Research Vessels: A Conversation with Bruce Applegate of UNOLS

The U.S. oceanographic research community depends on a complex network of ships and institutions for scientific discovery at sea. The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is the central organization that provides scientists with access to advanced research ships and technology to explore the world's oceans. We recently spoke with Bruce Applegate, Chair of the UNOLS Council and Associate Director at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, to explore UNOLS’ operations and future plans.Understanding UNOLS and the U.S.
Robosys Automation Unveils Autonomous Trial Boat

Robosys Automation, maritime autonomy software developer, has unveiled its new autonomous trials boat, which has been commissioned to deliver testing and sea trials in support of integrating clients’ software and hardware with the VOYAGER AI suite.Robosys’ new boat, the “Pioneer,” is a 6.75 meter SeaPro Center Console 222 supplied by Kirby Marine US and is powered by a Suzuki DF 250 APX outboard engine.The SeaPro was selected as a trials boat that features a Dometic Seastar steering system and a Furuno radar.
Greensea IQ opens new service center in Miami

Greensea IQ expanded its EverClean operations with a new service center in Miami, Florida. The new facility, located in Hialeah, Florida, will house both office and workshop space. The Miami location will accommodate an expanded EverClean support team dedicated to servicing customers in the region. With Miami serving as a global hub for cruise operations, the expansion furthers Greensea IQ's ability to provide ship operators with an efficient and environmentally responsible hull maintenance solution.“As the cruise industry continues to prioritize operational efficiency and sustainability…
Shipbuilding RFP Issued to Build Hydrogen-Hybrid Research Vessel

UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard for the final design and construction of its new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV), reportedly the first oceanographic research ship to primarily operate on renewable fuels.The vessel will feature a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system, capable of conducting 75% of its missions using only liquid hydrogen. When running on hydrogen…
New Funding to Advance Hull Cleaning and Inspection Robot Deployment

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) is participating in a $940K Amphibian UWILD Remote Robotic Platform Project.The robot is expected increase the speed and accuracy of ship hull inspections and reduce the risks associated with diving crews.The project will allow Marine Thinking to develop a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for Innvotek’s Amphibian “Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-docking” (UWILD) solution.Marine Thinking’s LARS will feature remote control capabilities and ensure efficient and safe deployment and retrieval of the Amphibian robot.
Kongsberg delivers first REACH REMOTE USV

A new era of offshore operations has begun with the successful delivery of REACH REMOTE 1, a 24-metre unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed by Kongsberg Maritime. This ground-breaking achievement marks a significant milestone through collaboration between Kongsberg Maritime, REACH SUBSEA ASA, Massterly, and Trosvik Maritime.Designed to revolutionise offshore operations, the REACH REMOTE 1 is packed with cutting-edge KONGSBERG technology. Its delivery follows a programme of intensive sea trials…
Exail sells first DriX O-16 Transoceanic USV

Exail announced the first sale of its DriX O-16, a transoceanic Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). Designed for long-range maritime operations, it has been acquired by an Indo-Pacific customer operating in the civil sector.Equipped with advanced sensors, including a full-depth Multibeam Echosounder, the DriX O-16 enables operators to collect precise data for hydrographic, geophysical, and environmental missions. Its ability to deploy AUVs and ROVs enhances operational versatility…
Fascinated by Shipwrecks Podcast, Episode 4: Combing the Deep off the BC Coast

Podcast: Fascinated by Shipwrecks Episode 4: Combing the Deep off the BC CoastGuest: Jacques MarcHost: Kathy A. Smith“The thrill of new discoveries, unraveling mysteries, and telling stories about shipwrecks kind of got in my blood, if you will.” Jacques MarcWhat’s it like to challenge the identity of a documented wreck? Jacques Marc did just that on one of his first wreck dives on British Columbia’s south coast. A vessel that sank in Bedwell Bay just after World War II was thought to be the HMCS Cranbrook but once Marc dived on it…
Shipwreck Podcast: Exploring Tragedy, History & Humanity with James Delgado

“Our connections to the maritime world are far more profound and diverse than I think most of us realize.” James P. DelgadoJim talks about his long, storied career, starting with his budding interest in archaeology and history at age 10, and how his career path changed when he was exposed to the buried San Francisco Gold Rush ship Niantic while working for the National Park Service.He also gives moving accounts of famous shipwrecks that have had a profound emotional impact on him. These include Clotilda, the last known U.S.
HullWiper, Unidive Subsea to Deliver ROV Hull Cleaning Services in Singapore

HullWiper has signed a lease agreement with Unidive Subsea to bring its eco-friendly Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hull cleaning technology to PSA terminals, Seatrium Yards and Singapore’s inner anchorages.Plans are also in place to expand services to FPSOs, FSOs and semi-submersibles under contracts with regional oil and gas companies.Unidive Subsea provides diving and ROV services, supporting leading oil and drilling companies in Singapore.In partnership with HullWiper, the…
Subsea Global Robotic Hull Cleaning gets the Green Light in Singapore

Subsea Global Solutions reports that authorities in Singapore have granted approval of its hull cleaning services for vessels, allowing underwater cleaning to take place while vessels are engaged in cargo work at the terminal. The approved cleaning procedure requires the use of a Cleaning Remotely Operated Vehicle (C-ROV) equipped with an integrated filtration plant, designed to capture and reclaim materials, ensuring compliance with Singapore’s stringent environmental regulations.
EDGE and Fincantieri Join Forces to Develop Advanced Subsea Defense Systems

