Cameras

IMarEST Supports Research into Collaborative Autonomous Fleets

IMarEST awards AU$14,000 Laurie Prandolini Fellowship for research into collaborative autonomous marine fleets   The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) has awarded its Laurie Prandolini Research Fellowship of AU$14,000 to Fletcher Thompson toward his PhD research project, Project FOX (Fleet Operations and eXpeditions), which aims to “establish distributed intelligence into an autonomous marine vehicle fleet to exhibit collaborative behaviors.”   Thompson holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Naval Architecture, and is a PhD candidate at

The Autonomous Future of Seabed Mapping

fact, thanks to advances in satellite monitoring by pioneers such as David Sandwell and colleagues, we now have coverage of the entire ocean.    While these maps are only at a resolution of around 5 kilometers – less than current global maps of Mars and Venus – it has given us submarine topography data in locations we weren’t able to access previously. For us to really understand what lies under the surface, scientists must travel to the site and use acoustic techniques such as sonar and multibeam bathymetry to produce detailed maps. But, the financial and logistical obstacles

US Coast Guard Shipwreck Found – 100 Years Later

deployed to enforce fur seal regulations in the Pribilof Islands off Alaska and served as a floating courthouse for far-flung Alaskan towns.   Last October, a joint NOAA and Coast Guard training mission confirmed the location of McCulloch’s remains. Working off the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary’s research vessel Shearwater, the multi-agency science team from NOAA, National Park Service, and Coast Guard Dive Lockers Alameda and San Diego, deployed a VideoRay remotely operated vehicle to survey and characterize the shipwreck. Coast Guard 11th District cutters Halibut and Blacktip

A Small Solution Solves a Big Problem

A clever idea has found a way to penetrate the labyrinth inside offshore production tanks in search of environmental contaminates prior to decommissioning.   Saab Seaeye customer Stinger Technology, a Norwegian firm known for finding innovative ways to work in confined underwater spaces, managed to squeeze a unique underwater robotic systems configuration loaded with sampling technology through a 150 cm square hatch to search the tank's internal maze of baffles, and navigate along 25.5 cm diameter pipe-runs of curves and bends.   Stinger's idea turned the already compact remotely operated

Submersible, Magnetic Robot Performs Hull Inspections

, designed and built by Deep Trekker, is submersible to 50 meters, and houses its own onboard batteries, making deployment easy and quick for tasks such as contraband inspections and testing hull integrity or thickness. Magnetic wheels and various add-ons permit diverse applications such as scraping away marine growth or power washing the hull or examining for invasive species while in port. The Utility Crawler has both military and municipality applications as well.     Hull Inspection With magnetic wheels, the DT640 Utility MagCrawler can crawl along vertical angles to inspect the integrity

Creating Superior Buoyancy with Air

that must not be overlooked when specifying buoyancy packages for these vehicles. As such, vehicle manufacturers should look to work with suppliers that can manufacture and test these small, but essential, microspheres for use in their buoyancy.     (As published in the May 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter

New Tech Gives Insight to Ocean Color for NASA Satellites

Having recently returned to land on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) research vessel Falkor, NASA Scientists have made important observations of phytoplankton with new technology to support current and future satellite observations.   A swath of new instruments were debuted during a 25 day expedition across the Pacific exploring a wide variety of oceanic ecosystems. The focus of chief scientist Dr. Ivona Cetinic´, USRA/NASA, and her multidisciplinary team of oceanographers, engineers, biologists and computer scientists was to explore ocean particles, and more specifically the

USV Deployed for 22 Days in South China Sea

sailed with just over 6,000 liters of diesel and returned to its Singapore home port with 2,800 liters remaining.   The endurance test validated the fuel efficiency of the vessel which is built using Arovex, giving it a hull that is strong but lightweight. Powered by twin Yanmar 480-horsepower marine diesel engines, the test also validated the robustness of the vessel’s mechanical and electronic systems.    “This endurance test is a major capability demonstration of the IUSV,” said James Soon, president of Zycraft. “It showed that the IUSV can be effectively

