Training & Education

Favorable Offshore Winds Blowing from the Biden Administration

wind industry in the United States.Port Infrastructure, Worker Training, and New Vessels  Many states have invested in new port infrastructure and new training programs for offshore wind workers. For example, Massachusetts was able to persuade three offshore wind developers to use its New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal for the staging, deployment, and assembly of offshore wind components. (See Massachusetts Offshore Wind Ports & Infrastructure Assessment.) The Virginia Port Authority has leased 40 acres to Ørsted to stage equipment at its Portsmouth Marine Terminal, which will become

Subsea Defense: Netherlands Royal Navy appoints RTSYS for 7 ASW Training Targets

; 2 bands for active homing torpedo; 6 narrowband (200 Hz to 38 kHz); 2 broadband (450 Hz to 8 kHz and 10 to 23 kHz) and to finish an acoustic recorder with data encryption.These acoustic features will allow both Dutch and Belgium Forces to train in real condition to the localization and tracking of a submarine.The navies of the Netherlands and Belgium will join the large panel of worldwide current users of SEMA, and will bring RTSYS to a further level in terms of supplies and high-level project management.SEMA is an autonomous, recoverable, acoustic target dedicated to ASW training and torpedo firing exercise

Horizon Maritime Signs On to Support Titanic Dive

to take place later this year.The RMS Titanic shipwreck lies approximately 2,500 feet below the ocean's surface, about 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. This expedition will be the first of an annual series that will document the condition of the wreck, the debris field and the marine life found there.“The expedition vessel is essential to the success of the missions we will embark upon beginning in June 2021,” said Stockton Rush, president, OceanGate Expeditions. “The Titanic Survey Expedition will utilize OceanGate Inc.’s five-crewmember submersible,

Ørsted and NOAA Ink Data Sharing Agreement

NOAA and offshore wind development company Ørsted have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to share physical and biological data in Ørsted-leased waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. NOAA, said the MOA is the first of its kind with an offshore wind developer and that it anticipates Ørsted’s data will fill gaps in ocean science areas, particularly in ocean mapping and observing, to help meet NOAA missions related to climate adaptation and mitigation, weather-readiness, healthy oceans, and resilient coastal communities and economies.  “This partnership with

VIDEO: MarTID Survey Looks at Pandemic’s Impact on Seafarer Training

while eventually the situation will pass, COVID-19 will leave an indelible mark on the way in which seafarers are trained.For the fourth year, the MarTID survey of examines maritime training practices and trends. MarTID is a non-commercial survey conducted jointly between the World Maritime University, Marine Learning Systems and New Wave Media.Take the Suvey.This is the 4th annual survey, and the results are available free, globally. The survey takes only 30 minutes to complete, and solicits insights from three primary groups. Click the appropriate survey link below:Ship and boat owner/operators 

Greensea, GRi Simulations Announce Partnership

Greensea Systems has partnered with GRi Simulations to develop a simulation environment for OPENSEA and OPENSEA-enabled control systems. The partners’ objective is to further develop virtual training standards that will provide operators, technicians, and other subject matter experts the experience and practice needed to be successful in critical subsea environments using OPENSEA control systems.Greensea contracted GRi to develop a back-end simulation environment for OPENSEA that provides a virtual environment constructed of custom scenes and a physics engine based on actual subsea vehicle

Sea Ranger Service Names Pullens Managing Director

Sea Ranger Service, the Netherlands-based company that has been carrying out surveying and research tasks in the North Sea with emissions-free sailing offshore work vessels since 2018, has appointed Christel Pullens as its new managing director effective March 1, 2021.A WISTA board member with nearly 25 years of technical and commercial experience in shipbuilding and offshore, including as senior sales manager projects at Dockwise (now Boskalis), head of sales and marketing at Damen Shiprepair & Conversion and global sales and marketing director at Alewijnse, Pullens said she is joining the Sea

