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The future of marine operations: Robots that organize themselves

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Imagine AI-controlled robots that organize themselves into different groups, or across groups – and that reorganize themselves and make new plans when needed. This kind of flexibility can enable robots to effectively solve different types of tasks as a team.

Command, control, communication and analysis are done in a network to carry out missions determined by human operators. And the tasks they perform are far beyond what individual robots can achieve.

A paradigm shift

Autonomous robotic organizations (ARO) can also solve tasks far beyond what traditional robotic systems can deliver. They will be able to respond with an agility that allows them to adapt to changes in assignments and needs. ARO will make it possible for robots to reach new levels of independence.

By combining and integrating capabilities from different platforms like autonomous underwater robots (AUVs), uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small satellites with customised payloads – we believe that ocean and  offshore industries are facing a paradigm shift.

This shift will apply to everything from data harvesting and inspection, to maintenance and repair (IMR), as well as security and defence.

To achieve these advancements, AROs must be equipped with sophisticated cooperative skills, advanced control capabilities, and resilience both as individuals and as heterogeneous robot teams. These teams will operate seamlessly across space, air, sea surface, and underwater environments.

Tested in Svalbard

In 2022, what is known as the observation pyramid, with a research satellite included, was tested for the first time in Svalbard.  This is where researchers use small satellites, subsea robots and everything in between to make simultaneous observations and measurements.

Previously there had been several successful tests with various combinations of underwater robots, surface vessels and aircraft carried out in collaboration with national and international partners.

The list of participants is long: Equinor, the energy company; FFI, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment; SINTEF, Scandinavia’s largest independent research institute; UiT, the Arctic University of Norway; UNIS, the University Centre in Svalbard; NORCE Norwegian Research Institute; NIVA, the Norwegian Institute for Water Research and NGU, the Geologic Survey of Norway and others have been closely involved in the research.

But the launch of NTNU’s first research satellite in 2022, made this observational pyramid complete.

The observation pyramid is based on the use of different robot platforms to focus on the same time and place to survey an ocean area: Autonomous underwater robots, an uncrewed surface vessel, an autonomous flying drone and NTNU’s research satellite that collects ocean data were in operation.

An autonomous underwater robot is being prepared in Kongsfjorden in Svalbard. The robot investigated an area with SilCam, a camera that films microscopic details in the water. SilCam was developed at SINTEF Ocean. Photo: Live Oftedahl, NTNU

The observation pyramid operates from below sea level and all the way out into space, but all the platforms have the same goal. The goal of the operation in Svalbard was to map the spring bloom of algae in Kongsfjorden.

Now the researchers are taking a step further.

Faster, cheaper and more efficient

We are seeing a shift from operations with only a few platforms, or swarms operating together, to what we call a system of systems (SoS). It’s a new way of organizing work tasks.

Combining coordinated use of various existing sensor platforms for fast and efficient execution of tasks is more future-oriented than spending a lot of time and money on tailoring individual resources with complex capacities.

Interaction means that different robot platforms in an ARO can do things that each individual robot would not be able to do alone.

Autonomous robot organizations will contribute to reduced costs, more efficient missions, faster response, better quality and higher system robustness.

Autonomous robotic organizations will be able to make observations over large ocean areas at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional vessel-based systems.

They will have advanced collaboration skills, control capacity and robustness – both as individual robots and as a total system composed of different robot teams operating in space, in the air, on the sea surface and underwater.

Two decades of field work

The work is based on years of research in collaboration between NTNU, Equinor and the University of Porto, together with leading research partners in Europe and the US.

We have more than two decades of experience in creating and deploying command and control systems for unmanned operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific, as well as the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.

For NTNU, this is a result of the innovation in cross-cutting research centres such as NTNU AMOS, NTNU VISTA CAROS, SFI HARVEST and several other related projects, where we use parts of or the entire observation pyramid.

We sought to take risks, push boundaries, be groundbreaking, transcend barriers with an interdisciplinary approach, and go to places we have never been before, into the unknown.

In Norway, Equinor is a driving force for this technology along with research communities at NTNU and other groups that work with environmental mapping, monitoring and inspection, operation and maintenance of offshore installations.

In Portugal, Professor João Sousa is in the driver’s seat for several major programmes in marine research and security under the auspices of NATO.

The goal is to develop the autonomous robot organizations of the future that make it possible to scale up and support technological development for a safer society.

Aiming high

The findings are supported by research projects, industrial innovations, and field work for both marine research and industrial applications.