2G Robotics to Aid Mine Countermeasure Ops

2G Robotics said it has been selected to supply AUV-based laser scanning, stills imaging and illumination solutions for HUGIN AUVs to be delivered to the Royal Norwegian Navy as part of a mine countermeasure project.   The dynamic underwater laser scanning solution will be integrated into four HUGIN AUV systems to be delved by Kongsberg Maritime to the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA), and will assist with the detection, classification and assessment of mines by combining industry-leading accuracy with real-time data acquisition.   2G Robotics will supply the following:

Deep-sea LED Strobe Uses High-potential Driver

The Dragonfish deep-sea LED strobe light was designed by Arctic Rays, LLC for imaging applications on AUVs and other underwater vehicles or platforms. Currently in use o AUVs such as the Remus 100, 600 and 6000, Dragonfish LED strobe lights offer compact size, high brightness (30,000 lumens at 5ms, 42,000 lumens at 200µs) and low current draw (550 mA at 24Vdc), suited for AUV-based still photography, where payload size and power budget are critical. Drive electronics, thermal protection and intelligent microprocessor control are integral in the Dragonfish’s small 1ATM, 6,000m-rated

Lasers Shed Light on the Inner Workings of the Giant Larvacean

New laser technology is allowing MBARI scientists to look into the structure of giant larvaceans–tadpole-like marine animals that are important players in ocean ecosystems. In a recent paper in Science Advances, MBARI researchers described a new method for measuring the flow of seawater through larvaceans and other gelatinous animals. The results will help scientists understand how much carbon dioxide the oceans are absorbing from the atmosphere. Larvaceans play a significant role in moving carbon from the upper part of the ocean down into the deep sea. They build balloon-like mucus structures

NKT Names New Cable-laying Vessel NKT Victoria

The new NKT cable-laying vessel was named NKT Victoria at a ceremony at the power cable plant in Karlskrona, Sweden. The act was carried out by the regional Governor of Blekinge and marks the starting point of a new era of NKT turnkey high-voltage offshore cable system capabilities.   NKT took delivery of the new vessel on April 10, 2017. NKT Victoria lays high-voltage offshore cables with high precision based on e.g. DP3 (Dynamic Positioning) capability and a remotely operated vehicle using cameras and sonar. If not incorporated in the power cable itself, fiber optic cables for monitoring

Norway's Heavyweights & Entrepreneurs

growth,” Jenssen says. “We have great ambitions here.”    To help those ambitions, Norway’s March offshore acreage round offered energy companies a combined 195 blocks in the Norwegian and Barents Seas.     (As published in the April 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter

Work Class ROVs

An invaluable resource for the marine industry, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) perform a multitude of tasks, from pipeline inspection to subsea construction, often equipped with an array of cameras, sonars, sensors, manipulators and other tools to go to work where divers cannot. Power and payload, ruggedness and reliability: these are crucial to the heavy class ROVs examined here in part 2 of MTR’s ROV technology series.   DOER Marine DOER’s H3000 is a midsize work class ROV. Designed for multimission use from a variety of platforms, the H3000 is well suited to underwater tasks

To Create a Sustainable Future – Digitalize Offshore Energy

U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and a $1.2 million contribution from Dong Energy, Siemens Wind, GE Energy Solutions, Scottish Power Energy Networks, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Hydrasun, Nova Innovation, British Approvals Service for Cables, JDR Cables and the European Marine Energy Centre.   The Holistic Operation and Maintenance for Energy from Offshore Wind Farms (Home-Offshore) team will include scientists and engineers from Manchester, Warwick, Cranfield, Durham and Heriot-Watt universities. Over the next three years, Home-Offshore will create an advanced

History Meets Technology in Shipwreck Alley

The vast stretches of cold, fresh water in the Great Lakes hide the stories of thousands of ships that wrecked in our nation’s inland seas. Historical records indicate more than a hundred shipwrecks have yet to be discovered in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and research teams hope to discover more this summer.   From April through August, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will lead four different teams using advanced technologies to push the boundaries of underwater archaeological survey and seek yet-to-be-discovered shipwrecks within the sanctuary.  

