Sea Technology

JAN 2018

The industry's recognized authority for design, engineering and application of equipment and services in the global ocean community

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www.sea-technology.com January 2018 | ST 33 baseline success and proven results have fast-tracked them into being specified for commercial, scientific and government contracts. One of the key drivers for this expansion of blue tech is the quest for data. Today, a data-rich environment is no longer enough, as marine industries, scientific re- searchers and key stakeholders are demanding precise, measurable, high-quality, real-time data. More predictive models and better insight and engagement across the enterprise with key decision makers provide the back- bone for success and impact investment, resource allo- cation, health, safety and environment (HSE) initiatives, and ocean exploration. The balance between the cost of acquiring accurate, precise, measurable real-time data with the ability to deliver those data inputs in the "right" format to the "right" decision maker or influencer is the game changer. If actionable data is the goal, preemptive and predictive data are the differentiator. In the past, data acquisition has been expensive; today, blue tech innovations continue to lower those barriers by reducing costs, providing greater connec- tivity and delivering more robust data sets. Throughout 2017, the marine industry saw significant change in the implementation of blue tech, especially in the areas of hydrographic surveys, 3D data visualization and ana- lytics and connectivity. With the proliferation of sensor technology, Internet-of-Things networking devices and the advancement of machine learning and AI, a second generation of blue tech is evolving. Networked, flexible and connected, these smart/intelligent solutions are not just transforming but revolutionizing (disrupting) the way marine business is conducted around the world. These new solutions unlock the unique strengths of individual products and applications and combine them through connectivity to create new "hybrid" solutions that work across verticals to solve problems, advance discovery, foster exploration and protect the resources and environ- ment of our marine world. This hybridization is occurring in several key areas: AUVs, autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), ROVs, drones and robotics; machine learning and AI; and an emerging area called immersive collaboration, fueled in part by the implementation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual re- ality (VR) solutions into the 3D data visualization and analytics workflow. AUVs, autonomous surface vessels, ROVs, drones and robotic technology have demonstrated their value across a wide range of marine applications for some time now. The use of underwater vehicle and robotic technol- ogy has reduced human interaction in potentially haz- ardous situations while providing expanded capabilities via machine automation. ROVs have consistently held the greater share of the market as limitations on power, payload, connectivity and data retrieval have stalled the growth in long-range/duration, large-scale AUV, ASV and drone operations. In fact, reliable, consistent power and extended battery life has been one of the largest inhibi- tors to the autonomous market. With the recent advent of several commercially viable lithium-ion battery pack- ages, those times appear to be changing. In addition, ad- ization Agreement (STANAG). It is the first underwater digital communications standard that can be considered a "game-changer" in terms of communication interoper- ability in the underwater domain. Following scientific trials, CMRE has exercised JANUS from the perspective of real end-users. Services include "underwater AIS" and "underwater METOC" (meteoro- logical and oceanographic) developed with the support of the Portuguese Navy. Prototype hardware for JANUS transmission and reception was installed in a modern diesel-electric submarine during an experiment at sea. The experiment delivered information vital to mission safety for a submerged submarine that is usually not available beyond periscope depth. Summary Maritime research, technology exploration and demonstrations are re-emerging as a key element of NA- TO's S&T; portfolio. Work within the STO is essential to ensure that the Alliance maintains a technological edge in operational capabilities for this critical domain. ST Review&Forecast; Emerging Blue Tech Improves Efficiencies, Unlocks Opportunity By Richard Lawson CEO, IOSTIA Colleen Hahn President and CEO, Gryphon Media Strategies Chairman, IOSTIA Committee on Emerging Technology R apid progression of in- novation in the areas of digital technology, material science, engineering and design has redefined the way ocean industries approach day-to-day business. Harsh conditions, extreme pres- sure, safety concerns and unpredictable weather are compounded by the high cost for any type of successful marine program. Technol- ogy that can address those challenges while harnessing opportunity to create value is pivotal in today's market. As offshore oil and gas, fisheries, the scientific communi- ty and other marine sectors continue to adopt and adapt these innovations into their processes, these emerging "blue" technologies have become a key driver in trans- forming economic value. Direct benefits have been derived in the areas of improved operations, reduced downtime, increased safety, better efficiencies and pro- ductivity and the ability to create new opportunities. The adaptive nature and flexibility of blue tech allows each individual application to be repurposed for a wide range of surface, metocean and subsea operations. No longer used as standalone or one-off alternatives, blue tech's

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