Handy Helpers: Electric Underwater Tools and Manipulators
, and execute tasks with reduced operator input.Development teams have started functional and load testing, with Nauticus Robotics’ Aquanaut AUV serving as the initial integration vehicle for future field demonstrations.An electric future“What's particularly exciting is the role these technologies will play in reducing human intervention in hazardous environments,” Dewell enthused. “By combining advanced manipulation with greater automation and, ultimately, Al-enabled capabilities, we can improve safety, make operations more efficient and unlock new ways of working underwater
Comms and Control
,000 kilometers fully submerged mission over 385 hours of continuous operation, including over 4,000 non-linear maneuvers. The demonstration was achieved using the hydrogen fuel cell technology developed with Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc.On announcing a memorandum of understanding with Integer Technologies, Alex Johnson, Director of Products at Cellula Robotics, highlighted the need for system awareness and mission confidence in long-range undersea operations. The agreement establishes a cooperative framework to layer Integer’s DIGIT COMMAND operator software with Cellula’s mission control
SMD Appoints New Senior Leadership
as the company prepares to bring more next-generation electric systems to market.Supporting this growth is Paul Green, new head of continuous improvement. His role focuses on optimising manufacturing processes, improving operational performance and ensuring the business continues to scale as new technologies are brought to market.As the industry transitions towards electrification, SMD continues to invest in the development of next-generation technologies and has received multiple customer orders for its new electric ROVs. Deliveries of QuantumEV Construction machines and AtomEV IRM/Survey machines
MFE Becomes U.S. Distributor for IVM’s HYDRO Photogrammetry Systems
MFE Inspection Solutions has partnered with IVM Technologies, becoming IVM’s first authorized U.S. distributor for its HYDRO Series.Through MFE Offshore, U.S. offshore and subsea teams will gain access to these photogrammetry systems for creating accurate 3D models of underwater assets.“Subsea teams are increasingly looking for more than visual documentation—they need accurate measurements and detailed 3D records for their inspections and work planning,” said Wendy Post, General Manager of MFE Offshore. “IVM has developed its HYDRO Series around these practical inspection
One Hull, Many Missions: How Modular USVs Are Changing Autonomous Marine Operations
mounting locations, including a moon pool, dry payload bay, mast, or keel, allowing operators to quickly configure the vehicle for different sensors without fundamentally changing the platform itself.This flexibility eliminates the need to maintain separate vessels for every mission while allowing new technologies to be integrated as operational needs evolve.The platform also incorporates over-the-horizon communications, multiple power options, and remote command-and-control capabilities that enable operators to supervise missions from shore. In many cases, a single operator can oversee multiple vehicles
Geir Håøy Appointed to MacArtney Board of Directors
MacArtney Underwater Technology has appointed Geir Håøy, former President and CEO of KONGSBERG, to its Board of Directors, effective June 2026. Throughout his career, Håøy has worked with technologies developed and deployed in maritime, defense, and ocean-focused industries, where operational performance carries clear consequences. Håøy spent more than 30 years at KONGSBERG, including over 10 years as President and CEO. His career includes leading global technology organizations, international roles in Asia, including Singapore and South Korea, and responsibil
US Proposes Seabed Mining Auction off Northern Mariana Islands
east and west of the U.S. Pacific territory.The sale would be held on Dec. 16, 2026, in California, with leases awarded through a competitive bidding process.The leases would allow companies to explore for and potentially develop deposits of critical minerals used in batteries, electronics and defense technologies.Acting MMA Director Matt Giacona said in a statement the proposal is intended to support U.S. access to minerals needed for supply chains, manufacturing and national security.Officials will first consider comments from the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands before deciding whether to move
MASS Momentum: Making Maritime Autonomy Technology Fit for Purpose
experience while also building trust among crew, operators, regulators and other stakeholders.Bridging Human Factors Engineering and Training GapsHuman Factors Engineering (HFE) remains one of the most significant challenges in the progression toward autonomous maritime operations. While many emerging technologies must consider how they influence human activity, autonomy is fundamentally built around human involvement. Every autonomous function interacts with human decision-making, oversight and intervention, which means the human element cannot be treated as an afterthought.Current HFE gaps for autonomous
Royal Navy Trials Quantum Clock
In the first-of-its-kind trials, the Royal Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office worked with SAAB and quantum technology experts Aquark Technologies to further test the company’s AQlock.The cold atom clock does not rely on traditional timing information provided by conventional global navigation satellite systems. Instead, atoms inside are slowed down at very low temperatures and detect any changes by comparing the frequency of the clock to those atoms, allowing for ultra-precise timing.Already tested at sea for three days with HMS Pursuer last year, the latest trials saw
February 2026
