HydroSurv has won funding from Innovate UK to continue working with the University of Plymouth to enhance its technique of using Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) to map seagrass coverage on the seabed.

Aberdeen technology developer HonuWorx and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult are set to demonstrate a concept for a submersible mothership that will make subsea robotics a sustainable and cost-effective solution for offshore wind farms.

A state-of-the-art underwater survey robot is set to be demonstrated for the first time in August.

The MAS project is a two year programme, supported by Innovate UK and DSTL, to develop a pressure tolerant battery pack capable of powering autonomous vehicles to ocean depths of 6,000m using next generation Lithium Sulfur cells. With just 6 months remaining until completion, the consortium, led by Steatite, and consisting of OXIS Energy, MSubs and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has made tremendous advances in battery capability through extensive design and testing.The project is now moving towards full open water trials in two deep dive vehicles.

ROV services company, Rovco, has secured Innovate UK funding which will enable the firm to carry out extensive research and development activity and perform a full feasibility study into the advancement of underwater 3D modelling technology. Once developed into a real-time inspection system this technology has the potential to revolutionise the way energy companies manage and inspect their subsea assets, potentially saving hundreds of millions of pounds in subsea inspection costs each year. The project will be 70% supported by Innovate UK and the remaining 30% will be funded by Rovco. The newly-formed company will be seeking further equity investment in the 2nd quarter 2017 as it looks to engage with subsea companies, software developers and universities across the country to become collaborative partners in the firm’s latest venture.