In this ambitious endeavour, we aimed high. We sought to take risks, push boundaries, be groundbreaking, transcend barriers with an interdisciplinary approach, and go to places we have never been before, into the unknown.

Equinor has already implemented several robotic solutions into their offshore operations in mapping and monitoring ocean ecosystems and for inspection of offshore infrastructure.

AROs should deliver significant benefits to users including reduced cost, enhanced mission effectiveness, faster response times, improved quality, as well as improved system resilience. Although the current focus is on marine operations, we foresee that AROs, once implemented, could revolutionize a broader array of applications in society.

This Viewpoint is based on the authors’ publication in Science Robotics, March 2025 where they present a vision for autonomous robotic organizations (ARO) that transcend human capabilities.

Source: norwegianscitechnews

Baseblue successfully executes LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation in the Caribbean

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The operation involved the seamless transfer of approximately 8,800 MMBtu of LNG to the GOLD TRADER vessel off the coast of Portland, Jamaica. 

This bunkering event also included a cooldown of the receiving vessel – a key technical step to enable LNG bunkering, requiring rigorous safety procedures and pre-operation compatibility planning.

Historically active in LNG bunkering operations across Asia and Europe, this marks the company’s first such supply in the Caribbean, broadening its footprint in the Americas.

Dionysis Diamantopoulos, Head of Alternative Fuels, Baseblue, commented: “We are extremely proud to have safely and successfully completed this LNG supply in a new region for Baseblue. While the operation was not unprecedented, it represents an important step in our efforts to provide flexible and reliable LNG solutions to clients across more locations.”

Vaibhaav Srinath Dev, Key Accounts Manager at Baseblue, added: “This was a milestone for us –  not only for Baseblue but for the wider group’s LNG efforts in the Americas. The operation required a high level of planning and coordination with vessel owners, suppliers, and technical teams. It also serves as a strong relationship builder with key industry partners in the region.”

India to gain access to U.S. maritime surveillance system

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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense announced the decision.

If the agreement is finalized, India will gain access to the SeaVision web platform, which serves as one of the tools for ensuring maritime security.

This will enable Indian military and security agencies to respond effectively to threats and emergencies in a key region of the world’s oceans, particularly in light of the tense relations between countries in the area.

The potential sale includes the SeaVision software, training, and analytical support.

In addition, access will be provided to SeaVision documentation and other related logistics and software support elements. The estimated total cost is $131 million.

The primary contractor for implementing the future agreement will be Hawkeye 360.

SeaVision is a web-based maritime domain awareness platform developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is designed to enhance maritime situational awareness, support maritime operations, strengthen security, and promote maritime partnerships.

The platform allows users to access and share a wide range of maritime information, as well as obtain near real-time access to unclassified data through a shared data network. SeaVision is primarily used in the United States, particularly by the Department of the Navy. A limited number of partner countries also have access to the system and contribute data to it.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a terrorist attack in the disputed region of Kashmir, where militants shot and killed around fifty tourists. The government in Delhi publicly accused Islamabad of supporting the militants, stating that cross-border links between the terrorist group and the neighboring country had been identified.

Immediately after its statement, India announced a unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the shared use of the Indus River waters between the two countries.

Pakistan rejected the statement, calling the international agreement legally binding and asserting that it cannot be suspended without mutual consent. Around the same time, both countries intensified military exercises and started placing their ground forces, navy, and air force on heightened alert.

Source: Militarnyi

Satellites a solution for tracking coral reef health

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PhD candidate David E. Carrasco Rivera from UQ’s School of Environment analysed thousands of images from 20 years of field studies and satellites captured of Heron Reef.

“Most of what we know about world’s reefs comes from field data, which is done in less than 0.1 per cent of the actual reef area,” Mr Carrasco Rivera said.

“That’s like completing a full body assessment by only looking at a portion of your finger.

“Our study found using satellite imagery gives researchers the ability to continually monitor the reef and identify trends in the environment beyond the areas visited.

“By combining machine learning with the image data sets, we created annual maps of reef composition over 2 decades.

“Satellite imagery will never replace field data completely, but many reefs are too big and remote to visit every square metre due to research funding constraints and weather conditions.”

Mr Carrasco Rivera used the field photos to estimate and map how much sand, rock and coral was present in the areas where satellite photos were only taken.

Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema has led a monitoring program at Heron Reef that has been ongoing for more than 20 years.

He said understanding the entirety of the reef over time is vital to making appropriate conservation and management decisions.

“We look at ourselves in the mirror daily so we can identify small changes in appearance when we are sick, it’s the same with the reef, we need to see it regularly to notice changes,” Dr Roelfsema said.

