fitted with the unique integrated Hydrographic Survey System (iHSS) from marine data acquisition specialist, Subsea Europe Services GmbH.
Andres Nicola, CEO of Nicola Engineering said:
“We have noticed a significant upturn in requests for unplanned multibeam echo sounder-based surveys especially around offshore wind farms, and are confident that establishing a team to specialise in producing high quality data in these challenging conditions is the most effective way to meet the specialised needs.”
Daniel Esser, Managing Director of Nicola Offshore added:
“We are building capabilities to tackle the toughest survey projects that demand speed and agility to collect high quality data while meeting strict deadlines, often under extreme conditions. The team we have put together has the drive, expertise and experience to respond to the most daunting challenges in marine survey.”
Dick Duin, CEO of ProMarine concluded:
“The combination of fast vessels and cutting-edge survey technology positions Nicola Offshore as a unique resource for offshore clients that need gap-filler surveys actioned quickly and effectively. We’re looking forward to saying yes to the jobs that many would decline and are confident that our team, equipment and methods will deliver the results our clients demand.”
For more information visit: www.nicola-offshore.com
PML are recruiting a Marine Robotics Technologist
Closing Date:
16/04/2021
Division:
Science and Technology
Description:
Full Time - Open Ended Appointment
Starting Salary:
£24,150per annum*
The role:
Building on the recent successes of the Smart Sound Plymouth (www.smartsoundplymouth.co.uk), the Plymouth Marine Laboratory is pleased to announce a marine robotics technologist post to join the world leading Smart Sound Plymouth team.
Plymouth Marine Laboratory leads Smart Sound Plymouth, which is the UK’s premier proving area for the development, validation and demonstration of cutting-edge products and services for the marine sector. The Smart Sound is ideally suited for building and supporting the next generation of advanced marine technologies. One of the unique aspects of Smart Sound Plymouth is the prestigious Western Channel Observatory (www.westernchannelobservatory.org.uk). The observatory is a set of long-term time-series stations, situated in the English Channel and has a long history in marine technology development, in particular autonomous buoys, real-time systems communication, and real-world in-water sensor proving. Recent funding successes in the order of £3.5 million have provided the opportunity to develop and enhance the technology and sensing platforms of these leading science and innovation projects. The investment has enabled the development of the UK’s first operational profiling mooring, the acquisition of an Autonaut autonomous surface vessel (www.autonautusv.com), which is equipped with an advanced scientific payload. PML will shortly also take delivery of the UK’s first fleet of fully integrated ecoSUB Robotics submersibles (www.ecosub.uk) and an enhanced water column sampling rosette for our research vessel the Plymouth Quest. To provide high speed communications and full network connectivity to these assets PML are leading the delivery of an offshore communications network. The successful candidate will form part of the team delivering on these new and exciting technologies as well as developing the existing technology assets of the WCO. Through Smart Sound the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with industry leading organisations developing innovative technologies in key areas of autonomy, environmental sensing, and digitalisation.
Candidates for the post will ideally have experience in robotics with good coding and computer hardware development skills. Also, an ability to work in a high-pressure environment where innovative solutions are often required. Experience in marine electronics would be an advantage, as well as the ability to maintain scientific equipment to a high standard of calibration and operation. A basic level of mechanical engineering ability is preferred and the ability to work at sea for short periods of time is a requirement of the posts.
The post is available immediately and is open ended. To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact the Head of Smart Sound Plymouth (Dr James Fishwick) via [email protected]
PML offers a variety of employee benefits: https://www.pml.ac.uk/Working_with_us/Vacancies/Employee_Benefits
*PML offers annual salary increments over a five year period, rising to £29,285 maximum.
To apply please visit: https://advanced.advorto.com/PML/VacancyInformation.aspx?VId=21551
PO number is P200169.
XOCEAN Launch Next Generation USV
XOCEAN have launched a next generation USV, the XO-580. This new aluminium design joins our existing fleet of XO-450’s delivering faster, deeper and longer ‘over the horizon’ surveys. Like all XOCEAN USVs, this platform offers a safe, economic and carbon neutral solution to collecting ocean data. Here is a video of the new vessel in action:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6775753301523791872
A-2-Sea is awarded Medium Water contract of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's Civil Hydrography Programme
Following a competitive tender process, A-2-Sea Solutions has been awarded the Medium Water contract of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP) for 2021 and 2022.