Forum Brings Multiplexer Technology to Rental Market

Forum Subsea Rentals, a Forum Energy Technologies business, has announced that new multiplexer video and data acquisition technology is available to their global rental market following significant investment in MacArtney’s EMO range. The acquisition of DOMINO-7 Mk II and NANO-MUX multiplexers has been made in response to a growing demand for compact, lightweight designs which deliver enhanced operational efficiencies while supporting a complex array of subsea sensors. The investment not only expands Forum’s extensive range of multiplexers, it brings the newest kit - the NANO-MUX- to

Garrington Receives Diving Industry Award

Jim Garrington, CEO of Shark Marine Technologies, is the recipient of the 2017 Technical Excellence Award presented by the Canadian Divers Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) at the Canadian Underwater Conference and Exhibition in Ottawa, Ontario.    The award recognizes Garrington’s many contributions to advancing technology for divers and the diving industry; from the first helmet mounted cameras to modular ROVs to today’s underwater diver held systems that are currently in use by military, police, scientists and commercial divers worldwide.  

NATO Science Mission Employs ‘Double Muscle’

Commencing on her first NATO sea trial of the year, the NATO research vessel (NRV) Alliance has sailed out with new assets on board that aim to enhance collaborative robotics for MCM applications, including a new vehicle, which only apparently duplicates the CMRE MUSCLE prototype. On the aft deck of the NRV Alliance, sailing for the first CMRE (Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation) scientific campaign of 2017, there are two very similar robots. One is the MUSCLE vehicle, a reliable prototype developed by CMRE for seabed mapping with automatic behavior capabilities. The other is not just

SoCal Tech Focus: DimEye

surfaces. By capturing about 30 images per second with laser line, the density of the point cloud can easily be selected during the post-processing step through the selection and extraction from the video of the corresponding number of images.     (As published in the March 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter)  

New Full Color 3D Underwater Laser Imaging System

Kraken Sonar Inc. subsidiary Kraken Robotik GmbH will introduce its new SeaVision system at the Ocean Business conference to be held in Southampton, U.K. from April 4-6, 2017.   The SeaVision RGB underwater laser imaging system offers the resolution, range and scan rate to deliver dense full color 3D point cloud images of subsea infrastructure with millimeter accuracy in real time. The initial system is designed for deployment on underwater robotic platforms such as remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). A handheld diver system is planned for

Teledyne Marine to Unveil New Tech at Ocean Business

Teledyne Marine said it will launch 15 new products spanning its navigation, positioning, glider, AUV, multibeam, interconnect, acoustic release, ADCP, light and camera technologies at Ocean Business in Southampton, U.K., April 4-6, 2017.   In addition to the product launches to be showcased at stands T5 and U12, the Teledyne Marine brands will deliver 24 informative classroom training sessions on a wide array of topics, and will conduct five dockside and test tank demonstrations highlighting the group’s autonomous surface vehicles (ASV) and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) outfitted with

Uncharted Depths: Exploring the Marianas with SuBastian

ocean.    With some areas reaching depths more than 36,000 feet, scientists rely on a range of pioneering deep-sea technologies to survey the unexplored regions of the Mariana Trench. In 1987, the submersible Alvin was the first to visit the nearby Mariana Back-arc, a zone of highly active submarine volcanism and hydrothermal vents hidden 13,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. After returning to the Back-arc 30 years later equipped with the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s new underwater vehicle SuBastian, scientists can now fill gaps in our understanding about the biogeography of these

Fiber-Optic Connector Technology for O&G Ops

may have generous lead-ins to guide the mating halves together.   Connecting Traditional Packaging to Subsea Applications To a great extent, subsea fiber optic connectors use new ways of packaging tried-and-true technologies, rather than radically new and unproven approaches. TE Connectivity Marine Oil & Gas adapts technologies that were well-established for telecom, network, aerospace and military applications to subsea applications. Subsea connector technology relies on ultra physical contact (UPC) and, more recently, angled physical contact (APC) for better performance (especially with

New Underwater Laser Scanner from 2G Robotics

2G Robotics said it will publicly launch its new underwater laser scanning solution, the ULS-500 PRO, at the April 2017 Ocean Business Exhibition in Southampton, U.K.   Now ready for market after several months of development and testing, the ULS-500 PRO will replace the ULS-500 for high resolution subsea survey. With better accuracy and real-time data acquisition, the new ULS-500 PRO improves upon 2G Robotics’ dynamic underwater laser scanning solution by increasing the ease with which surveys can be performed.   The ULS-500 PRO’s sample rates facilitate faster vehicle

Sonar Systems Help Search Teams, Scientists and Salvors

 A variety of sonar systems are now being used by law enforcement and public safety dive teams, universities and salvage companies for recovery operations, subsea surveys and marine research. Sonars produce almost photographic images of the underwater environment regardless of water clarity. Side scan sonar can sweep several hundred feet of ocean, lake, or river bottom in one pass of the boat allowing large areas to be searched or surveyed quickly. Scanning sonar, which operates in water similar to the way radar operates in air, can image a 200 foot circle on the bottom in less than a minute.