“Consistent and ongoing monitoring is a key contributor to understanding what a normal environment cycle is, or if another factor is leading to changes including coral cover variations and colour.

“This review shows satellites allow us to do this with 59 to 81 per cent accuracy depending on environmental conditions.

“The study found satellite data was accurate enough to supplement field data for up to 3 years if researchers can’t get out in the water for that period.

“If you can only get out to a very small part of the reef, you can miss vital changes.

“For example, a reef could be impacted by bleaching, and if you don’t have information before the event then it’s hard to understand the impact or to assess the recovery.”

Dr Roelfsema said the study was possible through the facilities of UQ’s Heron Island Research Station.

“Access to the permanent research station meant we were able to consistently monitor the surrounding reef for 2 decades whereas many projects struggle to have easy access to the reef,” he said.

“These remote sensing findings have scope to benefit reefs across the globe as they continue to be impacted by climate change.”

AD Ports Group and SCZONE sign agreement to develop KEZAD East Port Said Zone

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AD Ports Group and the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), the integrated investment destination for linking industry and global trade, today signed a 50-year renewable usufruct agreement, to develop and operate a 20 km2 industrial and logistics park near the Egyptian coastal city of Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea.

The East Port Said Industrial Zone provides an opportunity to turn a unique location on the Mediterranean Sea into a key hub for international trade and investments serving the East-West trade routes, right at the entrance of the Suez Canal.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Admiral Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Northern area.

AD Ports Group will develop, construct, finance, operate, and manage the industrial and logistics zone in phases, with a focus on phase 1 to start with, an area covering a total of 2.8 km2. An estimated total investment of $120 million will be allocated to market and technical studies as well as to phase 1 development over the next three years. Construction on the initial 2.8 km2 Phase 1 is expected to start by the end of this year. 

The development of Phase 1 will be anchored by key potential clients and partners, including one of the region’s foremost construction and development groups, Hassan Allam Holding.

Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said:

“KEZAD East Port Said is being built to attract investments, promote industrial and logistics growth, create jobs, increase exports, develop skills, and facilitate technological transfer. It will complement AD Ports Group’s growing business ecosystem in Egypt, and capitalise the natural assets of the Suez Canal area for Egypt, while supporting the country’s manufacturing sector, and increasing the ease of doing business in Egypt as a preferred gateway to global markets.”

Admiral Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Northern area, said:

“We are working on developing an integrated model that combines industry, maritime transport, and logistics services within a flexible and investment-friendly regulatory environment. East Port Said Industrial Zone stands at the heart of this model due to its strategic location at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal and its direct connection to the modern East Port Said Port, a key hub in global trade, consistently ranked among the top international ports thanks to its operational readiness and advanced capabilities. Furthermore, the integration with West Port Said Port enhances its readiness to offer comprehensive and attractive logistical solutions for investors. Therefore, this project represents a qualitative leap in the development of the northern part of SCZONE, not only in terms of the scale of anticipated investments but also in the advanced industrial and logistical activities to be implemented.”

In addition, AD Ports Group and Hassan Allam Holding, which is one of the Group’s development partners in Egypt, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and invest in the industrial zone and explore other projects.

VARD signs contract for one Commissioning Service Operation Vessel

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VARD has signed a new contract with Taiwanese based Dong Fang Offshore for the design and construction of one Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), a sister vessel to the two vessels VARD contracted with DFO in May 2024. 

This new contract is a declaration of an option in the contract DFO signed in April 2025 for one Offshore Subsea Construction vessel (OSCV).

After sealing the contract for two CSOVs in May 2024, Taiwanese Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) is adding a third vessel of the same design. The design gives a highly versatile all-round platform for sustainable windfarm support operations both as a service vessel for the wind farms and for the building and installation phase. Upon delivery, the CSOV will commence a minimum 15-year service contract for an undisclosed wind farm customer in Taiwan.

The CSOV has been developed with large design flexibility to accommodate future operational demands. The design has focus on low environmental footprint with efficient machinery and propulsion set-up for high station keeping capabilities, improved workability, and operational reliability, and a hull shape that supports the fuel efficient CSOV operation. The vessel is further prepared with a large external deck for future integration of a modular power and fiber optic cable lay and repair spread.

The design includes a full electrical equipment package as part of a forward-leaning strategy in environmentally friendly design, allowing for the delivery of enhanced reliable operations onboard the ship. This includes a powerful battery package, crane and W2W gangway system. The CSOV is also prepared for future fuels.