A-2-Sea was previously awarded the Routine Resurvey contract, which covers navigationally critical shallow water areas around the UK with a mobile seabed. Following successful completion of data acquisition and subsequent submission of rendered data to the MCA and UKHO, the Routine Resurvey contract has been extended for a further two years until 2022.
Governed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the CHP aims to acquire, process and deliver accurate hydrographic data to inform updates to nautical charts and publications. In addition to a high-quality bathymetric dataset, the work scope also demands wreck investigation, backscatter data acquisition and seabed grab sampling for ground-truthing.
A-2-Sea will utilise a suite of high-specification survey and positioning equipment, including Kongsberg Multibeam Echosounders (MBES), RTK and GNSS positioning. Each vessel will acquire a high-resolution dataset, employing CARIS HIPS and SIPS software for post-processing to UKHO standards. The data will then be quality-assured, confirming elements including data density, geodetic parameters and tidal observations before being used to update nautical charts and publications covering UK waters.
Survey Director Chris Briggs comments: "We are thrilled to be working once again with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the Civil Hydrography Programme. Being awarded the Medium Water contract in addition to our existing Routine Resurvey contract is a testament to our survey department's dedication and ability to produce high-quality products. Over the past 18 months, our team has expanded and matured, as we deliver larger and more complex projects. We look forward to delivering another successful project to the MCA."
For further information or to learn more about the project, please contact [email protected].
Fugro joins forces with dCarbonX on decarbonisation exploration
Fugro has signed a strategic framework agreement (SFA) with dCarbonX, a pioneering geo-energy resource company, for decarbonisation exploration projects supporting the development of offshore geo-energy resources in the UK and Ireland. The SFA will enable Fugro and dCarbonX to collaborate on decarbonisation exploration projects at the earliest opportunity and to share relevant data, technological insights and operational scheduling.
Both Fugro and dCarbonX, which specialises in finding and adapting offshore subsurface assets to facilitate the transition from fossil-based to renewable energy systems, are committed to challenging the energy status quo to create a safe and liveable world. Fugro will apply their consultancy mindset to help progress opportunities, and their Geo-data acquisition, analysis and advice will provide dCarbonX with critical information to characterise sites and support decision-making at the project concept stage. Fugro’s consultancy services in the SFA will include comprehensive desktop studies to derisk ground conditions, recommendations on the survey or ground investigation data required, baseline environmental, geochemical and bathymetric surveys, and geophysical and geotechnical site investigation campaigns. As projects progress, the two companies will also collaborate on monitoring methods to ensure that operations are performed safely, efficiently and in an environmentally responsible manner.
Laura Hughes, Fugro Country Director UK, said: “We’re excited to work with dCarbonX and use our combined expertise to explore decarbonisation opportunities. Fugro is deeply committed to accelerating the energy transition by developing geo-energy resources such as CCS, hydrogen storage and geothermal energy, which have the potential to transform the way we live and interact with the planet.”
For more information visit: www.fugro.com
Sequoia launches a new high-precision transmissometer for underwater vehicles
Sequoia announces the LISST-Tau – a new, compact, 2,000-m rated high-precision transmissometer for underwater vehicles, profiling packages, CTDs, remotely operated towed vehicles and other underwater systems. The LISST-Tau is available with a green or red light source and uses a 15-cm pathlength for high-precision measurements across a wide range of water types. More information and data sheet for the LISST-Tau is available here: www.sequoiasci.com/product/lisst-tau/
Dr. Ole Mikkelsen, Sequoia’s President, says about the new development ‘We are delighted that we are able to bring a high precision transmissometer to market. Our particle-sizing LISSTs, on the market since 1995, have always been able to measure transmission but the LISST-Tau is our first dedicated transmissometer. It has been field-tested and performs very well in challenging waters and at depth.’
The LISST-Tau is available through Sequoia and Sequoia’s worldwide distributor network (www.sequoiasci.com) for all commercial and scientific applications. The LISST-Tau is available for immediate ordering with a six-week lead time. Sequoia expects the LISST-Tau to be available from stock by Q4 2021.
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project announces new collaboration with Scripps Institution of Oceanography
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego have strengthened their collaboration with a newly-established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The main purpose of the MOU is to pursue the attainment of worldwide bathymetric data, and to increase humanity’s understanding of the oceans.
Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO to inspire the complete mapping of the world's ocean by 2030, and to compile all bathymetric data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. GEBCO is a joint project of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.
Founded in 1903, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest and largest centres for ocean and Earth science research in the world. The institution operates large open ocean-class research vessels for ocean exploration with instrumentation for seafloor mapping.
Scientists at Scripps Oceanography use global marine gravity models, derived from satellite altimetry, to interpolate and predict seafloor depth at low spatial resolution in areas devoid of depth soundings – roughly 80% of the deep ocean floor. These global predicted depth maps provide the foundational layer for the Seabed 2030 grids.
“Seabed 2030 is pleased to welcome the support of an established institution such as Scripps, in our pursuit of producing the complete map of the world’s oceans,” commented Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Director of Seabed 2030. “Collaborative working is fundamental to our mission, and we look forward to progressing our goal as we enter the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.”
Dr David Sandwell, Professor of Geophysics at Scripps Oceanography said: “Scripps is committed to protecting the planet. By investigating our oceans, Earth and atmosphere, our scientists are able to better understand the world we live in and offer solutions to some of our greatest environmental challenges.
“Scripps is dedicated to research that will have an impact, and a complete map of the ocean floor will have an immeasurable impact on the future of our planet.”
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 Project is included in the GEBCO global grid – the most complete bathymetric dataset of the world’s ocean floor, which is free and publicly available.
For more information visit: www.seabed2030.org
New collaboration brings together high speed ROV capability and reduced costs
Created in response to Covid-19 operational requirements
Two Scottish companies, Aberdeen-based Underwater Contracting (UCO) and Gulfxstream from the Isle of Lewis, have entered into a working collaboration that will reduce costs of underwater inspection and survey.
The agreement sees the permanent installation of one of UCO’s observation and inspection ROVs aboard Gulfxstream’s MV Viking. This means the spread can be mobilised at short notice and, with MV Viking’s cruising speed of 20 knots and able to operate 60 miles from shore, rapidly transit to location, significantly cutting mobilisation costs.
Stationed at Peterhead in North-east Scotland, and servicing the O&G, renewables, decommissioning, and marine sectors, the vessel and ROV will be equipped to carry out a full range of specialist support services.
Depth rated to 300m, the ROV is fitted with sonar and underwater cameras. Additional sensors such as 3D cameras, laser metrology and survey tools can also be fitted to the ROV. MV Viking is certified to carry 12 people and, with ample deck space, means client personnel and equipment can be onboarded for a range of mission specific tasks.
Projects are envisaged to include underwater inspection of marine and renewable structures, hydrographic surveying, environmental monitoring and ocean research, search and rescue, hull inspections at sea or in port, emergency response for cable and pipeline damage identification, aquaculture survey and support, media and film production and even unique leisure experiences.
In addition, it can provide UWILDs, EOD and MMO support, seabed surveys, wave buoy deployment, salvage support and guard duties, equipment, personnel transfer and also for fuel transfer, thanks to its high fuel capacity.
The collaboration came in response to the impact Covid-19 is having on some offshore operations, creating a need for a fast, quickly mobilised service capable of carrying out a variety of tasks across a range of disciplines.
Calum Buchanan, MD of Gulfxstream, said: “This exciting collaboration with UCO comes at a time when there has been a marked increase in enquiries for our vessels for activities such as the servicing of offshore renewables sites, inspection of vessels stationed at sea, personnel transfer and similar tasks due to the effect Covid-19 is having on operations.
“The combination of the ROV and vessel in a cost effective package gives clients access to a single source solution for services, pre-mobilised and ready to work at very short notice. We believe this new way of working will bring efficiencies to marine operations for the future beyond COVID-19.”
Mick Bower, General Manager of UCO, said: “We are proud to work with Gulfxstream in bringing a solution to market that offers clients access to innovative technology and services from a highly adaptable platform. Giving them access to such a comprehensive range of services in one package will allow them to make optimum use of the time on hire to carry out other tasks.”
A rollout of the service to west Scotland and other ports around the UK is now being planned, a move which is expected to create additional jobs and further investment in the two companies. Two additional Gulfxstream vessels are ready for deployment for the next phase of growth, the GXS Valtos which has can operate 150miles offshore and the GXS Venturer, a high speed commercial RIB.
For more information please visit: www.underwatercontracting.com