ECA Group Introduces New Inspection-Class ROV

ECA Group’s new remotely operated vehicle (ROV) H300-V launched in February 2017 is dedicated to observation and inspection missions in harsh environments.   A new release of the ECA Group H300 ROV series, the H300-V is positioned between the H300 MK2 and H800 vehicles to meet the demands associated with operating in harsh environments, the manufacturer said.   According to Philippe Roumegue, ECA Group Sales Director – Robotics Department – ROVs, “There are two main reasons for this new version of ROV H300. The first is the need to enhance speed performances and

Why Did the El Faro Sink?

Deep-sea vehicles locate data recorder on the seafloor   On October 1, 2015, the 790-foot cargo ship El Faro sank near the Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin. All 33 crew members died in the tragedy. The ship was equipped with a voyage data recorder, or VDR, that could reveal clues to understand what happened, but it was lost in the depths.   The VDR was mounted on the mast on the ship’s navigation bridge. A search expedition mounted in October located the wreck and discovered that the bridge had separated from the hull. Days later, when the search team located the bridge, the mast

Modus unveils Saab Sabretooth for cost effective survey, inspection

Modus Seabed Intervention has successfully completed trialling one of the subsea industry’s first commercially available hybrid unmanned underwater vehicles. It will be one of the first autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to feature the capabilities and characteristics of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). In partnership with Saab Dynamics, Modus has developed the Saab Sabretooth to offer greater endurance and speed, and is also developing advanced sensor payload packages and operating methodologies. The vehicle is expected to contribute to more cost-effective survey and inspection projects

Rovco Dives into International Waters

U.K.-based startup Rovco has taken its firsts steps into international waters with the completion of two subsea survey contracts in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.   The contract awards saw Rovco perform advanced subsea survey work in Fiji and Oman, utilizing its SubAtlantic Mojave, Seaeye Falcon and VideoRay Pro 4 ROVs.    Launched in September, the company has also been awarded its first ROV consultancy project with one of a U.K. engineering solutions provider and recently employed two new ROV pilots. It is now looking to appoint a chief technology officer as it continues to

Rovco Dives Into International Waters

UK-based start-up Rovco has taken its firsts steps into international waters and made significant progress towards growing its global footprint following the completion of two subsea survey contracts in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The contract awards saw Rovco perform advanced subsea survey work in Fiji and Oman, using its SubAtlantic Mojave, Seaeye Falcon and VideoRay Pro 4 ROVs.   Launched in September, the company has also been awarded its first ROV consultancy project with one of the UK's leading engineering solutions providers and recently employed two new ROV pilots. It is now

Wyatt Earp Continues Antarctic Mission

The Royal Australian Navy's Antarctic Survey Vessel Wyatt Earp is currently conducting surveying operations based out of Davis, one of Australia’s Antarctic Stations.   The vessel is conducting biological, oceanographic and meteorological experiments and observations as part of Operation SOUTHERN DISCOVERY.   Wyatt Earp is fitted with equipment such as multi-beam echo sounders, sediment grabs, sub-bottom profilers and underwater cameras.   The work the vessel completes whilst in Antarctica will directly contribute to safe navigation around Australian Stations, particularly

Atlantic Canada Profiles: SULIS

; Fully-corrected 100-degree ultra wide-angle field of view (diagonal) Large 1-inch sensor for increased light sensitivity 20-megapixel stills capture Full manual controls, including a broadcast-quality control panel.   (As published in the January/February 2017 edition of Marine Technology Reporter

Litter Levels in the Arctic Depths On the Rise

The Arctic has a serious litter problem: in just ten years, the concentration of marine litter at a deep-sea station in the Arctic Ocean has risen 20-fold. This was recently reported in a study by researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). Plastic bags, glass shards and fishing nets: despite its location, far from any urban areas, the amount of litter in the depths of the Arctic Ocean continues to rise, posing a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem. Since 2002, AWI researchers have been documenting the amount of litter at two stations of

