WHOI Hires New Chief Development Officer
Fundraising and philanthropic giving expert Court Clayton will take over as the new Chief Development Officer (CDO) Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the marine science and engineering institution announced.Clayton will be responsible for leading the development team and expanding philanthropic revenue from individuals, corporations and foundations. The team will focus on establishing new ‘Accelerator Funds’ which will increase funding for innovative research, education and advancement.“We are dramatically stepping up our efforts to expand the impact of Woods Hole Oceanograp
ABS: Guidance for Remote Inspection Technologies
, demonstrate our commitment to continually address new technologies that support safer and less intrusive surveys.”Using digital technology and high definition cameras, ABS said it can collect, trend and provide value to clients with new RITs in a safe and effective way.Developed through extensive marine and offshore trials and testing, the guidance covers a range of areas, including equipment specification, data management, associated management systems, recommended standards for service providers, training requirements and potential operational limitations of RITs
Scripps Adds Volvo Penta Vessel
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego has added to its fleet a fourth research vessel, which was constructed by Armstrong Marine. The research vessel Bob and Betty Beyster is expected to launch in mid-April for use in San Diego.Armstrong Marine of Port Angeles, Washington, designed the 42-foot aluminum hulled boat. Pacific Power Group, working closely with Armstrong, fit the vessel with a Volvo Penta IPS 650 propulsion system. This is the first time PPG has mated the IPS configuration with an aluminum hulled boat.“We took a lot of time with the Scripps
Sparrows Provides Cable Handling for Hornsea One
Sparrows Group Cable and Pipe Lay Solutions (CPLS) division has delivered its largest renewables project to date as part of three contracts awarded through VBMS; DEME Offshore, formerly known as Tideway; and DeepOcean. The work scope, part of an upsurge in activity in the renewables market that helped the group to more than doubled its business during 2018, saw Sparrows provide equipment and personnel to handle the nearshore, export and inter-array cables for the Hornsea One offshore wind farm.Currently under construction, the site, located 120km off the UK’s Yorkshire coast, is poised to be the
R/V Bob and Betty Beyster: New CAT For Scripps
The Research Vessel Bob and Betty Beyster is a purpose-built coastal research vessel designed for efficient operations offshore Southern California and throughout the Channel Islands. Based at the Scripps Nimitz Marine Facility and operated as a shared-use facility, Bob and Betty Beyster provides scientists, students and engineers a capable, safe and economical platform for research and teaching.R/V Bob and Betty Beyster is a 42-foot scientific workboat with a range of 500 nautical miles, a cruising speed better than 25 knots, and a capacity for six scientists and a boat operator. The vessel has
Tonga Cable System Repaired
Rapid repairs to two cables completed in less than eight days return full phone and internet service to TongaSubCom, a partner for undersea data transport, has announced that its cable ship SubCom Reliance successfully completed the repair of two Tongan submarine cables. The Tonga Cable and the Tonga Domestic Cable were damaged on January 20, 2019. Upon notification of the break, SubCom Reliance was mobilized and completed the necessary repairs to both cables within eight days of arrival on repair grounds. The repairs took place under the South Pacific Marine Maintenance Agreement (SPMMA), pursuant to
MarTID '19 Survey: Deadline Extended
As survey responses continue to role in, the deadline for the 2019 Maritime Insights Database (MarTID) annual survey of maritime training practices has been extended to February 28, 2019. Ship owners, Maritime Training institutions and mariners all have a stake in participation, as Murray Goldberg explains.Take the SurveyFor operators: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019MarTIDOperatorFor training institutions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019MarTIDMETIFor seafarers: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019MarTIDSeafarerThe 2019 Maritime Insights Database (MarTID) annual survey results in annual reports
L3 OceanServer Awarded GSA Contract
attributes. It features longer runtimes and precise navigational accuracy, enabling long ingress/egress missions that provide greater standoff distances and increased mission safety. L3 OceanServer has a proud history of working with various government agencies, including the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy, making this GSA contract a logical next step in business development
SMD Shanghai Delivers Quantum MkIII WROV
Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) Shanghai has completed the manufacture and commissioning of a Quantum MkIII work-class remotely operated vehicle (WROV) at itsLingang facility.This is the first WROV to be built at their facility since its opening in 2018, according to the company.SMD Shanghai’s facility is home to a 3700 sq. m. workshop which contains an in-house training facility featuring a state-of-the-art ROV training simulator and 405 cu. m. test tank. Having this capability in-house means that SMD Shanghai are able offer their customers a full solution from sales support to training and aftercare
Study: Sunflower Sea Star Population in Peril
