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
Royal Navy on Target with MASS Simulation System
MetOcean Telematics will supply the Royal Navy with its new Maritime Acoustic Scoring and Simulation System (MASS), an over-the-horizon Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Naval Gunfire Scoring and Simulation (NGSS) system which is designed to eliminate the need for land bombardment ranges and the necessity to destroy physical targets on land or at sea.The free-floating system consists of a set of operation buoys, which report acoustic event data, point of impact, and precise time. The acoustic event data is sent to a base station receiver using overthe-horizon Iridium satellite telemetry or UHF
Forum ROV Completes Trials for Vietnam Navy
completed harbor trials for the Vietnam Navy. The vehicle is the compact derivative of the XLX work class ROV, and is a heavy-duty work class hydraulic ROV with a depth rating of 4000m, outfitted with cameras, lights, altimeters and sonars.The Perry XLX-C will be used to support the Vietnamese’ submarine rescue vehicle in its operations during assessment and preparation of a site for a submersible rescue. The XLX-C is fitted with Forum’s latest technology and can deliver specialized equipment, including an Emergency Life Support System, to a distressed submarine. It was supplied with an Emergency
Belgian Navy Renews SeeByte’s SeeTrack v4 Licenses
SeeByte, creator of smart software solutions for unmanned maritime systems, announced the renewal of its latest SeeTrack v4 licenses to the Belgian Navy for its fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and Belgian-Netherlands Naval Mine Warfare school, EGUERMIN.The renewal includes an upgrade to the latest version of SeeByte’s multi-domain command and control system, SeeTrack v4, SeeByte’s Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) suite, and ongoing operational support for the school and the operators.The SeeTrack v4 package offers Mission Planning, Monitoring, and Post Mission Analysis to
COVE Internship Project Begins Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
the opportunity to apply their education in actual industry settings and as a result building the pipeline for future ocean tech companies in Nova Scotia.“This is a terrific opportunity for the interns to develop awareness of, and exposure to the broad range of careers available to them in the marine industry and the blue economy. Similarly, this is a terrific opportunity for ocean tech employers to have access to young, diverse talent,” said Dr. Sherry Scully, Executive Director of COVE Workforce Initiativ
BLUEROC: ROV Control in a Box
A number of ROV operations are expensive due to high cost of equipment and complex operation setup. Depro AS and VideoRay LLC have developed a new, compact and, flexible ROV concept named BLUEROC. BLUEROC is said to be easy to use and quick to mobilize. It also offers a cost saving system for the operator. Several customers have mentioned up to 75% in savings. BLUEROC is a remotely operated container solution, designed to control and operate an inspection ROV. The container consists of equipment required to run the operation (operation room, winch, LARS, TMS and the ROV). BLUEROC is
New Depth Data Management System for Danish Hydrographic Office
The Danish Geodata Agency (DGA) has completed a project to implement a new depth data management system, including the CARIS Bathy DataBASE, migration tools, system configuration and implementation. The project also delivered a range of training and consultancy.The depth data management system from Teledyne CARIS, a Teledyne Technologies, provides the Danish Hydrographic Office efficient storage and management of depth data while supporting the current and future requirements, both internally and externally."DGA is a dynamic, data-centered, industry-leading agency that provides high resolution
Greensea Expands, Again
over eighteen years of submersible robotics experience, most recently in his role as Chief Engineer for Teledyne Webb Research. Partnering with James on the hull robotics team is Sam Fladung. Sam has over a decade of experience as a robotics engineer. Prior to Greensea, he worked at Teledyne Marine where he was instrumental in advancing their glider program. Sam is a graduate of Cornell University with a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. “We’re happy to have another Cornell grad join our team,” said Shay Osler, Cornell graduate and Engineering Manager, Greensea
Contract Awarded for Undersea Op Training Facility
