Polar Research Vessel Gets Nav System Refit

Anschütz completed refit of Integrated Navigation System for RRS Sir David AttenboroughSince entering service in 2021, the polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough has been equipped with navigation systems from Anschütz. As part of a recent refit, Anschütz has now supplied the vessel with a new, state-of-the-art SYNAPSIS NX Integrated Navigation System (INS), along with upgrades to the radar systems.

Innovative ‘Wall Climbing Robot’ for Ship Inspection Earns ClassNK Endorsement

The wall climbing robot for steel structures - developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and MOL Ship Management  to support ship inspection and maintenance - has completed a demonstration test and earned the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) Innovation Endorsement.The Innovation Endorsement is ClassNK's third-party certification program. It certifies and supports initiatives that contribute…

Sea Machines Gets New Chief

Boston-based developer of marine autonomous technology Sea Machines Robotics has appointed David Wasson as its new chief executive officer (CEO).Founder Michael Gordon Johnson will assume the position of president and chief technology officer for the company, while David 'Chip' Wasson takes the CEO role.“Through Michael’s leadership, the Sea Machines team has relentlessly pursued the mission of safe, secure, and sustainable ocean mobility, building a recognized leader in maritime autonomy.

Fincantieri Invests in Deep Tech Scale-Up for Naval and Submarine Sector

Fincantieri has formalized its investment in WSense, a deep tech scale-up specialized in underwater monitoring and communication.The transaction involves the subscription of a convertible loan for an initial amount of $2.84 million, with the option to increase the investment by a further $2.84 million.The timescales for the conversion into equity will be contingent upon the occurrence of specific conditions…

Sulmara Gets NZTC Funding Push for More Green USV Tech

Subsea specialist Sulmara has secured funding from the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) to develop an over-the-horizon (OTH) uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with the ability to launch and recover towed sensor packages.The project will deliver a platform designed and certified to the standard set out in the recently released UK MCA Workboat Code 3 and will be certified to work OTH in UK waters.This project…

UUV Integration Will Transform Submarine Tactics

For decades, submarines have been the apex predator, roaming the oceans largely unmolested, gathering intelligence, providing a sea-based nuclear deterrent, and conducting clandestine missions with impunity. As such, these versatile and lethal platforms have been highly sought after by navies around the world, and with advancements in underwater propulsion and quieting technologies, it is perhaps more challenging than ever to detect, localize, and track them.

OceanAlpha Set for One-Year USV Exhibit in Middle East

Hong Kong-based developed of uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) OceanAlpha has unveiled plans for year-long showcase of its USVs across the Middle East Region for offshore energy sector and other maritime industries.Beginning in Qatar’s Doha, the showcase will be specifically aimed at the offshore oil and gas sector, offshore wind sector, marine survey companies, maritime enforcement authorities, and fishery management departments.This initiative is designed to offer potential users an in-depth…

SAMS Hosts Training Course for the Era of Environmental Robotics

As the use of robotics in data collection increases, the Scientific Robotics Academy, based at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban, will host two courses this March: "Environmental monitoring using autonomous platforms" and "Applied photogrammetry for environmental monitoring."The courses come amid the rapid expansion of twin technologies of AI and robotics, which are transforming…

Keel Laid for NOAA Charting and Mapping Vessel

A keel-laying ceremony has been held for Surveyor, a new charting and mapping vessel being constructed for NOAA by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC., in Houma, Louisiana.In 2023, NOAA announced two new charting and mapping vessels would be added to its fleet. Surveyor is expected to be completed in 2027 and Navigator in 2028. The ships will be used primarily for ocean mapping and nautical charting…

TGS Kicks Off New Multi-Client OBN Project in Gulf of America

TGS, a global provider of energy data and intelligence, has launched a new multi-client ultra long offset ocean bottom node (OBN) data acquisition campaign in the Gulf of America.The Amendment 4 project will expand node coverage in TGS' multi-client library, adding over 1,100 square kilometers in the Mississippi Canyon, Ewing Banks, and Grand Isle South areas.The project will feature TGS' Gemini enhanced frequency source…