Atlantic Canada Profiles: SubC Imaging

. SubC has patents pending around the viewing medium, involving stitching the videos together, to create a 360 spherical view around the ROV. Multiple clients can simultaneously digitally pan, tilt and zoom within the spherical view.     (As published in the January/February edition of Marine Technology Reporter

All Hands on Deck: ROVs and AUVs Aid Search for Franklin

Marine and subsea unmanned vehicle technology is playing an increasingly greater role in underwater archaeology, including the search for the historic shipwreck Franklin.   For centuries, the ever-changing sea ice of the Northwest Passage made the route through the Arctic Ocean unpredictable and, on occasions, virtually impassable. Yet, since the 1500s the promise of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the economic benefits which would follow, were enough to entice many expeditions into this treacherous pass. One such explorer, Sir John Franklin, set sail in 1845 from England with

New Inertial Sensors for Unmanned and Autonomous Vehicles

Embedded sensing systems developer LORD Sensing MicroStrain said it has expanded its portfolio of sensors for unmanned and autonomous vehicles for air, land and sea with the introduction of the 3DM­GX5 family of inertial sensors.   “We have a large portfolio that shares the same software and protocol, allowing customers to move up and down the product line where they need varying levels of precision with MEMS Inertial Sensors or GNSS,” said Andy Winzenz, Commercial Director, LORD Sensing. “Customers can stay within the LORD family and dial into their needs. LORD continues

Bert Instruments Adds Nexus USBL to Its Equipment Pool

Since 1993 Florida based Bert Instruments’ team of consultants has been providing marine geophysical and environmental studies in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America for petroleum companies, the U.S. Department of Defense, major Universities and private companies. The company’s expertise covers both hydrographic and oceanographic surveys and is headed up by electronic engineer Humberto Guarin PhD, skilled in digital image processing and underwater acoustics, and with some 30 years’ experience the field.   For each project specialist engineers and equipment, from its own

Gavia AUV Gets a Sonar Upgrade

Teledyne Gavia has continued the enhancement of its modular, versatile, low-logistics subsea survey solution, the Gavia autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), this time with the addition of a new Side Scan/Bathymetry module.   Incorporating Klein Marine Systems’ new UUV-3500 high-resolution side scan sonar with optional bathymetry sonar, the system is another high quality option for customers interested in utilizing the Gavia AUV for geophysical survey, cable and pipeline survey, environmental survey and under ice survey, as well as Mine Countermeasures (MCM), Rapid Environmental Assessment

Forum ROV to support University Renewables Projects

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. won an order to supply the University of Limerick with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to support its subsea inspection and intervention work on renewable energy infrastructure.   The University’s Mobile and Marine Robotics Research Centre (MMRRC) purchased the Sub-Atlantic Comanche 2,000m Observation Class ROV and associated launch and recovery system for delivery in March 2017 under a MaREI Science Foundation Ireland infrastructure grant (15/RI/3232).    The Comanche was selected due to its high thrust to drag ratio enabling it to operate in

Scientists Find Life at Unexplored Ocean Depths

With a brand new ROV in tow, a team of leading geologists, chemists and biologists recently returned to the largely unexplored Mariana Back-Arc to search for life at depths greater than 13,000 feet.   Led by Dr. David Butterfield, JISAO, University of Washington, and Dr. William Chadwick, NOAA-PMEL and Oregon State University, the group returned to the Back-Arc for the second phase of a two-part exploration of the region. In 2015, the team of scientists located new hydrothermal vents in the Back-Arc region, including evidence of recent lava flows. This year, the team returned to these vent

Teledyne to Showcase New Tech at OI North America

Teledyne Marine said its team will be out in full force to showcase its range of solutions at Oceanology International North America 2017, held February 14-16 in San Diego where the group will offer facility tours, on water and dockside demonstrations, and a look at its latest products and technologies.   Local faculty tours As San Diego is home to several Teledyne Marine brands, the group is offering an opportunity to arrive a day early and spend an afternoon touring four local Teledyne Marine facilities: Teledyne RD Instruments, Oceanscience, Impulse and SeaBotix – capped off with a