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii awarded a $54,279,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Undersea Operational Training Facility (UOTC) April 15 to Hensel Phelps Construction Co., of Honolulu, Hawaii. The contract also contains one Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment line item and one unexercised option, which if awarded would increase cumulative contract value to $57,494,949.The work to be performed provides for an UOTC that will support a variety of functions including operator and undersea vehicle training via the use of a combat training tank, and applied
Sea Trials for Australia's New Icebreaker Delayed Due to COVID-19
Australia's newly built Antarctic icebreaking research and supply vessel (RSV) is nearly ready to be delivered, but its sea trials have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) said.Construction of the ship commenced at Damen’s Galați shipyard in Romania in May 2017, and the vessel was floated out in September 2018 prior to its scheduled arrival at its home port Hobart in 2020. But delays brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak have derailed the delivery schedule.“The fit-out and testing schedule for the vessel is being severely impacted by
Offshore Wind Challenge Accepting Applications
Greentown Labs and Vineyard Wind are now accepting applications for the Offshore Wind Challenge. Greentown Labs and Vineyard Wind are seeking submissions from startups that are innovating in marine mammal monitoring, either surrounding data collection and real-time transmission or data analysis.The Offshore Wind Challenge is a six-month accelerator program housed at Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass., and is focused on fast-tracking entrepreneurs with the mentors and business and technical resources they need to launch or scale successful ventures with direct support from Vineyard Wind. The
NASA Asks Gamers, Citizen Scientists to Help Map World's Corals
these reefs provide homes for as many species as a tropical rainforest. Corals are at risk from rising ocean temperatures, pollution and ocean acidification. Scientists are seeking more data to understand the ways in which corals are responding to these forces.Reefs also play a part in combating disease. Marine systems – and particularly coral reefs – are often considered the "medicine cabinets" of the 21st century. Organisms such as sponges, mollusks and others that call reefs their homes have contributed to medicines used to treat viruses such as HIV and diseases such as cancer
Undersea Warfare Center Supports Online Science Fair
Volunteers from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport supported the 63rd annual Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF), which was held entirely online Mar. 27–28 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The WSSEF is one of the major annual events in Washington State’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program, and the shift to an online format was accomplished with great speed in order to keep the students engaged.Michel Huey, president and head judge of the WSSEF, said his team did encounter some challenges making the rapid shift
Schmidt Offers Online Educational Content for Students
universities and science organizations--like NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Western Australian Museum -- are designed to help students gain an understanding of, and appreciation for, the ocean, its role in the world, and the latest technology that is facilitating marine exploration.Resources include downloadable lesson plans, posters, videos and interactive exercises for K-12 students like this comic on mapping the seafloor. The lessons cover topics from robotics and engineering to marine biology and underwater topography. Lessons help students learn about underwater
N-Sea Wins Defense Contract by Royal Netherlands Navy
N-Sea announced a commencement of a five-year contract with the Royal Netherlands Navy.The contract, which includes two year-long extension options, will see N-Sea operate the multipurpose support vessel, Geosea, which arrived at the naval base at Den Helder (Netherlands) on March 4.N-Sea’s workscope throughout the charter will utilize the vessel as a facilitating platform for mine countermeasure activity, development and training in advance of the Navy’s implementation of new-build, mine hunter class vessels.N-Sea specializes in integrated subsea solutions for the renewable, oil and
Sunken Submarine USS Stickleback Found
A World War II era submarine sunk during a Cold War training exercise off the shores of Hawaii more than six decades ago has been discovered by a team of ocean explorers utilizing pioneering robotics and methods at the forefront of today's underwater technology.USS Stickleback (SS 415), lost in nearly 11,000 feet of water 62 years ago, was discovered by veteran ocean explorer and Tiburon Subsea CEO Tim Taylor and his "Lost 52 Project" team equipped with a combination of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and advanced photogrammetry imaging technology.