Remote Control: ROAM enables Remote Fusion 2 Survey Ops in the GOM

Sonardyne reports successfully providing remote Fusion 2 survey operations capability on a live subsea construction campaign in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.Using its new Remote Operations Access Module (ROAM), Sonardyne surveyors based in the UK were able to remotely access and operate the Fusion 2 survey and construction software onboard Subsea 7 vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, significant from the Sonardyne perspective as it de-risks the upgrade to Fusion 2, mitigating international travel restrictions road blocks.Fusion 2 is designed to streamline offshore field development operations by reducing the

Two Injured in RRS Sir David Attenborough Lifeboat Drill

The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch has opened an investigation into a lifeboat drill accident that injured two crew members from the new polar research ship RRS David Attenborough. The two crewmembers suffered minor injuries after a lifeboat rolled onto its side and fell overboard during a launching drill in Loch Buie, on Scotland's east coast, on March 5, the MAIB said.RRS Sir David Attenborough—still known to some as Boaty McBoatface, the top vote getter in an online poll to name the vessel in 2016—was built by U.K. shipbuilder Cammel Laird for owner Natural

Indian Navy's New Submarine Commissioned

The Indian Navy has commissioned its third Kalvari-class submarine, INS Karanj, built entirely in India to Naval Group's Scorpene design.The Scorpene is a 2,000-ton conventional-propulsion submarine designed and developed by Naval Group for all types of mission, such as surface vessel warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations or intelligence gathering. Extremely stealthy and fast, it has a level of operating automation that allows a limited number of crew, which reduces its operating costs significantly. Its combat edge is highlighted by the fact that it has six

Texas A&M Introduces Master of Science in Ocean Engineering Program

The Department of Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M University has established a new Master of Science (M.S.) in Ocean Engineering degree program offered exclusively at Galveston – highlighting the unique waterfront location and resources of its seaside campus.This nonthesis, 30-credit program provides students with a unique education and career preparation filled with hands-on experience, direct access to the coast, on-the-water field data collection adventures, industry collaboration, close proximity to Houston and world-class resources.And, in the case of graduate student Hayden Smith

Film-Ocean Buys Work Class ROV, Plans to Add Staff

Remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) specialist Film-Ocean Ltd, based in Aberdeenshire, has recently invested a six-figure sum in a Schilling heavy duty work class ROV and plans to grow its workforce to support the company’s growth plans.The vehicle is capable of operating at depths of up to 4,000 meters and is supported by an active heave compensation launch and recovery systems (AHC LARS). It is a highly maneuverable vehicle capable with a large payload. The ROV is well known within the industry as a high specification vehicle making it an ideal system for inspection, repair and maintenanc

Aleron Manager Takes on The Great Scottish Triathlon for Local Charity

Scott Munro, Technical Manager at Aleron Limited, specialists in complete ROV solutions, has created a new sporting challenge named, The Great Scottish Triathlon, to raise funds for local charity Grampian Disability Sport.Exceeding traditional triathlon distances, Munro will take on the mammoth challenge of a 28.5-mile standing paddleboard across Loch Ness, followed by a 585-mile cycle along the North Coast 500 route, concluding with a 95-mile run along the West Highland Way. Munro adapted the traditional triathlon format of swim, cycle, run to include stand up paddle boarding as a substitute for

RSS Sir David Attenborough Delivered to LR Class

sea means the RRS Sir David Attenborough can undertake extensive voyages in polar regions. The vessel will spend the northern summer supporting Arctic research cruises and the austral summer in Antarctica carrying out research programs and bringing people and supplies to BAS research stations.LR’s Marine & Offshore Service Delivery Manager for UK&I, Mike Williams, said, “The delivery of RRS Sir David Attenborough marks an important milestone for UK commercial shipbuilding, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re delighted to have worked