The vessel has an aggregated hotel capacity of 120 people, whereof 90 is allocated in large single cabins. Operational centers such as offices, briefing rooms, conference room and dayrooms have been designed to meet a high standard in the market.  

“We are delighted to return to VARD for the construction of the third CSOV is in our series of high performing CSOVs for the Taiwanese market, continuing the strong teamwork and momentum together with the team in Vard Vung Tau. The vessel design has been developed to specifically address the many unique challenges operating offshore Taiwan, and it is humbling to see another customer place their trust in DFO to deliver long term O&M services, on a solution that we have developed together with VARD. This order marks the third O&M service contract for an CSOV that DFO has been awarded in Taiwan, continuing the DFO strategy of building ships against high quality contracts with long-term, forward-thinking customers, and cementing DFO’s place as the O&M service provider of choice within Taiwan”, says Polin Chen, CEO of DFO.

Innovative research provides further insights into how ocean waves form

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Scientists at the University of Miami’s Alfred C. Glassell Jr. SUrge‐STructure‐Atmosphere INteraction (SUSTAIN) laboratory conducted a first-of-its-kind study into how waves form and increase in windy and hurricane conditions. 

The research, which reconstructs the two-dimensional profile of pressure and airflow above wavy surfaces, provides new insights into understanding ocean wave growth and its broader implications for weather forecasting and coastal resilience.

The research team simultaneously measured air pressure, airflow, and water elevation in a controlled environment, capturing up to 1,000 data points per second. By analyzing these data, they studied how different factors—such as wave height, wave frequency, and wind force—affect the movement of air and the transfer of momentum between the air and the ocean’s surface. The aim of the study is to understand how waves develop and how winds interact with the ocean in extreme weather conditions.

Building on these high-resolution measurements, the researchers used the advanced capabilities of the SUSTAIN wind-wave tank, which is capable of simulating Category 5 hurricane-force winds, to reconstruct the airflow patterns that drive wave growth in strong winds. By employing Constant Temperature Anemometry to capture rapid airflow changes, Particle Image Velocimetry to track the movement of air and water, and Multi-beam Imaging to map wave structures, they gained deeper insights into the dynamic interactions shaping ocean waves.

“Wind pressure acts like fuel for ocean waves—higher pressure pushes on the front of a wave, making it grow taller and move faster,” said Peisen Tan, the lead author of the study and a recent Ph.D. graduate of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. “Measuring the pressure over the open ocean is extremely challenging. Our research conducted in SUSTAIN allowed us to document that wind speed alone can be used to estimate this pressure and predict wave growth.”

The researchers found that the traditional models (where the airflow adheres to the water) correctly predict over 90% of momentum transfer in airflow over water until separation occurs. However, when airflow separates on the leeward side of waves (blocked from the wind), these models underestimate momentum transfer by more than 30%.

“This study marks a significant step in understanding air-sea momentum transfer,” said Brian Haus, a professor in the Department of Ocean Sciences at the Rosenstiel School and a co-author of the study. “Our experimental approach reconstructed the two-dimensional profile of pressure and airflow above wavy surfaces—an achievement that, to our knowledge, is a first-of-its-kind breakthrough. These insights can help refine numerical wave models by incorporating airflow separation effects.”

The study, titled Wind‐Wave Momentum Flux in Steep, Strongly Forced Surface Gravity Wave Conditions, was published in the American Geophysical Union’s Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans in January 2025. 

Damen delivers the third vessel delivery to the South African Navy

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Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has delivered the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), P1573, at Naval Base Durban for the South African Navy. 

The delivery milestone represents the culmination of a strategic initiative by the South African Navy to enhance South Africa’s maritime security, while also advancing local shipbuilding capabilities and driving industrial development.

Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, explained that the delivery of P1573 represents far more than the delivery of a vessel – it marks the fulfilment of a promise. 

“From the outset, our commitment was clear: to support the South African Navy, empower the local shipbuilding industry, and enhance maritime security. With this delivery, we are proud to have honoured that commitment.”

The delivery of P1573 followed a formal handover in Simon’s Town in March 2025, where the vessel passed stringent technical and quality inspections. The project was driven by close collaboration between DSCT, the South African Navy, and ARMSCOR, aligning with the Department of Defence’s broader strategy to modernise and expand fleet capabilities.

“This project has exemplified the power of collaboration – within DSCT, across our supplier base, and most importantly, with our partners in the Navy and ARMSCOR,” explained Montsi. “Everyone involved has reason to be proud.”

