Continuing to build its international reputation for ocean and marine engineering and science training, the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) is holding its second 3-day in-person course on Offshore Wind Renewable Energy in Newcastle, 30 April-2 May 2024. The course, led by industry and academic experts, includes visits to key sites in the area including Equinor’s Dogger Bank O&M Base on South Tyneside; and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Blyth R&D Centre.

As Course Director Dave Brookes, a Fellow of the SUT, explained: “The course, with its emphasis on practical applications, is designed for three specific groups of individuals:

• Professional non-engineers who would benefit from understanding the offshore wind energy industry
• Engineers and technical staff who are new to this sector or making the transition from another industry
• Technical staff in the sector who would benefit from broadening their understanding of the sector.

“Once again we have an inspiring line-up of speakers from BP, ERM, Newcastle University, Pace Geotec and Partrac with others to be announced shortly on our Learned Society’s website and emailed to those who have already expressed an interest in attending. Naturally course numbers are limited to ensure maximum benefit to delegates.”

The topics being covered over the three days are:

• Wind and the Net Zero Challenge including Deepwater Floating Potential
• Planning, Environmental Studies and Approvals
• Metocean/Weather: UK and NW Europe Focus including Deepwater for Floating Technology
• Fixed Bottom Offshore Structure Design and Integrity
• Offshore Site Investigation and Seabed Site Foundations
• Construction
• Cables
• Floating Wind Structures
• Operations and Maintenance Field Study including Turbine Operations, Equinor

Registration and details of fees can be found here. The SUT member price applies to members of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR); Energy Industries Council (EIC); Global Underwater Hub (GUH); International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA); NOF, and the Offshore Engineering Society (OES). SUT membership information can be seen here. The SUT membership year runs from 1 July until 30 June, so currently half rates apply for new members.

SUT’s Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Course was originally created as an online course during the pandemic and attracted delegates from every continent. “It was much appreciated at the time, but of course the visits to key sites we are now able to undertake are the cherry on top of the proverbial cake. We look forward to holding the course at other key offshore wind regions in the future and can also undertake in-house courses for interested organisations,” explained Dave Brookes.

Artificial reefs have become a hot topic in the realm of underwater technology, and Matt Allen is the perfect guide to navigate through the complexities of their creation. As a renowned expert in the field, Allen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making this episode a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology and marine conservation.

The Underwater Technology Podcast has consistently provided a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the latest developments in underwater exploration, marine science, and technological advancements beneath the surface. The revival of the podcast promises even more exciting content and deep dives into the mysteries of the ocean.

Whether you’re a seasoned marine biologist, a tech geek with a penchant for underwater gadgets, or simply someone with a love for the ocean, this podcast has something for everyone. The fusion of technology and marine exploration has never been more intriguing, and the Underwater Technology Podcast is at the forefront of unraveling these mysteries.

Don’t miss out on this underwater adventure—subscribe, listen, and stay connected with the Underwater Technology Podcast as we continue to explore the boundless possibilities that lie beneath the surface of our oceans. Happy listening! 🌊🎧

🔗 Listen to episodes here  |  Find out more about the artificial reefs here | Contact us at podcast@sut.org

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Image: Outgoing SUT President Moya Crawford presents Benj Sykes with his Fellows Certificate

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Last week’s AGM of the Society for Underwater Technology marked the official handover to newly elected officers in three senior posts – President, Hon Secretary and Hon Treasurer; the announcement of a new Fellow of the Learned Society; and of winners of four Awards. These being The President’s Award, the Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics, the Lennard-Senior Award; and the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration. Once all the formalities were concluded SUT members were treated to a look at decarbonising the energy system by Abigail Davies PhD with particular reference to decommissioning.

Benj Sykes, Vice President, Head of Environment, Consenting and External Affairs at Ørsted has been elected SUT’s President, Nick Swift becomes Hon Secretary, and Mick Cook returns as Hon Treasurer. Sue John continues in her role as SUT’s Chair.

As SUT’s Chief Executive, Cheryl Burgess explained: “Benj Sykes will bring valuable insights and connections to the Society. He has worked extensively in both the offshore oil and gas and the offshore renewables sector. Through his current role at Ørsted, and previously at the Carbon Trust, and his non-executive roles in the Offshore Renewables Catapult and previously the Offshore Wind Industry Council and RenewableUK. He is a current member of the Board of the Global Underwater Hub.

