OMS Group Opens Remote Operations Centre in Singapore
, holding valid STCW qualifications aligned with STCW II/2 Master 500 GT or above. Operations are conducted with continuous professional watchkeeping and oversight rather than unsupervised autonomy.The Singapore ROC has also successfully completed an inspection against IMCA M272, the International Marine Contractors Association's recommended practice for USV Remote Operation Centre inspections. The facility has been developed with consideration for evolving international frameworks governing remotely operated and autonomous vessels
Vessel Maintenance Demands Rise, IMCA Urges Focus on Diver Safety
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has reminded vessel owners and operators of the significant risks associated with underwater ship husbandry (UWSH) operations as activity in the Strait of Hormuz increases.As vessels begin returning to service following extended periods at anchor, demand for hull cleaning, inspection, and maintenance has risen sharply. These activities, commonly grouped under UWSH, play a critical role in restoring vessel efficiency by removing marine growth and biofouling.Bloomberg has reported that orders for crews to clean ship hulls fouled by algae, slime
Digging Deeper: Challenges and Trends in the Dredging Industry
;without jeopardizing safety—Nash feels that the industry is still behind. “It is a known fact that the construction industry has historically been a laggard in the adoption of technology in comparison to other industries,” he said. “It has been my observation that marine contractors and dredgers lag the construction industry by a number of years.”The technologyDespite vast industry challenges and the feeling of being behind, numerous technologies are available, ranging from sensors to sonar to software.Teledyne's PDS dredge guidance systems combine software with
Decommissioning: IMCA Issued Diver Safety Guide
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published new industry guidance designed to improve safety during subsea decommissioning and dismantlement projects, warning that ageing offshore infrastructure, incomplete historical records and changing site conditions are creating an increasingly high-risk environment for commercial diving operations.As offshore oil and gas assets around the world reach the end of their operational life, decommissioning activity is expected to increase significantly over the next decade.According to Rystad Energy, global decommissioning expenditure is
Evolving Strategies for Subsea Cable Security
and around UK waters. The operation was considered part of a Russian bluff while other specialist vessels conducted nefarious activities near critical underwater infrastructure.Incidents like these continue to spark industry comment, and this week Iain Grainger, Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), said: “What we are seeing reflects a broader trend: subsea infrastructure is becoming more exposed and more strategically important. These are the systems that support communications, energy supply, and financial markets. When they are disrupted, the effects are immediate
European Consortium Targets Marine Noise from Offshore Wind Projects
A group of European offshore wind and marine engineering companies has launched a consortium to develop technology aimed at reducing underwater noise from offshore construction.The Searénité consortium brings together Chantiers de l’Atlantique, EDF power solutions, Heerema Marine Contractors, Menck, RTE, Sealence and Smulders.The group aims to develop a noise mitigation system tailored to offshore wind installations, where activities such as piling and vessel operations can affect marine ecosystems.The project will focus on adapting SubSea Quieter, a patented technology developed
IMCA Enhances Digital Learning Hub
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has announced it has launched IMCA Skills, their leading, digital, learning hub, which will now be the go-to place for the marine industry’s competence and development needs.The first product on the new platform is the migration of the Dynamic Positioning continuing professional development learning program which is designed to be the first step in bringing all their CPD content together in the secure and easy-to-use platform which will offer improved learning and user experience.It is designed to make professional development simpler
Red Sea Cable Cuts Emphasize Infrastructure Resilience
heightened regional tensions and follows warnings from governments that subsea infrastructure could be targeted.“The Red Sea cable cuts show that subsea infrastructure is no longer a background issue, it is frontline critical," said Iain Grainger, Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). "When cables fail, nations lose connectivity, financial flows are interrupted, and economies feel the shock immediately. This sector is now more critical than ever to global security and stability.”Subsea cables carry 99 per cent of the world’s internet
Subsea Cable Industry Warns of Repair Gaps in Europe’s Digital and Energy Networks
Europe’s subsea cable infrastructure, the backbone of its digital economy and energy transition, is facing mounting risks from geopolitical tension, climate impacts, and lack of preparedness. In a joint position statement, the European Subsea Cables Association (ESCA) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have warned that regulatory barriers, a shortage of skilled offshore workers and the lack of readily available solutions are compromising the continent’s ability to repair damaged cables.The statement comes in response to the European Commission’s Cable Security
August 2026