WHOI Names Kathryn Link VP & CFO

Kathryn Link has been named vice president for operations and chief financial officer of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), a private, nonprofit organization on Cape Cod, Mass., dedicated to marine research, engineering and higher education.Effective March 8, Link will act as financial and strategy advisor to help lead and support academic research enterprises across the institution. She comes to WHOI from the Broad Institute, where she led a team responsible for strategic management of research funding.“We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn to WHOI, where we are certain she will make an

Teledyne Webb Research Hires Quinn, Goodrich

Teledyne Marine announced it has hired two new members to the Teledyne Webb Research Glider team. Shea Quinn joins the team as the new Product Line Manager, and Cordielyn Goodrich joins the group as a Customer Support Applications Engineer and member of the Glider Support Team.Quinn will be responsible for driving the product line development for the gliders and bringing voice of customer to the engineering and development process within the company. he will support the outside sales teams, agents and customer base to assure that the products that are delivered meet customer expectations and specificati

3t Energy Buys Petrofac's UK Training Business

UK-based 3t Energy Group has agreed to buy oilfield services giant Petrofac's UK training business.The purchase includes Petrofac’s Survival and Marine, Health and Safety, Fire, and Major Emergency Management capability and facilities in Scotland. The value of the acquisition is undisclosed.3t Energy said the acquisition would expand its offering into marine & major emergency management training markets. "3t Energy will now become a supplier to Petrofac for its in-person UK training requirements, which consolidates it as the UK’s largest provider of global energy training

University of Vermont Orders Hybrid-electric Research Vessel

The University of Vermont has ordered a new research vessel featuring an emissions-reducing electric power and propulsion system.The 64-foot aluminum catamaran, designed by Chartwell Marine and currently under construction at Derecktor Shipyards, will be equipped with a hybrid-electric power and propulsion system supplied and integrated by BAE Systems. The newbuilt is set for launch in April 2022.According to BAE Systems, its HybriGen Power and Propulsion system will help reduce both carbon emissions and the use of fuel by the vessel, which will serve as a floating classroom and lab for students of

Acoustic Tech Used to prep for America's Cup

INEOS TEAM UK needed accurate measurements of speed through water while training for the America’s Cup in waters with complex current flows. How did Nortek’s acoustic Doppler instrumentation meet their stringent demands for high performance?INEOS TEAM UK was formed to challenge for the 36th America’s Cup, to be held in New Zealand in 2021. They will compete in their new AC75 yacht named Britannia, a foiling monohull that flies over water on T-foils at speeds up to or exceeding 50 knots.The team represent the Royal Yacht Squadron, one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world

Phoenix Building New Test Tank

Marine services contractor Phoenix International Holdings, Inc. said it is building a new test tank at its Bayou Vista, La. facility.“The tank will play an essential role in conducting diver certifications, training, development and testing, as well as the development and application of new underwater technologies that Phoenix has become known for,” said Phoenix Area Manager, Troy Turner. “It will also be available to our clients who require specific underwater testing for any equipment or materials prior to project execution.”The one-atmosphere dive tank, measuring 13’

Sharma Joins MacArtney, Expands Activities in Middle East, India

Regional Sales Manager, consequently reinforcing its sales activities in the Middle East and India.Sharma joins the underwater technology company to offer the full MacArtney product line, system solution technology and experience to the Indian and Middle Eastern customers.Sharma joins MacArtney from the marine specialist company Fugro and will benefit from working together with highly-trained and multi-disciplinary engineering and project management departments within MacArtney, dedicated to developing and delivering solutions for even the most complex challenges from the seafloor to the surface.Sharma

Gilmore Names New CEO. Targets Acquisitions

Gilmore, a U.S.-based flow control solutions provider for the oil and gas industry, has appointed David Nemetz as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).The company is a subsidiary of Aberdeen-headquartered Proserv and provides flow control products and equipment for the drilling, downhole, production, and wider industrial sectors.Gilmore said that under Nemetz, who has 25 years' experience in the energy industry, it would actively pursue appropriate business acquisitions that will accelerate penetration into new markets or widen its product capabilities and range."Nemetz has significant