P1573 joins sister vessels P1571 and P1572 in the Navy’s patrol squadron based in Durban. These vessels were purpose-built to safeguard South Africa’s 2,700-kilometre coastline – an economic lifeline that carries more than 90% of the country’s trade by volume, and borders the increasingly critical Cape Sea Route.

Designed for endurance, versatility, and operational excellence, the MMIPVs feature Damen’s patented Axe Bow design for superior seakeeping. Each vessel is armed with a 20mm Super Sea Rogue gun, equipped with advanced FORT (Frequency Modulated Optical Radar Tracker) surveillance technology, and includes 7m and 7.5m interceptor boats for rapid deployment.

“These vessels are built for performance and versatility. Whether it’s needed for border protection, search and rescue, diving operations, or training missions, they significantly expand the Navy’s operational reach,” added Montsi.

Commissioned by the Department of Defence and managed by ARMSCOR, Project Biro set out to enhance South Africa’s inshore patrol capability while building local industrial growth. DSCT was appointed for the project based on its global expertise and strong commitment to localisation. However, the project’s impact extended far beyond shipbuilding; it spurred substantial economic and skills development benefits nationwide.

More than 1,000 direct jobs and over 4,000 indirect jobs were created, with DSCT partnering with 848 local vendors. This significantly bolstered South Africa’s maritime value chain and transferred critical shipbuilding knowledge to local hands.

A key pillar of the project was DSCT’s on-site Skills Development Centre, where over 50 apprentices were trained in essential trades such as welding, outfitting, electrical systems, pipe-fitting, and logistics.

“We haven’t just built ships, but skills, livelihoods, and a foundation for a globally competitive shipbuilding sector,” said Montsi. “That’s the enduring legacy of Project Biro.”

It will carry strike UAVs: MARS surface drone unveiled in UK

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The UK Defense Journal reported that MARS has already been tested.

MARS is SubSea Craft’s second platform after the Victa vessel, which combines the capabilities of a speedboat and a submarine.

“At SubSea Craft we are proud to be representing the UK on the international stage in creating scalable technologies. These can be built and serviced in-country to boost both domestic maritime capabilities and the agility of our allies,” the company said.

The MARS surface drone is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and carrying payloads, including combat payloads.

“Multi-domain payload delivery, including integration with kinetic and non-kinetic systems such as Anduril’s ALTIUS,” the company said.

ALTIUS is an American attack drone for destroying equipment.

The drone can be launched from aircraft, ground vehicles, and offshore platforms using a common launch tube or a pneumatic integrated launch system or other systems.

The MARS surface drone uses the same open architecture digital control system as SubSea Craft’s VICTA.

“MARS has emerged as a disruptive force for the modern battlespace,” said Penny Mordaunt, Chair of SubSea Craft and former UK Defence Secretary. “Its successful testing following an impressive turnaround from its ideation is testament to SubSea Craft’s cutting-edge approach to accelerated research, development and delivery.”

Maritime drones have become common in the world of defense technology and have been used by various armies for years. Their use is gaining momentum every year due to their cheapness and safety in use compared to manned vessels with similar tasks.

Recently, France has also taken up combat surface platforms. The French Navy successfully tested a naval strike drone, hitting a decommissioned ship during a military exercise. And in China, the Blue Whale research vessel was launched, which is capable of operating unmanned underwater. The drone is fully autonomous and can stay at sea for up to 30 days.

Source: Militarnyi

University of Plymouth is first to launch an electric boat

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Worth £115k, the boat is on loan to the University for three years, as part of the ZENOW project  that will see a further 14 similar vessels launched across the country.

And the University of Plymouth will analyse data relating to how the research vessels are used, during that period.

The launch event also showcased many more of Plymouth’s clean maritime projects including:

  • Electric Seaway charging infrastructure being installed along the coastline with the University’s environmental sensor network.
  • VBEV Bi-directional charging project making groundbreaking insights into micro grids and battery chemistry.
  • Research into the cyber resilience of electric drive systems via the Smart Shipping Safety and Cyber Assurance project.
  • International partnerships with Canada  looking into bi-directional charging in the maritime sector.

Professor Christopher Fogwill, Executive Dean, said: 

“Plymouth has the largest fleet of boats of any British higher education institution, and we’re proud to be the only university in the UK recognised as carbon neutral, having retained our PAS 2060 verification last year.

This new net zero emission vessel may be relatively small, but it is a big step forward that will benefit students and colleagues.

It provides significant research and education opportunities and is a vital part of our collaborations working towards decarbonisation across the maritime sector.

It is a physical demonstration of our continued commitment to sustainability and protecting the marine environment.”

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