EDGE and Fincantieri have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design, development, and creation of advanced manned and unmanned underwater systems solution capability through their recently launched UAE-based shipbuilding joint venture MAESTRAL.The preliminary agreement will pave the way and boost for developing sophisticated solutions tailored to the unique underwater needs of navies worldwide.The collaboration marks EDGE’s first venture into underwater domain…
HavocAI Raises $11 Million in Seed Funding

HavocAI Inc., a Providence, R.I. based developer of autonomous uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology, announced it has closed an $11 million Seed round of funding.The round was led by Scout Ventures, co-led by Trousdale Ventures, and saw additional participation from Outlander VC, The Veteran Fund, BV.VC, Decisive Point, Alumni Ventures, and New North Ventures.HavocAI develops low-cost USVs and software intended to allow a single operator to command and control thousands of…
Maritime Robotics Lands $12M Investment to Power International Growth

Maritime Robotics, a provider of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous navigation systems in the maritime industry, has closed a $12 million capital raise, which will be used to accelerate business growth and international expansion.The funding round was co-led by the Nordic cleantech fund NRP Zero and the Norwegian state-owned fund Nysnø Climate Investment, with significant participation from Umoe and Holta Invest.As the market for maritime autonomous vessels continues to grow rapidly…
CCG’s Science Vessel CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk Launched

Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) launched the Canadian Coast Guard’s flagship science vessel, CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk.The fourth ship designed, built and launched by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) is a floating laboratory that will serve as the primary oceanographic science platform for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. As a Polar Class 6 vessel, it will be a highly advanced ice capable ship equipped with the latest scientific research systems.
DOF Subsea CEO: Contract extension for "most sophisticated vessel in our fleet"
DOF Subsea announced an agreement for the extension for the vessel Skandi Africa. The new commitment will now run until May 2028 and will commence in direct continuation with the current commitment.Skandi Africa is a high-end subsea vessel designed for harsh environment and deepwater subsea construction and flexlay operations."Skandi Africa is the most sophisticated vessel in our fleet and we are looking forward to continuing the journey, delivering successful installation campaigns," said Mons S. Aase, DOF Subsea CEO
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. But even as submarines become stealthier…
Hydrogen-Hybrid Research Vessel Earns AIP

Glosten was awarded an Approval in Principle (AIP) by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design of UC San Diego’s new hydrogen-hybrid Coastal-Class Research Vessel (CCRV). The CCRV will be operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography and feature a propulsion system that uses hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emissions operation.Glosten and the project’s electrical integrator, Siemens Energy (SE), completed the preliminary design for the CCRV in March 2024. As an uninspected…
Sea Machines Unveils SELKIE Uncrewed Surface Vessel

Marine technology company Sea Machines Robotics has unveiled a new uncrewed surface vessel (USV) geared for industries ranging from hydrographic surveying, offshore asset inspection, and persistent on water operations such as security and environmental studies.The first model, SELKIE 7, is a 7-meter USV built on a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) hull and powered by the company's flagship SM300 Autonomous Command and Control system, unlocking autonomous capabilities for any task…
Chance Maritime Technologies' MC-29 USV Completes Long-endurance Testing

U.S.-based Chance Maritime Technologies, a startup and service provider of uncrewed vessel technology, reports it has completed long-endurance commissioning trials of its MC-29: a 29-foot-long, mission-capable USV that operates at high power with long endurance. The vehicle completed over 40 total operational days, which included 24 operational days of 24-hour operation in Vermilion Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.This new class of utility vessel offers kilowatts of continuously available payload power…
Subsea Vessel Market is Full Steam Ahead

Since our last market update in the subsea space about a year ago both our current market view and forecasts have strengthened significantly.While the demand picture is looking solid and arguing for a strong multi-year upcycle, the supply side has also started to wake from its slumber albeit ever so slightly at the time of writing. Moreover, we register an interesting dynamic on the shipowner side, where everyone is trying to position themselves for the impeding market boom.Please note that vessel definitions and abbreviations in this part of our industry can vary…
Ukraine's 'Sea Baby' Naval Drones Equipped with Rocket Launchers

Ukraine has equipped some of its naval drones with multiple rocket launching systems and used them to fire at Russian positions in combat, a Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters on Wednesday.Ukraine, which no longer has any significant warships in its fleet, has used uncrewed naval drones packed with explosives to sail up to Russian warships in the Black Sea, detonating on impact.The systems have played a part in Kyiv's effort to push back Russian naval vessels from areas of the Black Sea used by commercial vessels to ship Ukrainian exports.The Ukrainian source, who declined to be named,
Reach Subsea Extends Olympic Taurus Charter and Orders Two ROVs

Norwegian company Reach Subsea has extended the charter for the Olympic Taurus subsea vessel and ordered two new Constructor-type remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) from Kystdesign.Back in February, Reach Subsea announced a 100-day project charter for the subsea vessel Olympic Taurus, with extension options for 2+1+1 years.The company has now extended the charter for an additional two years and retain options for another 1+1 years."With a solid backlog and substantial tender pipeline for the coming periods…