FarSounder Launches Online Training

;This training platform has long been a goal of ours,” said Cheryl M. Zimmerman, FarSounder CEO. “Particularly now, with the world moving virtual over the last year, it is more important than ever to have made it a reality. We are extremely proud of the results and excited to share it with the marine world.&rdquo

Oceaneering Donates ROVs to Global Ocean

US-based ocean science nonprofit Global Oceans, has acquired, via a donation from Oceaneering, three deep-sea exploration vehicles rated to6000 meters of operational depth.The donation includes the Magellan 725 ROV, the Ocean Discovery ROV, and the Ocean Explorer 6000 Towed Sonar System, together with the infrastructure needed to deploy the vehicles including winches, cranes, power systems, operational modules, workshops, and supplies."These vehicles contributed to several historic projects, including the successful recovery of the lost Apollo “Liberty Bell 7” space capsule from the

Damen Completes Work on German Diving Bell Ship

Damen completes work on German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) diving bell shipDamen Shipyards Group has completed construction and outfitting of a diving bell ship for client FMSW Koblenz (Department Machinery Southwest) / operator WSA Rhine (Waterways and Shipping Office) according to schedule. Following her completion, the vessel has recently undertaken successful river trials.The on-time completion of the ship comes despite the challenging conditions posed by the coronavirus outbreak. Putting in place robust safety measures, Damen was able to continue work on the project

Preston Joins Global Diving & Salvage as Director of Marine Technology

Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. has appointed Alisa Preston, P. Eng., as Director of Marine Technology to lead the growth of the marine services company’s underwater technology resources.Preston will be responsible for advancing the development of sustainable and innovative marine technology and remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) services as part of the overall business strategies for both Seattle-based Global and sister company MER Diving.Preston brings to the role a background in mechanical engineering, nuclear physics, project management and entrepreneurship. She holds a BME from

All American Marine to Build Research Vessel for BLUETIDE

Bellingham, Wash. boatbuilder All American Marine announced it recently secured a contract to construct a research vessel for BLUETIDE Puerto Rico. The 73- by 26.7-foot aluminum catamaran will be constructed to USCG Subchapter T standards for use on both near coastal and ocean routes.The twin-engine vessel will be BLUETIDE’S first for its marine research, education, innovation and conservation work based out of Puerto Rico. The mission of BLUETIDE is to "influence, innovate, support and increase the eco-responsible economic impacts of a sustainable 'blue economy' in the US Caribbean&r

Subsea Europe Services Supports Hydrographer Training in Hamburg

Donation of multibeam technology and support strengthens hydrographic research capabilities of university’s new dedicated survey vesselMarine survey technology specialist Subsea Europe Services GmbH has pledged to support HafenCity University in training a new generation of expert marine hydrographers by ensuring availability of the latest hydroacoustic technology aboard the new survey boat DVocean.Based in Hamburg, HafenCity University is the only facility in Germany certified to the highest standards of training for marine surveyors. Its hydrography program was modernized in 2016 and subsequentl

US Navy Helps Small Companies Engage with Experimentation

execution by offering beginning-to-end facilitation, mentoring, and training in all aspects of experimentation,” said Scott Bartlett, the DoN SEC program manager,Naval experimentation can validate or inform concepts of operations, operational plans and doctrine, and ultimately how the Navy and Marine Corps fights. The magnitude and focus of naval experimentation events range from small limited technology demonstrations to large scale naval exercises. “Finding a fit and function where small businesses can insert their technologies and prove their warfighter capability is extremely challenging

HP to Help Carnegie Develop AI-Tech for Wave Energy Project

Australian wave energy technology developer Carnegie Clean Energy has signed an agreement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) to cooperate on a project to develop a reinforcement learning-based controller for the CETO wave energy technology.CETO is a fully submerged, point absorber type wave energy technology. A submerged buoy sits a few meters below the surface of the ocean and moves with the ocean’s waves. This orbital motion drives a power take-off (PTO) system that converts this motion into electricity.Carnegie said the cooperation with HPE would extend the artificial intelligence