Joseph Gaydos, senior author on the paper and director of UC Davis’ SeaDoc Society program. “Without sunflower stars, urchin populations expand and threaten kelp forests and biodiversity. This cascading effect has a really big impact.”For this research, “Disease Epidemic and a Marine Heat Wave Are Associated with the Continental-Scale Collapse of a Pivotal Predator (Pycnopodia Helianthoides),” the other partner institutions were Simon Fraser University, Stanford University, Hakai Institute and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Between 2006 and 2017
JW Fishers’ Pulse 8X Continues to Outperform
, and I look forward to comparing it alongside my other brand of detector when in Australia this coming August. One thing noted right away was the ability to hold threshold much better than the competitor.”Police and Dive Teams also utilize the Pulse 8X for their day-to-day jobs. The King County Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) in Kirkland WA purchased a detector earlier this year. The MRDU deploys specially trained and equipped divers that are responsible for water-related law enforcement, investigations, rescue, and recovery work. Duties include victim recovery and investigation, evidence search
Downed Fighter Jet Recovered off Hawaii
plane was sent crashing into the ocean.The aicraft hit the water about 1 mile south of Honolulu in an area with many small boats. The number of boats in the area meant there were many cellphone videos, making the general location of the plane easier to pinpoint.Working to find the sunken aircraft, Parker Marine Salvage contacted Steve Van Meter of Van Meter Consulting to help pinpoint the exact location.An extensive sidescan sonar mission, lasting several days, had identified 75 potential targets on a seabed littered with old debris from years of dumping. Van Meter studied these targets and identified the
Meet PoBo: Floating Platform for Disaster Relief
GD European Land Systems develops floating platform for civil protection and disaster reliefGeneral Dynamics European Land Systems-Bridge Systems won a contract to develop a multi-functional, modular floating platform known as Pontoon Boat (PoBo). The project was awarded under the Innovation Program for the Support of Diversification Strategies of Defense Companies in Civil Security Technologies, or DIVERS. DIVERS is a program launched by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWI), with VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH as the responsible project executing agency."The PoBo is a
NNHO Expands Bathymetric Capabilities
Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office establishes new bathymetric capabilities with CARIS softwareThe Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) has selected Teledyne CARIS to provide solutions for both current and future national and international charting requirements. Equipped with CARIS Ping-to-Chart technology, the NNHO is establishing new capabilities for bathymetric analysis, and completion of hydrographic and other geospatial data. These tools will ensure an efficient workflow for the production of electronic charts and paper charts according to both the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
Maritime Training: Take the MarTID Global Survey
a broader response, this year the MarTID steering group opted to both shorten the survey and to offer three, targeted versions: one for vessel operators, one for training institutions and one for seafarers.What is MarTID?MarTID is a noncommercial, joint initiative of the World Maritime University, Marine Learning Systems and New Wave Media. Its core principles include ethical integrity, objectivity and confidentiality. It was launched in 2018 with the completion of the inaugural survey and publication of the 2018 Training Practices Report (which can be found at www.MarTID.org).Why is MarTID Important
World's First Floating Wind Turbine Gets New Life
The world's first industrial-scale floating wind prototype, Hywind 1, installed in 2009 off the west coast of Norway, will be reborn as an infrastructure for research and technology projects in Metcentre at Karmøy.Unitech Offshore, which manufactures and distributes subsea connector assemblies, said that it has entered into an agreement with Equinor for the company to take over the Hywind demonstration floating wind turbine.The turbine will be renamed as “Unitech Zefyros by Hywind Technology” and used as an infrastructure for research projects, development of new technology
Teledyne CARIS’ Padilla Earns National Award for Excellence
Software company Teledyne CARIS announced Tuesday that one of its software developers, Marta Padilla, has been awarded the Ministry of Education in Spain’s prestigious National Award for Excellence in Academic Performance in the field of Engineering and Architecture. This award is one of the oldest academic awards granted, with a history dating back to the 19th century. Recipients of this award are recognized as the overall best student in their field of study in the country. Padilla completed a BSc in Geomatics and Surveying Engineering at the University of Jaen where she received a
Forum Bags Mojave ROV Deal
Oilfield products company Forum Energy Technologies said it has sealed a contract to supply a Mojave remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for the Norwegian firm ESEA Marine.Sub-Atlantic Mojave will also be used by ESEA Submarine’s sister company, ESEA Marine AS, which has customers that include fish farms, port authorities and insurance companies, said the international oilfield products company, serving the subsea, drilling, completion and production sectors of the oil and natural gas industry.In addition, the Mojave will play a training role in helping ROV pilots to develop their skills.