OINA 2017 to Feature New ‘BlueTech’

fast approaching, exhibitors are preparing to unveil a host of new technology developments to the ocean science community. Taking place February 14-16 at the San Diego Convention Center in association with The Maritime Alliance, exhibition space at OINA 2017 is already over 90 percent booked. Teledyne Marine (booth #D20) will be out in force at OINA 2017 in San Diego CA. In addition to its full line of instruments, imaging, vehicles and interconnect products, the company will promote the newest product developments from across its brand portfolio including; the Teledyne Oceanscience rapidCAST underway

Underwater Video Aids Scientists and Search Teams

a camera instead of a diver in the initial stages of an underwater search to save time and increase safety. They can make a permanent record of a dive site, search operation, underwater crime scene, or evidence. These video systems also help scientists study the health of the aquatic environment and its marine inhabitants.   One agency utilizing the underwater video system is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coastal Management. Their primary mission is to provide data and tools to other government agencies, private sector organizations, and the scientific community

Tech File: Blue Robotics BlueROV2

of nearly a dozen engineers and technicians working full time designing fresh new approaches to the challenges of ocean exploration. http://www.bluerobotics.com   The Author Paul Unterweiser is a retired U.S. Navy officer, USCG licensed master, ROV pilot and, for the last 10 years, president of Marine Simulation, a software company located in North Carolina specializing in developing training simulators for ROV pilot schools and other marine industry applications. http://www.marinesimulation.com     (As published in the November/December 2016 edition of Marine Technology Reporter

Uncontended Voice and Data Through TDMA Networks

; On November 1, 2016, Harris’ CapRock Communications commercial business was acquired by satellite communications and network service provider SpeedCast International Limited in a cash transaction valued at $425 million.     (As published in the November/December 2016 edition of Marine Technology Reporter

Researchers Develop Underwater Observatory

The vastness of the sea and its sometimes harsh conditions often pose a challenge to marine researchers. In the North Sea near Heligoland, scientists from the Thünen Institute for Sea Fishing, the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and the Helmholtz Center Geesthacht (HZG) have now installed an extraordinary device: an optical-acoustic underwater observatory. It is capable of capturing and automatically identifying the smallest marine life underwater - around the clock and even under conditions where no research ship can leave the port. Microscopically small creatures, fish larvae, jellyfish as

Kraken Establishes German Subsidiary

Kraken Sonar Inc. has established a new German subsidiary, Kraken Robotik GmbH (KRG), to commence operations at the Bremen Innovation and Technology Centre effective January 1, 2017.   According to Kraken, the move to expand operations into Germany corresponds to strong growth in the region where the company has an increasing base of customers and strategic partners.   In addition to customer support, KRG will focus on the development of 3D imaging sensors, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for underwater robotic platforms. Machine learning is a type of AI that

Explosives Cleared from Baltic Sea Wind Farm Site

Remaining munitions from World War I, World War II and the Cold War have been removed from the site of the future Arkona offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea, allowing installations to begin securely in 2017 as planned.   The construction site, with an area of 39 square kilometers halfway between the island of Rügen and the Danish island of Bornholm, is now completely free of explosive ordnance, E.ON announced.    The operation to clear the site of explosives took four months in all and started with an examination of the seabed. State-of-the-art cameras and sonars

Tuco Debuts New ROV Support Boat

A new vessel design dedicated to the ROV support boat market has been unveiled by Denmark’s Tuco Marine: the new 15-meter ProZero ROV support boat is optimized as a working platform for underwater work, and work performed in support of divers and ROVs. These operations include underwater inspection, investigation, excavation, construction, repair or maintenance of machinery and structures, and the salvage of sunken property.  The ProZero 15 meter ROV support boat is designed with the optional feature, of being remotely controlled by a Remote Command System to enable unmanned piloting of

CWind Provides ROV Services at Amrumbank West

CWind, a services provider to the offshore wind industry, has completed a project for E.ON, site wind farm owner, to undertake inspections of the monopiles, scour protection and cables at a number of locations at Amrumbank West offshore wind farm off the coast of Germany.    The V8 Ocean Modules Inspection Class ROV was deployed from one of CWind’s 22 strong-fleet to conduct the survey. The ROV was fitted with a super high definition camera and provided clear survey results, even in poor conditions and low visibility. CWind subsequently provided comprehensive reporting on the findings