Teledyne CARIS receives Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Award

. This real-world experience (and location on Canada’s West Coast) made them an ideal collaborator and provide a national perspective.In addition to OFG, Teledyne CARIS will be working with other stakeholders to assist on training, including the University of New Brunswick and Memorial Universities Marine Institute.  Both universities offer CARIS software as part of their curriculum. Other stakeholders include CIDCO from Quebec and H2i a consultancy from Ottawa specializing in Ocean Mapping strategy

SeaRobotics Launches Utility Class ASV

Marine robotics company SeaRobotics Corporation (SRC) on Monday revealed details of its next-generation utility class autonomous surface vehicle (ASV), the SR-Utility 3.0. This latest addition to the SRC portfolio is designed to extend the range and versatility of unmanned coastal marine survey operations by providing professional surveyors with a configurable platform that allows for interchangeable payloads and sensors, including the incorporation of existing instrumentation.“We have been building ASVs for over 20 years now and understand that there is always a need for some degree of customizat

Forum Bags Trenching System Contract for Cable Maintenance Project in SE Asia

Forum Energy Technologies won an order to supply subsea equipment for a major cable maintenance project in South East Asia, specifically a Perry XT500 trenching system and Dynacon Launch and Recovery System as well as associated surface power and control installations. The XT500 trenching system has a 3,000m depth rating and three meter ROV burial capability on the ocean floor. It uses Forum’s Integrated Control Engine (ICE) and has 500 HP power.The vehicle will be manufactured at Forum’s facility at Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire and installed onboard the client’s vessel in early

"Made in India": Indian Shipyard Launches Scorpene Submarine Vagir

INS Vagir is the fifth P75 Scorpene submarine entirely built by the Indian shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) based on technology transfer and partnership with Naval Group.After recent commissioning of INS Khanderi in September 2019 and the launch of the INS Vela in May 2019, Vagir is the fifth of the series of six Kalvari-class submarines ordered by India in 2005, to be launched.The submarines have been completely built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) through a transfer of technology from Naval Group, in line with Indian Government’s “Make in India” policy.

Forum to Deliver Trenching ROV for Subsea Cable Project in Asia

Forum Energy Technologies has won an order to deliver specialist subsea equipment for what it said was a major cable maintenance project in South East Asia.The contract won through Forum’s local representatives, will see the company deploy a Perry XT500 trenching system and Dynacon Launch and Recovery System as well as associated surface power and control installations. The XT500 trenching system is suited for cable maintenance projects with a 3,000m depth rating and has three meter ROV burial capability on the ocean floor.The vehicle will be manufactured at Forum’s facility at

Partners Team Up to Develop Utility Class ASV

CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) and SeaRobotics Corp. (SRC), both based in Stuart, Fla., are working together to jointly develop the next generation utility class autonomous surface vessel (ASV).Based on the fully integrated SR-Surveyor M1.8 ASV, introduced by SRC in 2019, the new utility class ASV will deploy the same fully integrated control, survey, and autonomy systems, providing the market with a fully compatible line of ASVs that are capable of addressing a wide range of tasks – from 1.8 m inshore/nearshore vessels to over 12 m ocean going vessels.The SR-Utility 3.0 and SR-Surveyor M1.

Vestdavit Wins NOAA Marine Davit Deal

Vestdavit won a frame agreement to provide service, support and spares for the variety of marine davits it has supplied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).NOAA operates a fleet of research and survey vessels that conduct a wide variety of missions, including oceanographic research, marine life studies and hydrographic surveys. Davits are needed to handle RHIBS of different sizes and 30ft Hydrographic Survey Launches, depending on the NOAA mission.The all-embracing five-year contract is valued at up to US$2.5 million and aligns with U.S. Department of Commerce requirements.