Forum Unveils New eROV
Forum Subsea Technologies' recently launched XLe Spirit is the first observation-class electric remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to utilize Forum’s Integrated Control Engine (ICE) to bring greater functionality commonly only found in larger work-class vehicles.According to the manufacturer, the advanced control electronics pod fitted to all Forum XLe observation class vehicles enables superior connectivity and expansion capabilities. Ethernet interfacing allows for seamless integration with other industry sensors using common IP architecture and ease of remote data transfer.Kevin Taylor
Rose Joins IMCA as Technical Adviser
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has appointed Andre Rose as Technical Adviser - Competence & Training, Remote Systems and ROV.Rose has spent most of the last 18 years working in the ROV industry, including time as a pilot/technician, superintendent, ROV manager and client representative.He has a background with the Royal Navy, where he spent 19 years in its Fleet Air Arm working with rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Initially, he completed an apprenticeship in aircraft mechanical engineering, before being trained as an avionics engineer.When he left the Navy, after a short
New Research on Gulf of Mexico Loop Current
More than $10 million in grant funding has been awarded for a group of new projects that aim to fill research gaps in order to help improve understanding and prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current System (LCS).As the Gulf of Mexico's dominant ocean circulation feature, the LCS has far-reaching implications for a wide range of human and natural systems, including oil and gas operations, yet knowledge about the underlying dynamics that control its behavior is limited.Following recommendations from a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report released earlier this
Transformation in Maritime Industry Training
The 2019 Maritime Insights Database (MarTID) survey has just been launched. This annual survey and the resulting annual reports (available freely at www.MarTID.org) provide critical data on maritime training practices and trends useful to every segment of the maritime industry. As such, it is important that every seafarer, maritime trainer and maritime administrator working at a vessel operator or training center complete the survey (also available at www.MarTID.org) and ask their colleagues to do the same.Now that the 2019 survey has been launched, it is useful to examine the most notable insights
First Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project Meeting
Bathymetric Compilation, the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) Synthesis, EMODnet Bathymetry, AusSeabed, University of Tasmania, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research in Germany, the Republic of Mauritius Ministry of Defence and Rodrigues, the Marine Institute Ireland, the Geological Survey of Canada, and offshore survey company Fugro.Further presentations focused on tools and technologies, and included a presentation from the IHO Data Center for Digital Bathymetry, an overview of recent and ongoing gap analysis conducted by NOAA to assess coverage
MarTID 2019: The Global Survey of Maritime Training Practices is Open
. For Operators: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019MarTIDOperatorFor Training Institutions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019MarTIDMETIFor Seafarers: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019MarTIDSeafarerWhat is MarTID?MarTID is a non-commercial, joint initiative of the World Maritime University, Marine Learning Systems and New Wave Media. Its core principles include ethical integrity, objectivity and confidentiality. It was launched in 2018 with the completion of the inaugural survey and publication of the 2018 Training Practices Report (which can be found at www.MarTID.org).Why is MarTID Important
TechnipFMC to Expands in Saudi Arabia
UK-based energy industry company in TechnipFMC has broken ground on its new state-of-the-art manufacturing, aftermarket and training facility in Dhahran in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia.The 52,500-square-meter facility greatly expands TechnipFMC’s footprint in Saudi Arabia with a major investment and 140 new jobs focusing on Saudi talents.The new facility will offer a broad range of manufacturing, aftermarket and training capabilities in-country, supporting the full TechnipFMC portfolio with its advanced technology and integrated systems in the drilling, completion, production, measurement