Kongsberg Sells HUGIN AUV System to NIOT
underwater vehicle.Developed in partnership with FFI, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, HUGIN continues to improve with new capabilities, sensors and behaviors being added each year.“We are honored to welcome NIOT to the HUGIN family,” said Richard Mills, Vice President of Marine Robotics Sales at Kongsberg Maritime. “Their new HUGIN AUV System is configured for their needs today and tomorrow with a multi-role capability. We look forward to working with the scientific teams from the Oceanographic Research Institutes of India over the coming years.&rdquo
Diver Health the Focus of Research Project
taught in diving training establishments, there is currently no medical research to support its effectiveness or explore better methods. The JIP is therefore seeking to provide this evidence and to see if resuscitation techniques can be improved.To date the JIP is being funded by Boskalis, DFS Diving, KD Marine, Kreuz Subsea, Rever, Shelf Subsea, Statoil, Technip and Total. A further $19,400 is still to be secured from the industry to complete the research
The Global Reef Expedition: Kingdom of Tonga
in the Kingdom of Tonga. The Global Reef Expedition: Kingdom of Tonga Final Report contains critical information on the health and resiliency of coral reef ecosystems in Tonga, and provides scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders with invaluable information they can use to protect these fragile marine ecosystems.“Since Tonga is a developing country, about 66% of the total population’s livelihood depends upon seafood,” said Apai Moala, a Senior Geologist Assistant at the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources (MLNR) who participated in the research mission. “I do believe
Formosa 1 OWP Deploys RSL O&M
The 128MW Formosa 1 offshore (FOWI) wind farm, off the coast of Taiwan, has deployed operations and maintenance (O&M) software from Renewable Strategy Limited.The RSL Manager - a computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) system - will monitor, analyse and manage FOWI spare part assets."We are excited and humbled by the opportunity to support Formosa 1 on their journey of establishing the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in Taiwan," says Natalie Dencker, Co-Founder at Renewable Strategy."Our system will support the crucial work of getting renewable energy
MarTID 2020: The Maritime Training Survey is Open
Operator survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020MarTIDOperatorMETI survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020MarTIDMETISeafarer survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020MarTIDSeafarerWhat 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, along with the 2019 report, at www.MarTID.org
Subsea Robots in the Splash Zone
From their base deep within a former World War II U-boat pen, Norwegian outfit, OceanTech, is developing a set of robot tools that cling to offshore structures in order to effect inspection, maintenance and repair, or IMR. Old submarine anchorages are now subsea testing and training sites, but the North Sea is still the target. Hundreds of aging platforms and subsea structures require IMR that’s too costly, complex or hazardous for divers or remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs.As he walks us through Dora II, the original name of the U-boat pen, OceanTech CEO, Berndt Schjetne, points to
WHOI Robot Takes First Known Automated Sample from Ocean
vehicle developed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) took the first known automated sample performed by a robotic arm in the ocean. Last month, an international team of researchers used one of WHOI’s underwater robots, Nereid Under Ice (NUI), to explore Kolumbo volcano, an active submarine volcano off Greece’s famed Santorini island.“For a vehicle to take a sample without a pilot driving it was a huge step forward,” says Rich Camilli, an associate scientist at WHOI leading the development of automation technology as part of NASA’s Planetary Science and Technology
Conservation for Endangered Reef Fish Yields Results
Nassau Grouper populations increased threefold in response to dynamic fishing management actions in the Cayman IslandsA new study from researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego has documented a successful recovery effort among Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands thanks to an approach involving government agencies, academic researchers, and nonprofit organizations.The study, published January 6, 2020 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used a two-pronged approach including tagging and video census data for monitoring
MTS Appoints Dr. Josh Kohut as VP
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) announced that its membership has elected Dr. Josh Kohut, a professor at Rutgers University at the Center for Ocean Observing Leadership, to serve on its Board of Directors as the Vice President of Education, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022.The Vice President of Education ensures that the Society develops and maintains positive and productive relationships with academic institutions, laboratories—both public and private—and research institutes and helps develop opportunities for students.“Josh has a great record of working with students
MTS Welcomes Two New Board Members
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) announced that it has elected two new board members: Jerry Miller and Josh Kohut.The Board Members elected Dr. Jerry Miller, President of Science for Decisions, to serve on its Board of Directors as the Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. MTS has also elected Dr. Josh Kohut, a professor at Rutgers University at the Center for Ocean Observing Leadership, to serve on its Board of Directors as the Vice President of Education. The positions for both will run from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022.As Vice President of Government and Public Affairs
MOL Develops Engine Diagnosis Application
Japan's largest carriers of containerized and other cargo Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced an agreement for joint development of the next-generation engine failure sign diagnosis application, in partnership with ClassNK Consulting Service, IHI Power Systems, and Mitsui E&S Machinery.The four companies are looking to develop the application by fusing ClassNK's "CMAXS LC-A/e-GICSX"(CMAXS) and MOL's FOCUS "Fleet Optimal Control Unified System", which is intended to enhance safe operation and reduce environmental impact through advanced information and communications