Gibbs & Cox to Develop 'Sea Train' Concept

Naval architecture firm Gibbs & Cox said it has been awarded a multi-phase contract from the U.S.' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop and demonstrate a connectorless "Sea Train" concept.DARPA's Sea Train program aims to demonstrate long range deployment capabilities for a distributed fleet of tactical unmanned surface vessels. The program seeks to enable extended transoceanic transit and long-range naval operations by exploiting the efficiencies of a system of connected vessels.The goal is to develop and demonstrate approaches that exploit wave-making

Polar Science: SRO Solutions Delivers IT Package to Facilitate Data Flow

SRO Solutions is working on a project to replace British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) current asset management system to help improve the processing and sharing of data between the organization’s UK headquarters and polar research stations.SRO Solutions was tasked with migrating all of BAS’ existing data from its current AMOS asset management system to IBM’s Maximo platform. In addition, SRO has created a number of bespoke applications to handle data covering cargo and freight movements, internal documents, and crew and course planning.BAS delivers and enables interdisciplinary

Four HUGIN AUVs for the Indian Navy

Kongsberg Maritime sold four HUGIN AUV systems to the Indian Defense Public Sector shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), located in Kolkata, India. This sale was  conducted in collaboration with Kongsberg Maritime India, a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime.The purchase, which also includes HiPAP 502 high-accuracy acoustic positioning and communication systems to support AUV operations, will be installed on the four Large Survey vessels currently in build for the Indian Navy. GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Vipin Saxena said: “We are

AUV Case Study: Marine Roboticists are Turning AUV Sight into Perception

In 2018, marine robotics scientist Arjuna Balasuriya was at the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) in Newport, Rhode Island, testing new software for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). In the past, his AUV research had meant long ocean cruises in rough choppy waters, but for the moment, he was analyzing his algorithms from a comfortable dry seat on land.Balasuriya and his team from Charles River Analytics were developing an app for the AUVs made by Teledyne Gavia, which could navigate on their own in the oceans to take sonar surveys of the seafloor. But to be truly autonomous, they needed

Next-Gen AI Capability for Teledyne Gavia AUVs

Teledyne Gavia introduced Charles River Analytics’ AutoTRap Onboard AI-based object detection software as a new capability onboard its Gavia marine vehicles. AI has emerged as a solution for delivering consistent and accurate results for underwater vehicles, led by developments such as AutoTRap Onboard, designed to be a smart, real-time automated target recognition (ATR) app offered from Charles River Analytics.The new partnership with Teledyne Gavia expands the boundaries for underwater unmanned sonar operation. Now, operators can acquire Teledyne Gavia’s unmanned underwater vehicles

AI- and Solar-powered Autonomous Ship Mayflower Launched

project say the new-generation Mayflower is intended to make gathering ocean data safer, more flexible and cost-effective. The partners hope the vessel will lead the way for scientists and other autonomous vessels to help improve understanding of issues such as global warming, micro-plastic pollution and marine mammal conservation

Ocean Startup Challenge Shortlists 31 Companies for Prize

the shortlisted companies having ocean technologies in the earliest stages of development,” said Don Grant, Executive Director, Ocean Startup Project. “Another 19 shortlisted companies applied with working prototypes.”The shortlisted solutions involve environmental monitoring, reducing marine mammal entanglement in fishing gear, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, technologies to reduce corrosion and biofouling, networks of sensors and analysis tools, sustainable bait alternatives, vision systems, underwater communications and IoT networks, value-added by-products, fish health

SRO Solutions Upgrades IBM Maximo for FPSO Player MODEC

UK-based tech company SRO Solutions has recently completed what it says is a "major digitization project" for the Japanese FPSO provider MODEC in Ghana where the company has two FPSOs deployed."The project, part of a series of high value digitization upgrades SRO has completed for the business since 2018, has resulted in a more efficient and accurate inventory for MODEC in Ghana streamlining its onshore headquarters in Accra with its vessels the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah (KNK) in the Jubilee Oil Field, and FPSO Professor John Evans Atta Mills (JAM) in the Tano Ennyera Ntomme (TEN) Oil Field