Construction Starts on OSU's Research Ship
with OSU to build a second similar research vessel, which will be operated by a consortium led by the University of Rhode Island.“This new class of modern vessels will support future research focused on the physical, chemical, biological and geologic processes in coastal waters,” said Roberta Marinelli, dean of Oregon State’s College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. “This research is critical to informing strategies for coastal resilience, food security, and hazard mitigation not only in the Pacific Northwest but around the world.”The ships will be equipped to conduct
UK Hydrographic Office Wins National STEM Inspiration Award
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has been awarded Highly Commended at the STEM Inspiration Awards, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to encouraging young people into science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.According to a press statement, held at the House of Lords on November 1, and attended by guests across industry, education and government, the STEM Inspiration Awards, organised by STEM Learning, celebrated the work of individuals and organisations in inspiring young people into STEM careers. Finalists in the large employer category included Nissan, Just Eat, Legrand
New Research Vessel Ordered for Belgium
new oceanographic research vessel for Belgium. The IMO polar code compliant vessel will be designed to carry out research and survey tasks in the North Sea and its adjacent sea areas, but also in the Mediterranean and more northern areas.The research vessel will cater for the requirements of the Belgian marine scientific community when performing advanced marine research and education at sea – today and in the coming years. This will include research within the fields of geology and sedimentology, fisheries, biology, chemistry, oceanography (including meteorology). In addition, the vessel will be
L3 OceanServer Expands
L3 OceanServer, a developer and manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), has recently added 4,700 square feet of space at its headquarters location in Fall River, Mass. This doubles the operational footprint of the business and will accommodate the company’s rapid growth while continuing to leverage its waterfront location for daily vehicle testing and operations. Additionally, a 46-foot research vessel, R/V Cassiar, has been dedicated to customer training and vehicle testing at L3 OceanServer’s San Diego location.“The decision to expand our physical assets was based on
Interview: TMA's Michael Jones on BlueTech Week
Marine Technology Reporter interviews Michael Jones, the ubiquitous leader of The Maritime Alliance and the architect of the Blue Tech Week in San Diego. The theme for the 10th Annual Blue Tech Week is “UN Sustainable Development Goals – Industry Solutions”.For MTR readers not familiar with BlueTech Week, please give a synopsis in a sentence or two.The Maritime Alliance (TMA) creates a Blue Voice via unique events, information sharing, national & international outreach, networking, research, and workforce development. The 10th annual BlueTech Week (BTW) scheduled for November
Subsea State? Steady with Waves of Optimism
and gas still suffering from a poor reputation among many young people, not helped by the recent downturn, it’s even more imperative that we demonstrate to the next generation that subsea is an industry in its own right; an industry which works across many diverse vertical markets in oil & gas, marine renewables, aquaculture, defence and ocean science.Against this backdrop, Subsea UK provides leadership to help the sector deliver the growth and high value performance that ensures it makes a valuable contribution to the economy. It’s worth reminding ourselves of the vital role subsea plays
Hands-on Robotics Training in Australia
Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has begun training students to operate their new Saab Seaeye Falcon remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV).This follows Falcon training for CSIRO staff at the organization’s facility in Hobart, Tasmania, by BlueZone, Saab Seaeye’s distributor in the region.The course was adapted to give hands-on practical training for CSIRO staff in a week-long training program that includes theory and practical sessions, set near dockside facilities in Hobart. The training focuses on real world practicalities.