Offshore Wind: Decisions Needed Sooner, not Later
On September 26, the State University of New York Maritime College hosted a conference on the emerging east coast offshore wind industry. “Offshore Wind Power, Planning for America’s Ocean Energy” focused on four fundamental topics:• East Coast Wind Farm Overview – Status of the Industry.• Jobs and Supply Chain Technical Working Group.• Wind Farm Port Development.• Offshore Wind Maritime Operations.In some ways, actually clocking in for a day’s work on an offshore wind turbine is tantalizingly close. Ditto for power flowing from an offshore
JFD Submarine Rescue System Triumphs
JFD has set new global benchmarks for international submarine rescue following the successful completion of rigorous exercises off the coast of Western Australia.In a range of weather conditions, JFD’s fully-integrated submarine rescue system demonstrated its robustness and reliability in the triennial Pacific Reach, a multi-lateral series of exercises, hosted in 2019 by Australia with the participating nations of South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and the United States and many other observing countries from the Indo-Pacific region.Designed to simulate a real-life submarine rescue emergency using
JFD Partners with Innovation Maritime
JFD has announced a new partnership with Innovation Maritime, a non-profit innovation organization developing marine solutions through applied research, technical assistance and information dissemination. The partnership, which will support global sales of the Submarine Escape Trainer (SET), is part of JFD’s ongoing ambition to improve safety and preserve the lives of submariners across the globe. The partnership will further the ability of submarine operating nations to train their submariners for escape and abandonment scenarios in the most realistic environment possible.In the event that
Ocean Infinity Launches Large-scale Ocean Study
Subsea technology and data company Ocean Infinity said it is partnering with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to undertake a long term program of marine environmental scientific research onboard its’ vessels.Currently underway, this long term study will lead to the creation of the world’s largest body of physical samples from the deep ocean. The material gathered, which will be made available to scientists and academics, will contribute to providing a base line study of deep sea ecosystems. The information obtained from the samples will contribute to better understan
MacArtney Expands Into Italian Market
MacArtney Underwater Technology is ready to launch its newest operation, MacArtney Italy, supporting local Italian customers with the global MacArtney brand.A long-standing cornerstone of the MacArtney strategy is to continually strengthen global reach and customer support through a strategic local presence in key markets. With a renewed focus on expanding their global footprint, MacArtney Underwater Technology will be offering their system solution technology and expertise to the Italian underwater technology markets, providing customers with sales and support of products, system solutions, access to
New Tech Aids US Navy Mapping
Rapid Airborne Multibeam Mapping System (RAMMS), showcased last week during a Naval Oceanography event held at Southern Mississippi’s Marine Research Center, has resulted in improved maritime domain awareness for the US Navy, and demonstrates the value of federal investments in private-sector research, development and commercialization efforts.RAMMS is based on Areté’s Pushbroom Imaging Littoral Lidar System (PILLS), an airborne seabed mapping capability developed through a US Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. One of the primary yet challenging goals of SBIR
Kongsberg Fishery Simulator for Greenland
Nine commercial fishery companies have donated in total $471,587 to Danish training institute, the Greenland Maritime Center, for investment in a state-of-the-art K-Sim Fishery simulator from Kongsberg Digital.A first of its kind in the Kingdom of Denmark, the K-Sim Fishery simulator will enable students to gain vital competence in diverse fishery situations, including aft deck operations, and is scheduled for installation in 2020.Introduced by Kongsberg Digital in 2018, K-Sim Fishery is based on sophisticated K-Sim Navigation simulator technology, with added functionality and instruments specific to
CGG Grows Middle East Footprint
Geophysical services company CGG said it is bringing its integrated geoscience offering for exploration, field development and production optimization directly to the doorstep of national and independent oil companies in the Middle East, with the newly established Regional Geoscience Center in Abu Dhabi.The company, which noted it is seeing a high level of activity across the region, said its existing Abu Dhabi center has almost doubled in size to welcome the arrival of a team of geoscience experts in key technical disciplines to complement its existing seismic imaging and geoscience software teams.
Complete Oil Spill Monitoring Solutions for Vulnerable Areas
Global environmental monitoring experts Ocean Scientific International Ltd (OSIL) produce oil spill monitoring solutions for remote areas for both aquatic and terrestrial applications where there is a concern over the potential for exposure to hydrocarbons.OSIL build and install systems including oil spill monitoring buoys that are capable of detecting and monitoring surface sheens, oil in water monitoring buoys that can identify and quantify crude oil and refined fuels present in the water column using submersible sensors, and land-based non-contact oil spill detection systems. These structures can
Saab Supplies PMIS to Port of Pascagoula
Swedish manufacturer Saab has successfully put its PortControl Port Management Information System (PMIS) upgrade into operation at the Port of Pascagoula, on-time and within budget.According to a press release from the defense and security company, delivery includes software for management of visits, cargo and billing, as well as an accounts receivable module. The system interfaces with the port’s accounting software.The Port of Pascagoula is the largest full-service seaport in Mississippi with deep water access. In 2018, the total trade volume through the port was valued at 6.33 billion
