Emerson’s Launches Roxar RMS 11

Emerson has launched Roxar RMS 11, the latest version of its reservoir characterization software, which includes a powerful set of tools for developing smarter and more interactive reservoir modeling, facies modeling and unified tools for channelized reservoirs and region definition.The suite also comes with a new plug-in technology designed to ensure that RMS 11 is ideally placed for future web and…

Kraken Wins Canadian Government Contract

Kraken Robotics subsidiary Kraken Robotic Systems has been awarded a contract valued at $524,720 (CAD) (approximately US$405,500) with the Government of Canada for Kraken’s SeaVision 3D laser scanner.An underwater 3D laser imaging system designed to be fitted to remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, SeaVision was initially pre-qualified under the Canadian government’s Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP).

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)…

Farsounder Recommends Propspeed FoulFree for Sonar Transducers

Propspeed, an innovator of underwater foul-release coatings, received an endorsement from FarSounder, a pioneer in navigation and obstacle avoidance systems, which has tested the Propspeed Foulfree foul-release coating and recommends it for application by their customers, dealers and partner shipyards.“Our unique, patented technology is designed to paint a clear picture of what lies ahead underwater and along the bottom,” said Cheryl Zimmerman, CEO, FarSounder.

UKHO Conducts Seabed Mapping in Dominica

The U.K. Hydrographic Office (UKHO) said it has deployed a motorboat to survey the waters off Dominica as part of the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Program.Following a stakeholder meeting with Dominica’s Maritime Authority and wider government in late 2017 after Hurricane Maria, priority survey areas were agreed to capture seabed mapping data of Dominica’s main ports and approaches.Surveying is expected to continue throughout September…

MacDonald to Lead Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Kendra MacDonaldhas been tapped as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC), responsible for leading the organization to build Canada’s ocean economy into one of the country’s most significant and sustainable value-creating economic segments.The OSC is an industry-led collaboration that is created around a critical mass of ocean-based companies in Atlantic Canada to tackle…

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…

NOAA's New Ocean Exploration Ship to Be Based in Newport, RI

Newport, R.I. has been chosen as the future homeport for a new NOAA oceanographic research vessel being built for the agency. Discoverer will be a state-of-the-art ship that operates around the nation and the world to study and explore the ocean.“Discoverer will be one of the world’s most advanced research vessels,” said Rear Adm. Nancy Hann, deputy director for operations for NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and deputy director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

Converted OSV Enters Service in the UK as an Underwater Surveillance Ship

A converted offshore support vessel has taken on a new life as a dedicated underwater surveillance ship for the U.K.'s Royal Navy.Christened during a ceremony in London on October 10, RFA Proteus will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a launchpad for remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) and a home to a suite of specialist capabilities similar to those found in the offshore oil and gas industry.The ship…

Collaborators Make ROVs Smaller and More User-friendly

Putting together a highly specified remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) is a complex business, often requiring fluid integration of components and software from several different manufacturers. Getting it all to work together takes a high level of collaboration between professionals, located around the world.The Defender models now being produced by Pennsylvania-based VideoRay, a world leader in inspection-class ROVs…

Scientists Complete 1700km Autonomous Acoustics Mission

A state-of-the-art technique for mapping and counting schools of fish has been tested on an autonomous marine platform in the North Sea, offering a new method for collecting data on fish stocks.The U.K.’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and U.S. based Liquid Robotics, A Boeing Company, have deployed, tested and recovered a remotely piloted Wave Glider, which was adapted…

iFROG: Robot for Cleaning and Inspection of Offshore Wind Monopiles Completes Trials

An amphibious robot called iFROG capable of working in teams to clean and inspect monopiles above water level and up to 60 meters below (~6 bar), has successfully completed trials at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth.The multi-robot solution was developed under a three-year project that was funded by Innovate UK and brought together iFROG developer InnoTecUK, ORE Catapult, TWI and Brunel University London.

iXblue Partners with Forssea

iXblue, a designer and manufacturer of advanced navigation, imagery and subsea positioning solutions, said it has joined forces with Forssea, a robotics startup that develops autonomous docking underwater technologies, to bring more agile and cost-effective subsea operations.Combining Forssea’s Atoll, an observation-class remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that offers autonomous docking capabilities…

Seafloor Data Firm Bedrock Raises $25.5 M to Accelerate Offshore Wind Energy Development

Seafloor data acquisition and distribution firm Bedrock has said it has secured $25.5 million in its Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to date to $33.5M. The funds will be utilized to bring its data offering to the offshore wind market this year, and grow the company's proprietary unmanned autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) acquisition system. Bedrock says it has the potential to accelerate and reduce risks for the development of offshore wind energy projects…

DNV and 25 Partners Launch JIP for Floating Offshore Wind Substations

Energy industry expert and assurance firm DNV has partnered up with 25 industry giants in a Joint Industry Project (JIP) aimed at enhancing technology development for floating offshore wind substations, with particular attention to how export cables and topside equipment tolerate movements of a floating substructure. The objective is to align industry best-practice allowing for accelerated technology…

Armach Robotics Introduces Proactive In-water Hull Cleaning

Karl Lander, Director, Regulatory Compliance and Outreach of Armach Robotics joined a host of leaders in sustainable technologies and innovation at the 3rd Decarbonizing Shipping Forum, being held in Hamburg this week. He introduced the concept of autonomous robots making proactive in-water cleaning a reality, in support of the worldwide goal of decarbonizing in shipping.During the presentation, Lander discussed the impacts of fouling…

Maritime Risk Symposium 2024 – Great Power Competition and Gray Zone Engagement

For 15 years the Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS), an annual three-day event, has brought together government and maritime industry leaders, port representatives, international and domestic researchers and solution providers to examine current and emerging threats to maritime security. World events highlight that maritime security is increasingly at risk during the current period of great-power competition and ongoing conflicts.

Xodus Names Subsea and Pipelines Branch Boss

UK-based energy consultancy Xodus Group has appointed Nigel Underwood as new manager to head up the company’s London subsea and pipelines division.Underwood, who joins from Petrofac where we worked as consultancy manager, will oversee Xodus’ international subsea and pipelines work, from concept through to detailed design and delivery.Xodus’ portfolio of work includes the development of subsea infrastructure designs…

VIDEO: Watch the Armach Robotics Hull Service Robot in Action

Armach Robotics, Inc. (Armach), recently passed a critical milestone during a trial of its Hull Service Robot in full over-the-horizon (OTH) mode.At the end of 2022, Armach’s hull service robot (HSR), in the water in Norfolk, VA, was monitored and controlled by staff at Armach’s command center in Plymouth, MA, using a 4G modem providing over-the-air connectivity. During the trial, the Plymouth-based operator was able to fly the robot from its launch point at the pier…

Nauticus Robotics Bags $2.7 Million Contract Extension from Leidos

Nauticus Robotics announced it has been awarded an additional $2.7 million under its current contract with Leidos for the continued advancement of a derivative of our autonomous, tetherless, all-electric, subsea robotHouston-based Nauticus, which develops autonomous robots using artificial intelligence for data collection and intervention services for the ocean economies, said the funded extension…