Ocean Discovery XPRIZE Finalists to Compete off Greece
, and Culture and Sports. The operational team is also working with multiple other organizations, including the National Centre of Scientific Research Demokritos, Office of the Mayor of Kalamata, Municipal Port Fund of Kalamata, Hellenic Coast Guard/Central Port Authority, and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research to ensure smooth operations by providing logistical assistance. Competition organizers also continue to work with Fugro, an industry leader in ocean mapping; and Esri, the global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software. XPRIZE is also partnering with Singularity University
A BlueTech Future
;s Blue Economy is not only its size, but also the innovation occurring in the sector. While companies all over the world are searching for ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into their products, San Diego-based startup Aquaai has built autonomous, fish-like drones that can closely monitor marine environments without causing a disturbance. While many companies are racing to produce and sell lab-grown meat and poultry, one of San Diego’s newest BlueTech startups, BlueNalu, has raised $4.5 million to produce tasty, healthy, environmentally friendly seafood from fish cells. And while the
Swathe Services Takes Over as HYPACK Distributor
Swathe Services will take on responsibility for sales and maintenance of HYPACK software solutions in the U.K. and Ireland following the closure of HYPACK’s U.K. partner Del Norte Technology.U.S. company HYPACK – A Xylem Brand is a supplier of hydrographic survey and data processing software for single beam, multibeam, side scan sonar and many other applications in the hydrographic survey and dredging industries.Swathe Services, the Cornwall, U.K. based hydrographic survey services company specializing in Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) surveying, takes over HYPACK distributor duties for
Unique Group to Provide Survey Vessel Package to Major Government Entity
Subsea and offshore solution provider Unique Group announced that its Marine & Subsea division has entered into a high value contract with the Southern African Shipyards to provide a turnkey package for hydrographic survey vessels and hydrographic office set up.The project will include multiple new build vessels - main vessel and support vessels. Unique Group will act as a technology partner to the shipyard and provide the vessel’s dynamic positioning systems and Navigational equipment package. As part of the project, Unique Group will also provide complete integration of the Hydrographic
Voices: Jill Zande, MATE II
the only next step for me career-wise was to go back to graduate school, get a Ph.D., have a lab and take on graduate students. I saw the academic, Ph.D. path as my only realistic option; but I also knew down deep that it wasn’t for me. I started exploring the idea of making a career switch into marine education, which included looking at DISL’s Discovery Hall and the fantastic education programs it offers.Then my former major professor at Louisiana State University told me about MATE. He had just returned from Monterey where he participated in the MATE Forum, which was hosted at MBARI. This
The Maritime Alliance Seeks Executive Director
The Maritime Alliance in San Diego is search for an executive director, a full-time salaried position with a compensation range from $75,000 to $100,000.The executive director would help manage operations of a leading BlueTech cluster organization and oversee day-to-day programs. The TMA Mission Statement is “Promoting Sustainable, Science-Based Ocean & Water Industries”. The ideal candidate understands the need to balance conservation and economic development and has a passion for working with academia/education, industry and government/policy makers (the Triple Helix) to promote a
Navy Divers to Have Automated Logging from Worn Dive Computers
at sea into a system known as the Dive/Jump Reporting System (DJRS). Manual entries can be time-consuming and allow human error.Enter the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global TechSolutions program, a rapid-response science and technology program focused on solutions to problems submitted by Sailors and Marines.ONR TechSolutions and industry partners have created a new tool called the Scuba Binary Dive Application (SBDA) 100 to digitally plan, record and report dive-profile information to DJRS. The application will accelerate the process of logging and uploading dive information, and will help eliminate
Hydra Preparing for Offshore Upturn
gas industry’s rebound,” Davis said. “We’re hoping to meet the needs of this new market with an efficient vessel and well-trained team.”Subsea ResponderBuilt: 1998Length: 217 ftBreadth: 54 ftPropulsion: 3,900 BHPDeck Area: 2,771.02 ft2ROVs: Heavy Work Class ROVCrane: 1 x TTS Marine AHC Subsea Crane-60 MT @ 12 m radius for water depths 2,000 m-38 MT @ 12 m radius for water depths 2,800 mAccommodation: 57Dynamic Positioning: DP2Class: AB
Subsea Defense: Extending Unmanned Capabilities
The defense sector is looking for ways to extend its reach and capabilities, with underwater robotic and autonomous systems and sensors.Extending the capabilities of submarine warfare systems without the need for humans is a key focus in the marine defense space. Navies feel under threat; they have limited budgets and worries about resurgent maritime forces from Russia and China, while new technologies – robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems – are increasingly available to an ever-wider range of players, creating what are termed asymmetric threats in an ever-wider
Competitor Preps for XPRIZE Final with 24-hour Sea Trial
on the collaborative approach, Yulia Zarayskaya, training program alumnus and Project Lead, noted that “the skills acquired by the alumni through the data processing development, as well as working alongside team partners and suppliers, puts them at the forefront of rapidly developing autonomous marine operations and the modern processes of transforming data into useful information.”It is hoped that the team’s technology will find wider applications once the XPRIZE is completed, and discussions are ongoing with The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project to see how this might be
Project to Enable Autonomous Navigation in Denied Environments