“His experience and connections are well suited to helping the Society navigate the energy transition; helping to guide the offshore oil and gas sector through the energy transition, while building a stronger position in offshore renewable energy and the wider components of a sustainable ocean economy.”

Benj Sykes, now a Fellow of the SUT, said: “Renewable energy will be at the heart of the world’s future energy systems. I’m looking forward to helping champion the SUT on its journey to playing a full role in the energy transition as we move away from fossil fuels and towards a cleaner, greener future.”

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The President’s Award

Outgoing SUT President, Moya Crawford, revealed that: “This year’s winner of the SUT President’s Award for outstanding achievement is Mr Ali Hynd, Vice Principal of Mintlaw Academy in Buchan, NE Scotland and the pupils he inspires in Mintlaw ROV, a very professional school club run under his technology remit.

“It has been awarded in the face of very stiff opposition, as a shining example of what can be achieved in the most formative stages of life when the creative and rewarding relationship between mentor and young minds is operating at its best.  Directed by a strong sense of purpose and supported by the community, including industry, the focus of overcoming the challenges of delivering function in the underwater realm has developed personal skills and generated opportunity as well as being an applied learning experience.

“Together, they are a shining example to us all one which justly deserves the honour of the President’s Award, to acknowledge their effort and commitment.  This will be handed over at Subsea Expo in Aberdeen in February 2024 and we look forward to covering their joint achievements in full, then.”

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Awards made July 2022- June 2023

The 2022 President’s Award was made to Mensun Bound in recognition of his career achievements to, and contributions in, the field of marine archaeology and the Falkland Maritime Heritage Trust in recognition of their dedication to preserving the rich and varied seafaring history of the Falklands and those who have been associated with them.

The 2023 Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics was presented to Rustom Jehangir of Blue Robotics at Ocean Business 2023.

Norma Hogan of Highlands and Islands Enterprise was the recipient of the 2023 Lennard-Senior Memorial Prize. The prize is awarded in recognition of outstanding individual achievement in the field of Marine Renewable Energy. Norma has supported the wave and tidal sector for 15 years, working behind the scenes to support a sector that will be transformational for the UK.

The 2022 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, presented jointly with the Marine Technology Society (MTS), was awarded to University of Georgia oceanographer  Dr Samantha Joye.

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Decarbonising the energy system with reference to decommissioning

Following the formal proceedings Abigail Davies spoke on decarbonising the energy system, which she described as “one of the most pressing issues of our time” and presented her PhD work investigating the greenhouse gas emissions from decommissioning and how the results can be used to inform decarbonisation decision making.

Abigail has over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry working in various roles in geosciences for operators and supply companies. Having very recently completed her PhD in the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from decommissioning Abigail joined the Robert Gordon University in September as a lecturer in sustainability. Her research interests include quantification of GHG emissions from the energy system, including GHG emissions transition pathway mapping, sustainability, circular economy and climate change mitigations.

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Further information on the SUT

Full information on the SUT is available at www.sut.org. The Learned Society has both individual, corporate and student members. To join visit www.sut.org/sut-membership/application-for-membership/ or e-mail jane.hinton@sut.org.

 

On Sunday, 12 November 2023, the ocean science and technology community lost one of its finest.

Don Walsh will forever be remembered as a pioneer in exploration and especially for his famous first, when he and Jacques Piccard piloted the bathyscaphe Trieste to the deepest point in the World’s ocean with their dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 1960.  He will also be remembered for his lifetime of contribution to ocean technology.

But for those that had the honour of knowing him, he will most be recalled for his humility, kindness and generosity.

A true renaissance man and someone whose attributes we should all strive to emulate.

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and Marine Technology Society (MTS) will continue to remember him in a very special way by means of the annual Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration.

The Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT) 9^th International Offshore Site Investigation (OSIG) Conference “Innovation Geotechnologies for Energy Transition” held last week (12-14 September) at Imperial College London, saw the award of the inaugural Mick Cook Award for Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation and Characterisation to Tor Inge Tjelta, who received a prize of £1000, a trophy and a certificate. The conference attracted over 600 delegates from 35 countries and featured 250 papers presented over the three days with Tor Inge Tjelta speaking at the packed Conference Dinner at the Natural History Museum.