Propeller Repairs Increase as Winter Approaches

Hydrex Underwater Technology has registered an increase in the number of vessels experiencing propeller damage. Dave Bleyenberg, Hydrex Production Executive, explained: “While winter months usually result in an increase in propeller repairs, this normally occurs between January and March. But we have already attended a number of vessel inspections on propeller blades broken or damaged by ice or debris.” In November, a Hydrex team was called out to Taranto, Italy, to inspect a 27,500dwt general cargo ship, whose engineers had reported excessive vibration from its five blade, 5m

New 4 Channel Helium Unscrambler

C-Tecnics continues to expand its communication range adding its new 4 Channel Helium Unscrambler unit: the C-Phone HE 4R. The C-Tecnics Unscrambler is Suitable for diver’s communication and Saturation Diving system communications. C-Tecnics also offer Bunk Boxes and chamber speakers. The unit can also be supplied with the C-Tecnics Wireless headset. C-Tecnics, a U.K. based company are market leaders in the manufacturing of subsea video, cameras, lighting and communications systems for the diving, ROV and Scientific markets. C-Tecnics also manufacture a range of diver equipment and Hyperbari

Fugro Awarded US Government Survey Work

Fugro said it has secured a five-year survey contract from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Task orders under this indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) type contract will support the architect and engineering survey and mapping support services for the military, civil and federal agencies of the Corps team, Mobile District.   Using a variety of airborne sensors and systems, including topographic LiDAR, bathymetric LiDAR, digital cameras and multispectral/hyperspectral imagers, Fugro will provide integrated data collection and processing in support of the USACE&rsqu

Cougar ROV Chosen for New Supply Ship

Shipbuilding and offshore services company Timsah’s new multipurpose supply vessel, built for hire, is to be launched complete with a Saab Seaeye Cougar XTi underwater vehicle as a key onboard resource package.   The A1 class 2441 ton ship is rated for towing, firefighting and offshore support and includes a helicopter pad and accommodation for 60 crew.   Founded in 1961, Timsah operates globally and in particular throughout the Middle East.   The new vessel will continue to expand Timsah’s activities and has been conceived to meet future demands, the company said.

AutoNaut Partners with NOC Robotics Center

AutoNaut Ltd has formally become a partner with the Marine Robotics Innovation Center. U.K.-based AutoNaut and the NOC have maintained a long-term relationship since 2013 and this move is a sign of the company’s increasing ambitions.   Recent investment from the Seiche Group has enabled AutoNaut to expand manufacturing facilities and engineering expertise as well as recruit several new members of staff. A desk in the innovation center will be utilized by AutoNaut Ltd technical and business development personnel to work alongside the NOC’s marine autonomy and robotics team.   Th

C-Tecnics Names Pommec Netherlands Distributor

U.K. based subsea equipment and electronics manufacturer C-Tecnics has appointed Pommec as its new distributor in the Netherlands .   Pommec is a European manufacturer and worldwide supplier of commercial diving equipment based in the Netherlands.   C-Tecnics manufactures subsea cameras, lighting, video and communications systems for the diving, ROV, and scientific markets. C-Tecnics also manufacture a range of diver equipment and hyperbaric equipment.   “Teaming up with C-Tecnics as our stocking distributer was a natural route,” said Pommec Sales Director Kees Voogd.

New Market Player M² Subsea Buys a Fleet of 32 ROVs

of ROV services globally and offer its customers solutions for inspection, repair, maintenance, decommissioning and light construction.    Heading up the business is Mike Arnold, who brings 35 years’ experience in the subsea industry as original founder of Rovtech as well as Hallin Marine UK and Bibby Offshore’s ROV services unit. He is joined by a management team of other subsea veterans including Mark Wood and Mike Winstanley.   “The time is absolutely right for a new ROV services provider with a fresh approach that can, through experience, expertise, the correct

Exploring Alien Oceans with AUVs

such a mission might be possible in the future. And it definitely is a plus that one day I might be able to tell my kids ‘I was part of the project that paved the road to finding extraterrestrial life,’” concluded Hildebrandt.     (As published in the October edition of Marine Technology Reporter

FRV for Bangladesh

Navigation. Its steel hull has a molded beam of 9.2m, depth of 4.6m and  design draft of 3.3m corresponding to a deadweight of just over 194 tons. It is expected to commence extensive fisheries resource surveys in the Bay of Bengal.     (As published in the October 2016 edition of Marine Technology Reporter