A new project involving leading ship technology companies aims to help unmanned autonomous vessels navigate, even when they lose access to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). The project will combine underwater positioning systems from Sonardyne International Ltd. and Guidance Marine Limited’s relative surface positioning systems into one integrated solution to enable vessels to maintain safe passage in GNSS-denied environments or for dynamic positioning systems to maintain their position if they lose GNSS access or other sensors fail.The AutoMINDER (Autonomous MarIne Navigation in
Teledyne Gavia Introduces ASW Training Target Module
payload module is capable of receiving and retransmitting sonar signals for training sonar operators. The STM consists of a flooded transducer compartment, an electronic compartment and a hydrophone that is towed behind the Gavia AUV. The STM is programmable to emulate different types of realistic submarine target characteristics including sizes and speeds for cost effective and reusable ASW training applications.When a Gavia vehicle is not utilizing the STM module, it can be configured for a variety of other applications including MCM, SAR and REA operations. STM modules are suitable for use with all
MultiBeam EchoSounder Enables First-of-its-kind Research
, there is a concern that rising ocean temperatures could lead seafloor methane hydrate deposits to dissociate, which would result in a greater volume of methane released in the ocean, and potentially reaching the atmosphere, and therefore causing a high risk for humanity.Scholars at the MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Germany, and the University of Washington in Seattle are working on a project initiated in 2017 called M3, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) that monitors the natural release of methane at the Southern Hydrate Ridge (SHR)
Greensea Names Yopak Applications Engineer, Service Manager
Greensea, creator of OPENSEA, the universal open software architecture for the marine industry, has appointed Regina Yopak as Applications Engineer, Service Manager.Yopak comes to Greensea with extensive at-sea experience having spent several tours as Lead Navigator and Mapping Specialist on board E/V Nautilus for the Ocean Exploration Trust. In addition to her offshore experience, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Environmental Science, and a Master of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.In her new role, Yopak will work as a bridge between
MTR’s “Top 10” Ocean Influencers
Out today is the 13th Annual “MTR100”, Marine Technology Reporter’s profiling of 100 leading companies, people and technologies in the subsea space. This year for the first time the editorial staff, with input from the global industry, delivers a listing of the “Top 10 Ocean Influencers.” Marine Technology Reporter’s Top 10 are profiled in short below; for the full editorial see the July/August 2018 edition at: https://magazines.marinelink.com/nwm/MarineTechnology/201807/No. 1Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman, Nippon FoundationYohei Sasakawa, Chairman, Nippon
New Site Hosts Corps’ Hydrographic Survey Training
What do hydrographic surveys ― the scientific measurement and description of physical features at the bottom of bodies of water ― have to do with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and marine construction? In a word, plenty.Francis Postiglione, chief of the New York District's Survey Section, Operation's Division, said, "Surveying is at the root of all projects in coastal and inland waterways," adding, "Surveying also plays a large role during the bidding process and awarding of contracts, especially with estimating costs."Importance of SurveysHydrographic surveys are important
Unique Group Enters into West Africa JV
, Buoyancy & Ballast, On-Site Engineering and Specialized Boats will be active from the Port Harcourt office.The new operations will be managed by Mark Severn, who will head up Business Development. Mark brings 26 years’ experience in the oil & gas industry, working on numerous offshore marine construction projects.Mark Severn commented, “This new venture represents an excellent fit for both Unique Group and Charkin Maritime & Offshore Safety Ltd. It positions us well for further expansion in the African region and the permanent base in Nigeria will facilitate a better relationship
Closed Bell Diving Courses Relaunched at The Underwater Centre
being key to maintaining the UK’s ability to train closed bell divers, given the need for them in the future. The industry relevant specialist equipment that The Underwater Centre now has puts it at the forefront of diver training globally.”Kevin Thomson, Vice President of TechnipFMC’s Marine Operations Services, said, “It is essential we are able to train divers in an environment which is as realistic, and safe, as possible and we have worked closely with The Underwater Centre to ensure the refurbished closed bell training facilities continue to closely mirror those you would find
JW Fishers Showcases Tech for Firefighters
Present day fire departments not only fight fires, but also answer medical calls, conduct rescue missions, assisting in evidence recovery, and execute underwater search operations. Underwater equipment manufacturer JW Fishers Manufacturing provides tools for fire departments across the globe.In April of 2018, JW Fishers attended the annual Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana. The first conference was held in 1929 in Chicago and was organized to discuss training measures, standards and firefighting best practices. By 1939, attendance had reached a high of 247 people
Algoma Joins Whale Conservation Efforts
to an expanding network of whale watchers. For the first time, the crews on Algoma’s self-unloaders, bulkers, tankers and cement carriers will collect data about the whales they see on their journeys this summer."Algoma is committed to providing sustainable and environmentally responsible marine transportation,” said Gregg Ruhl, Algoma’s Chief Operating Officer. “Taking part in this conservation initiative and bringing the power of our fleet to gather more data and better understand the whereabouts of marine mammals will support research that can help minimize our environmental
ROVOP Reports Record Year
ROVOP Limited, an independent operator of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), has marked a major business achievement after reporting record revenues and employee numbers for the company. ROVOP has also reported its best ever EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes Depreciation and Amortization). ROVOP Limited, the UK trading business of ROVOP, last year boosted its turnover by 39% to £19.7m ($26m), despite very challenging market conditions and continued pricing pressure, while its EBITDA increased 50% from the prior year level of £4.8m ($6.3m)to a record £7.2m ($9.
