More Than $5.9 Mln Invested in Marine Debris Cleanup Projects

Matching grants bring total to $5.9 million for 23 projects across 18 U.S. states and territoriesNOAA today announced a total of $2.7 million in grants supporting 23 projects to address the harmful effects of marine debris on wildlife, navigation safety, economic activity and ecosystem health. With the addition of non-federal matching contributions, the total investment in these marine debris projects is more than $5.9 million.The grants…

R&D: Robotics Advances Inside the ORCA Hub

Many of the more advanced mechanics of robotic systems are being developed as part of the Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets (ORCA) Hub in Edinburgh. It’s a publicly funded project led by the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics (Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh), in collaboration with Imperial College London and the Universities of Oxford and Liverpool. We spoke with some of their specialists.First of all, what is robotics?

Forum Unveils eROV Simulator Training

The latest version of Forum Subsea Technologies’ VMAX simulator launched this week is designed to integrate with its next generation of electric remotely operated vehicles (eROV).The XLe Spirit was the first vehicle to be launched from the new range last year, and Forum announced on Wednesday that it has now added the eROV to its choice of vehicles within the simulator. The new lightweight and ergonomically…

Unique Group Debuts New Survey USV

Unique Group, a provider of  services and solutions for the offshore, subsea and life support industries, has designed and developed its first Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) called Uni-Cat.With proven hydrographic survey capabilities, the Uni-Cat can be used effectively for bathymetry survey offshore and in shallow waters, claimed a press release from the integrated subsea and offshore solution provider."It is ideal to be used in locations where conventional survey methods are not feasible…

China Builds World's Largest Silent Research Vessel

The world's largest silent research vessel built by China was officially put into use, which will pave the way for the cultivation of innovative deep-sea talent and ocean science study.Built by Shanghai-based Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd, the Dong Fang Hong 3 is the first Chinese research vessel and the world' fourth to have obtained a Silent-R certificate, the highest standard for underwater noise control issued by Norwegian international certification body…

Export Licensing: Tips U.S. Exporters Shouldn’t Overlook

Each year, the U.S. Department of Commerce receives thousands of inquiries from businesses looking to export, many of which involve licensing questions. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), together with other USG agencies, is responsible for export licensing and controls. BIS export licenses may be required for items (commodities, software, or technology) with proliferation, military, or terrorist uses, or which warrant control for other reasons.

Moog Focal Releases New Expansion Card

Moog Focal has launched its latest 914-X series expansion card: the 914-DX.This expansion for the 914-X series system features six isolated and software configurable serial channels for RS-232, RS-485, RS422, or TTL. Up to four of these cards may be stacked with any 914-HDE motherboard giving each system up to 24 extra isolated serial channels. The 914-DX offers a significant reduction in size for isolated serial channels…

Sonardyne Acquires EIVA

Subsea technology and systems provider Sonardyne International announced Tuesday it has acquired maritime software and equipment specialist EIVA A/S.EIVA will join the Sonardyne group of companies while remaining an independent business and brand. EIVA Chief Executive Officer Jeppe Nielsen, who has been CEO since 2011, will remain in post, while Sonardyne’s Investment and Integration Director Stephen Fasham will take on the role of Chairman.The terms of the acquisition…

Wesmar Equips National Geographic Endurance

Lindblad Expeditions' new vessel National Geographic Endurance, billed as the world’s most advanced polar expedition ship, is currently under construction at Ulstein in Norway.The new expedition cruise ship features a range of state-of-the-art technologies that will help it to navigate safely through some of the world's most remote locations, including several planned cruises through Arctic and Antarctic waters.Wesmar’s EV860 sonar was chosen for the vessel for a variety of reasons…

Nortek Opens Australian Office

Nortek, a leader in Doppler-based measurements in marine environments, has opened the latest of its global network of offices in Melbourne, Australia. This facilitates access to cutting-edge Doppler instrumentation for researchers and engineers in Australia and New Zealand.This is the company’s first office in the region, creating a strong local point of contact for sales and support. The Port Melbourne…