Exail to develop French Navy Ultra-Deepwater AUV

The French defense procurement agency (DGA) is to provide the French Navy with its first sovereign ultradeep-sea exploration and surveillance capability and has chosen Exail to supply a new AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 meters.The French defense if premised on three pillars: "to know", "to monitor" and "to take action". AUVs will dedicated to the first two components…

Rovco Clears UXO at Iberdrola’s Windanker Offshore Wind Farm

UK-based tech-powered offshore wind solutions provider Rovco has been selected by Iberdrola to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) in support of the development of the 315 MW offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea.Rovco carried out an investigation over several weeks, having started identification and removal in the second quarter of 2024, paving the way for the construction of Iberdrola’s Windanker wind farm…

FarSounder: News Citizen Science Capabilities with Whale and Debris Reporting Feature

FarSounder has announced the release of a new citizen science feature in its latest SonaSoft™ software update. Building on its existing Data Sharing Program, this release introduces the ability for users to report whale sightings and floating trash/debris—further integrating marine conservation into day-to-day navigation for Argos users.Since 2019, vessels equipped with FarSounder’s Argos sonars have had the ability to participate in citizen science by contributing to global seabed mapping.

Mesoteh Rebrands to Kongsberg Discovery Canada

Vancouver-based developer of underwater technology Mesotech has rebranded to Kongsberg Discovery Canada, leveraging the global strengths of its parent company to enable further growth and success.Mesotech opened its doors in 1973, rapidly establishing a loyal customer base in the fishery and ocean science segments.Today, these key groups have been joined by businesses spanning areas ranging from renewable energy and infrastructure…

Portugal To Create New Marine Protected Area

Portugal said on Wednesday it was creating a new protected marine area around the Gorringe Ridge in the Atlantic Ocean that includes Western Europe's tallest seamount, positioning itself as a leader on the way to international conservation goals.The announcement by Environment Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho comes as countries gather in the French city of Nice for the third U.N. Oceans conference…

Pacific Islands in Peril as Sea Level Rises

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that ocean temperatures are rising in the Pacific Islands at three times the rate worldwide, and its population was "uniquely exposed" to the impact of rising sea levels.Speaking to reporters in Tonga where the Pacific Islands Forum is being held, Guterres highlighted the findings of a report that showed the South West Pacific was worst hit by sea level rises…

VideoRay, SES Expand Dealer Agreement

VideoRay and Survey Equipment Services (SES) announced the expansion of their dealer relationship. This enhanced partnership allows SES to sell VideoRay’s cutting-edge Mission Specialist products across an expanded area in the United States. SES is also on track to begin providing local customer service and support upon completion of their training. VideoRay’s Mission Specialist underwater robots are renowned for their industry-leading power…

Meet ‘Super GPS’: XONA Ups the Space Race Ante

With a mission to power the current and next-generation of GPS-enabled products and systems, XONA Space Systems keeps the mantra ‘precision, power and protection’ in all that it does as this 2020-start-up designs, builds and launches its fleet of low earth orbit satellites. We spoke with XONA CEO Brian Manning for his insights on how this could impact the maritime, offshore energy and subsea sectors.The following was excerpted from Maritime Reporter TV’s interview with XONA CEO Brian Manning.

Bekaert Joins Tailwind Floating Wind Moorings Innovation Project

Belgium-based offshore mooring systems specialist Bekaert has joined the Tailwind project, which aims to develop advanced mooring solutions for floating wind industry.The Tailwind project, launched in January 2024, will aim to deliver advanced station-keeping technologies, designed to maintain the position of floating offshore wind energy farms through innovative mooring lines and anchoring systems.The…

EUROATLAS, Rheinmetall Partner to Integrate GREYSHARK AUVs into Coastal Defense Systems

EUROATLAS, backed by Mimir Group, and Germany’s leading international systems supplier for the defense industry, Rheinmetall, announced a strategic partnership to integrate EUROATLAS’s advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), GREYSHARK, into Rheinmetall Battlesuite.Rheinmetall Battlesuite is the company’s modular, AI-enabled digital platform designed to unify and manage multi-domain defense systems.