Ocean Influencer: Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Schmidt Ocean Institute

The July/August edition of Marine Technology Reporter, the 15th Annual "MTR100", recognizes Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) first executive director, as an 'Ocean Influencer.' Virmani defines what it means to be passionate and motivated in the field of marine science and exploration. Her humble start began in her hometown of Manchester, England, inspired by the nearby Lovell Telescope — which was then the world’s largest steerable dish radio telescope. Today, her interests and studies, spanning atmosphere to ocean, have guided her drive to

New Survey Boat Launched for South African Navy

to the three Survey Motor Boats to be delivered to the South African Navy Hydrographic Office (SANHO), this program also provides for the delivery of a Hydrographic Survey Vessel and a Sea Boat as well as a third, fully operational inshore Survey Motor Boat, to remain ashore and in reserve.Veecraft Marine, a subsidiary of Paramount Maritime, had been tasked with the design and manufacture of the Survey Motor Boats, all of which having taken place within South Africa.The 11m length overall (LOA) Survey Motor Boat hosts two twin Volvo Penta duo-prop propellers, providing for greater fuel efficiency

Eserv Digitizes Neptune's Offshore Platforms

Oil and gas company on Tuesday announced Neptune Energy a new partnership with 3D technology specialist, Eserv, as part of the ongoing digitalization of Neptune’s assets including its operated Cygnus gas platform in the UK southern North Sea."Using 3D and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, a digital map of all three bridge-linked jackets was captured, enabling Neptune Energy to detect asset integrity issues early and plan fabric maintenance work on Cygnus," Neptune Energy said.According to Neptune, specialist engineers and integrity experts now have the opportunity to carry out

NOAA Grants Support Small Business Tech Development

system and integrated data management platformPacific Hybreed, Inc., Bainbridge Island, Wash., $149,862, for identifying genetic markers of resistance in oysters for Pacific oyster mortality syndrome.Lynntech, Inc., College Station, Texas, $149,991, for a rapid, simple diagnostic tool for pathogens in marine aquacultureShellfish Solutions, Castine, Maine, $150,000, for a tide-to-table traceability and marketing system for shellfish aquaculture.  Recreational and commercial fisheriesCreare LLC, Hanover, N.H., $149,361, for a low cost ocean temperature profiling sensorSafetySpect Inc., Los Angeles

ARA Taps Coolbaugh as Ohmsett Facility Manager

response technologies, assessing spill prevention and response methods, and providing oil spill response training. Additionally, the 203 meters long by 20 meters wide, 2.4 meters deep test tank filled with crystal clear salt water has a wave generating system that is ideal for ongoing developments in marine renewable energy

SMD to Supply ROV for Petrovietnam Subsidiary

U.K.-based Soil Machine Dynamics Limited (SMD) said it has won a multimillion-dollar contract to supply a medium-sized work class remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to PTSC GEOS & SUBSEA SERVICES CO., LTD., (PTSC G&S), a subsidiary of Petrovietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC). The Quasar is the second of its kind to be ordered by PTSC G&S, nearly a decade after the first ROV was purchased.The Quasar II ROV is capable of survey, construction and drill support operations. Due for delivery in February 2021, the ROV it will work alongside the existing SMD ROV, performing a

SRO Updates Stena Drilling's Rigs with IBM’s Maximo System

Offshore drilling contractor Stena Drilling has had its asset management software system on six offshore rigs replaced.The company hired UK-based tech firm SRO Solutions which, over the course of 14 months replaced its existing asset management system with IBM’s Maximo software. Six engineers from SRO carried out the work, and also delivered training on the rig fleet in the Canary Islands, Israel, Guyana, and Scapa Flow in Scotland.SRO operations director Andrew Carrie led the project which is the 20th major asset management system upgrade SRO has undertaken, using IBM’s Maximo