Looking back to the announcement of the winner, Mick Cook said: “Having had a wonderful and fulfilling career in which I have worked with some exceptional people, I was keen to give something back to say thank you for all the good times I have had and to all the good people I have encountered.

“The Mick Cook Award is just that and is aimed at recognising ‘Significant contribution to marine site investigation and characterisation with a focus on geophysics and geotechnical engineering’. The inaugural winner of the award, Tor Inge Tjelta, is an extremely worthy recipient, having contributed hugely to our industry over the past 40+ years.”

Tor Inge Tjelta’s response several days after accepting the Award still demonstrated his surprise: “Thank you all for this nomination and award. It will, perhaps more than anything, continue to inspire me for the future. And when I see who are on the committee, I consider it an absolute honour and can only say thank you very much again to you all. It came as an utter surprise and I’m completely stunned, and speechless. Thank you!”

Tor Inge Tjelta’s Mick Cook Award recognises his many creative contributions to offshore site investigations and geotechnical engineering. The SUT’s Award panel appreciated first his integrated geological, geophysical and geotechnical approach for complex settings ranging from hazardous Caspian Sea conditions to the Dogger Bank glaciotectonic sequences.

The panel noted additionally his pioneering role in advancing sampling, in-situ and laboratory testing techniques, his fundamental role in developing deep skirted Gravity Base solutions and his effective championing of suction caisson pile technology. The Panel also applauded his exemplary role in proving these novel developments through instrumented field testing and monitoring, and advanced analysis.

The Award will be run annually and is open to all working in the field of marine site investigations and characterisations globally. The call for nominations for the 2024 award will open in June 2024. The 10^th OSIG Conference will be held in 2027 – in years without an OSIG Conference the Mick Cook Award will be made at the SUT’s AGM in early December.

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Background to the Mick Cook Award

Mick Cook, a long-standing member and former Chair of the OSIG Committee, as well as being a Past Treasurer and Council Member of the SUT, explained the reasons behind the new SUT Award:

“From my own lengthy and rewarding career and involvement with SUT’s OSIG Committee I know the value and importance of peer-recognition of achievements and contributions through an International Award can make to both individuals and industry.

“I am delighted to be able to sponsor this Award and support all those who contribute to the field of geotechnics and geophysics from yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

As SUT’s CEO, Cheryl Burgess explained when the inaugural award was announced: “The SUT and members of the OSIG Committee are excited by Mick’s generosity; which has been welcomed by some of the sector’s key stakeholders and award panel members – Neil Morgan, Professor Richard Jardine, and Andy Hill.”

Neil Morgan, Chair SUT, OSIG Committee and Lloyd’s Register

Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Technical Support Office, Marine & Offshore said:

“The launch of this award is welcome news. It will encourage those working in the offshore geoscience industry to develop what will be needed in the future. The energy transition means we will see ever-increasing demands for marine site investigation and characterisation. This will be against a background of shortages of skilled resources and equipment to perform the work and interpret the results.

“The resource constraint means getting the maximum value from data will be essential and it will also be essential that the data acquired can be applied to large scale developments with rapid project timelines. Innovation and creativity will be needed to ensure the offshore geoscience community fulfils the future needs of offshore energy stakeholders in a reliable and cost-effective way.”

Richard Jardine FREng, FICE, FCGI, Professor of Geomechanics, College Proconsul, Imperial College London explained

“The creation of a new SUT Award, funded by Mick Cook, to recognise each year a particularly Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation or Characterisation, covering the broad disciplines of Geophysics and Geotechnics represents a highly encouraging, positive and timely development.

“Mick has made his own important contributions through a long career in these fields, taking part in developments that are proving crucial in realising successfully the imperative international drive towards low cost, low carbon, energy.

“Mick’s unstinting work with the SUT Offshore Site Investigations and Geotechnics (OSIG) committee, their guidance notes, short courses and internationally leading conferences has been one of the factors behind the UK’s excellence and prominence in the practical, industrial, scientific and academic aspects of geotechnical engineering for sustainable offshore energy production.”