SBG Systems Unveils New IMU

Inertial motion sensing solutions provider SBG Systems has released the Horizon IMU, a FOG-based high performance inertial measurement unit (IMU) designed for large hydrographic vessels surveying harsh environments.Navsight Marine Solution consists in a powerful and ready-to-use inertial navigation solution dedicated to hydrographers. It is available at different levels of accuracy to meet the various…

US Marine Corps Awards UUV Contract to L3 OceanServer

L3 OceanServer announced Thursday it has been awarded a contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command for an Iver3 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) to be used for testing and evaluation.Over the past four years, L3 OceanServer has leveraged hundreds of thousands of operational hours on Iver vehicles to build a system with war fighter driven attributes. With more than 300 vehicles sold to various customers worldwide…

Underwater Radiated Noise and Ocean Health

The maritime industry's push toward decarbonization brings an unexpected benefit: the reduction of underwater radiated noise (URN). While the sector focuses intensively on emissions reduction and fuel efficiency, these same measures are quietly contributing to a healthier acoustic environment in our oceans. For ship owners and operators already investing in green technologies, addressing URN can be a natural extension of existing environmental initiatives…

BOEM Initiates Cetacean Acoustic Monitoring Program

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has established the Partnership for an Offshore Wind Energy Regional Observation Network (POWERON).The public-private partnership between BOEM and offshore wind lessees is designed to maximize the quality and consistency of scientific data collected in lease areas while conserving and optimizing resources.The partnership is the latest way that the Biden…

James Fisher Launches Japanese Business Unit

James Fisher and Sons, a global provider of specialist services to the energy, marine and defense industries, has launched new legal entity in Japan, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Japan and its footprint in North East Asia.The move furthers James Fisher’s intention to bring its integrated offering and solutions to Japan’s energy transition, maritime security and defense needs.The group already has a partnership covering the offshore wind service industry…

Subsea Inspection’s New Boss

IBM recently explained why AI orchestration is important: As AI systems grow more advanced, a single AI model or agent can be insufficient for handling complex tasks. Autonomous systems frequently struggle to collaborate because they are built across multiple clouds and applications, leading to siloed operations and inefficiencies.AI agent orchestration bridges these gaps, enabling multiple AI agents…

GDMS to Retrofit US Navy's Knifefish UUVs

General Dynamics Mission Systems announced Thursday it has been awarded a $72.8 million contract from the U.S. Navy to retrofit five Block 0 Knifefish surface mine countermeasure unmanned underwater vehicle (SMCM UUV) systems, which comprises 10 Knifefish SMCM vehicles. The retrofit requirements will enhance Knifefish operations at deeper depths, identify more complex target environments and provide more precise localization.

Ashtead Technology Adds iXblue Tech to Rental Fleet

UK-based subsea equipment rental and solutions specialist Ashtead Technology said Monday it had strengthened its rental fleet with "a significant investment" in iXblue subsea navigation systems.The investment includes the addition of further Rovins and Rovins Nano inertial navigation systems as well as Octans attitude and heading reference systems which are now available to rent throughout the company’s nine international technology and service hubs…

Fugro Bags Offshore Survey Work in UAE

Dutch offshore survey services firm Fugro has won a site characterization services contract in support of what it said was one of the largest long-term field development programs in the United Arab Emirates.Starting in April 2023, Fugro will conduct multiple offshore surveys, including geophysical, geotechnical, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspections supported by advanced engineering and geoconsulting studies to help inform the Front End Engineering Design (FEED).

Emerson Launches Roxar Tempest 8.2

Emerson has launched Roxar Tempest 8.2 – the latest version of its reservoir management software, bringing advanced uncertainty analysis tools and increased support to the Big Loop workflow and robust risk analysis and reserves estimates across the seismic to simulation workflow. The announcement also further strengthens Emerson’s end to end Exploration & Production (E&P) software portfolio, helping…