NOAA, Scripps Partner on Unmanned Systems

NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego are partnering to improve how unmanned systems (UxS) are used to collect important ocean observations and augment NOAA’s operational capabilities.The 10-year agreement provides a framework for Scripps and OMAO’s new Unmanned Systems Operations Program to collaborate on specific projects to further UxS research, development and operations.“The operational experience of NOAA’s fleet of ships and aircraft combined with the extensive research and

SOI: Amidst Pandemic, Seafloor Mapping Zooms Ahead

a first look at deep waters in the Coral Sea, despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the only at-sea science expeditions to continue operations, the team has discovered the deepest living hard corals in Eastern Australian waters, sighted fish in new regions and identified up to 10 new marine species.SOI’s R/V Falkor spent the 46 days in the Coral Sea Marine Park, one of the largest protected areas in the world. Scientists connected remotely to the ship from their homes, collecting high-resolution seafloor maps and video footage of the ocean down to 1,600 meters. Led by chief scientist

Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Installs Wind LiDAR in New Jersey

A wind LiDAR (light detection and ranging) instrument has been installed alongside the causeway leading to Rutgers University Marine Field Station in Tuckerton, New Jersey.The fully autonomous sensor platform, owned and operated by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, will provide observations of wind profiles up to several hundred feet in a location directly on the land/sea boundary.Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, a joint venture between Shell and EDF, installed the LiDAR in collaboration with the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL) and the Rutgers University Marine Field

Poland's Ministry of Defense Orders Gavia AUVs

Teledyne Marine – Vehicles announced the Ministry of Defense of Poland has procured, through Remontowa Shipbuilding two additional Gavia autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) for its second and third Kormoran Class new MCMV. The anticipated delivery of two systems will be added to the current Gavia AUV fleet, which has been operated by the Polish Navy for Naval Mine CounterMeasures (NMCM).To complement the Gavia AUVs previously procured, the acquisition will include all required topside equipment, as well as the AUV operation and maintenance training.In 2014, Teledyne Gavia completed a competitive

For the Royal Australian Navy, Technological Leap Starts Small

Driven by the need to organically protect maritime Task Groups from the threat of sea mines, the Royal Australian Navy is introducing a deployable Mine Counter-Measures (MCM) capability under the first phase of Project SEA 1778.The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) SEA 1778 deployable Mine Counter-Measures (MCM) capability is both a small step forward in the spiral development process and a “technological leap” into autonomy.”The RAN is looking to replace its four legacy Huon-class minehunter coastal ships (MHCs) with a new deployable MCM capability.  The lead ship in the class

US' Marine Economy Growth Outpacing the Nation's

America’s marine economy, including goods and services, contributed about $373 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2018 and grew faster than the nation’s economy as a whole, according to the marine economy statistics released today by two Department of Commerce agencies.“These statistics are the first-of-its-kind estimate of the U.S. marine economy, a primary driver of jobs, innovation and economic growth,” said retired Navy Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and deputy NOAA administrator. “Data

Siemens Equipment for Large Gas Field Project Offshore Malaysia

Siemens Gas and Power has been awarded a contract to supply gas turbine generators, gas turbines and centrifugal compressors for the Petronas' Kasawari gas field development project offshore Sarawak in Malaysia. The order was made by Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE) which has formed a joint venture with TechnipFMC to execute the work for Petronas.Siemens will supply three SGT-300 industrial gas turbine generators (GTG), three mechanical-drive SGT-300 gas turbines and three DATUM centrifugal compressors for the Kasawari project in the South China Sea.With an estimated recoverable

BP Employs Deep Learning Tech for Seismic Data Interpretation

British oil major BP has signed an agreement with Bluware Corp, a digital innovation platform, to help it interpret large seismic data sets.Bluware, which describes itself as a platform that helps the oil and gas industry to accelerate digital transformation initiatives using deep learning, says its technology will help BP to improve quality and speed when delivering seismic interpretation products.“BP recognizes the significant impact advances in digital technology can bring and we are pleased to implement Bluware InteractivAITM, a new and innovative deep learning technology, augmenting our