Dräger Appoints Murray to Senior Management Team
Dräger Safety UK has appointed Kelly Murray as general manager of its North Sea operations base in Aberdeen. Murray, who has more than 20 years’ experience in operations, engineering and project management in oil and gas, believes Dräger’s manufacturing abilities and its multinational reach give the business opportunities in the wider energy sector. Mrs Murray was chief operating officer of Red Spider Technology and was subsequently UK interventions manager for the global oilfield service sector major. She joins Dräger as general manager, leading a
New Underwater Inspection System for LA County Sheriffs
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has taken delivery of a new CodaOctopus Underwater Inspection System (UIS) to aid in real-time threat assessment, hazardous object identification and change detection.The UIS was sold and delivered by Coda Octopus Group, Inc. for a contract value of $665,000.“Members of LASD - Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) were extremely pleased to take delivery of this state-of-the-art piece of equipment, which they will use mainly for counter-smuggling/terrorism (CBRNE screening), seafloor search and recovery of evidence and targets and to assist in
Forum is Building a Submarine Rescue Vehicle
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET) said it has received an order from Submarine Manufacturing and Products, Ltd. (SMP) to supply a submarine rescue vehicle (SRV), a work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and associated launch and recovery systems. The ROV and SRV will be delivered in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and integrated by SMP with additional equipment for delivery to a navy in the Far East.The SRV, an onboard piloted rescue submarine, is similar to Perry’s design of rescue vessels, and will incorporate a unumber of high-tech subsea vehicle technologies. The SRV will be capable of
Kongsberg Wins Johan Sverdrup Phase 2 Contract
Equinor Energy AS has contracted Kongsberg Maritime to deliver the Safety and Automation Systems (SAS) for the recently announced phase 2 of the Johan Sverdrup development in the Norwegian North Sea.The phase 2 agreement includes delivery of SAS and digital technology for a new processing platform, which is due to start production in 2022. Kongsberg Maritime will also extend and modify already delivered systems for the field center, in addition to providing three Subsea Production System tie-backs and technology solutions for shore power at Haugsneset, near Haugesund.The core scope of supply for Johan
Looking to the Future of Satellite-derived Bathymetry
by EOMAP on June 6-7 to anticipate what’s to come for SDB technology in the next years and revealed future opportunities for providers and users.EOMAP CEO, Dr. Thomas Heege, commented, “The support for the SDB Day was fantastic. All relevant institutions – hydrographic offices, marine industry, service providers and research institutes – picked up on the themes of capabilities, data integration, requirements and quality standards. Joint considerations are really coming to the force, which is great to see.”Initially established as a reconnaissance tool for shallow water
Knifefish UUV Completes Sea Acceptance Tests
General Dynamics Mission Systems announced its team has completed all stages of formal Sea Acceptance Testing (SAT) of Knifefish, the U.S. Navy's Surface Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) system.Knifefish is a medium-class MCM UUV intended for deployment from the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship and other Navy vessels. The vehicle is designed to reduce risk to personnel by operating in the minefield as an off-board sensor while the host ship stays outside the minefield boundaries.The recent tests were conducted off the coast of Boston using Navy mine test targets and included
Deep Ocean Exploration is the 21st Century ‘Space Race’
A new version of the Space Race is happening, with researchers aiming for the deep ocean.Human history has shown us to be a resourceful species, always using the tools available to us to explore, understand and utilize the bounty of resources around us to create a better life. We have come a long way from the stone tools of our ancestors; the tools of today take the form of technology, computers, artificial intelligence and robots which we use very effectively in a number of areas including healthcare, education, transportation, manufacturing and communication. Many of these advances have been made