While Andy Hill, Marine Geohazards Technical Authority – S&ORA, BP America added

“News of this award is very timely as the importance in the delivery of efficient and effective Integrated Offshore Site Characterization has rarely been as important as it is now.

“Mick Cook has been directly involved in the development of offshore site investigation rationale over the past forty years in projects around the world. For much of this time he has been involved with the Offshore Site Investigation Committee of the SUT and a driving force behind a number of its outputs – most recently the Guideline Document for the Planning and Execution of Geophysical and Geotechnical Ground Investigations for Offshore Renewables which is an important resource in supporting the development of staff entering this sector.

“This award will go further in encouraging staff to make their mark in the industry over the next decade by continuing to push technology and technique forwards.”

Following the success of their online short Offshore Wind Renewable Energy courses, the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) is holding a 3-day in-person course to include presentations, a networking dinner and visits to key sites in the Newcastle area on 10-12 October 2023.

As Dave Brookes, the course director and a Fellow of the SUT explained: “The course builds on our international reputation for ocean and marine engineering and science training including our globally renowned subsea awareness course. It is aimed at three distinct groups – professional non-engineers who would benefit from understanding the offshore wind energy industry; engineers and technical staff new to this sector or making the transition from another industry; and technical staff already working in offshore wind and who want to broaden their understanding of the sector.

“During, and immediately after, the pandemic we held a series of highly successful and well-attended virtual courses now the time is right to move forward with in-person courses.”

The three-day Offshore Wind course will combine presentations and site visits and will be delivered by industry and academic experts drawn from MarineSpace, Partrac, Newcastle University, Pace Geotechnics, BP and Equinor, with an emphasis on the practical applications. A CPD certificate will be issued following the course.

Topics being covered by means of presentations at the Holiday Inn, Jesmond Newcastle, include ‘Wind and the Net Zero Challenge’ (including deepwater floating potential); ‘Planning, Environmental Studies and Approvals’, ‘Metocean/Weather: UK and NW Europe Focus’ (including Deepwater for floating technology); ‘Fixed Bottom Offshore Structure Design and Integrity’; ‘Offshore Site Investigation and Seabed Site Foundations’; ‘Construction’; ‘Cables’; ‘Floating Wind Structures’; and ‘Operations and Maintenance Field Study’ (including turbine operations).

Confirmed visits include Equinor’s Dogger Bank O&M Base on South Tyneside; the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult Blyth R&D Centre; and to SMD Newcastle.

Register Now!

Full details including registration are at https://sut.org/event/newcastle-offshore-wind-energy-course/ The full delegate fee is £1075 +VAT, with a reduced fee of £985 +VAT for members of SUT; East of England Energy Group (EEEGR); Energy Industries Council (EIC); International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA); and the Offshore Engineering Society (OES). The fee includes lunches, refreshments at breaks as well as a networking dinner on the first evening (10 October).

SUT membership details are at https://sut.org/sut-membership/application-for-membership/

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Dr Peter Girguis, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Adjunct Oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, described by his peers as ‘the epitome of a deep-sea explorer’ and ‘a man for all ocean seasons”, has been announced the winner of the 2023 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT).

Peter Girguis’ prolific career is dedicated to increasing understanding of the animals and microbes that thrive in the deep sea. His profound dedication lies in advancing deep-sea exploration to expand humanity’s understanding of the natural world. Colleagues have paid tribute to his leadership, attributing it to his capacity for expansive thinking in ocean science – considering what the field requires to flourish and identifying emerging scientific questions.

His primary focus is to understand how marine organisms have adapted to their habitats and how they respond to a changing world. Within his research, his team made groundbreaking discoveries of previously unknown microbe communities that ‘eat’ methane at unprecedented rates, keeping the greenhouse gas out of our atmosphere. His pioneering efforts continued with the development of innovative methods to grow the deep-sea microbes that are responsible to keeping methane out of the atmosphere.

Receiving news of his win he said: “I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this award. I know there are many others who qualify for this recognition, so I view myself as representing all of us, from all backgrounds and walks of life, who have contributed to ocean exploration.

“To paraphrase Captain Walsh, there’s a lot of work left to do in exploring and understanding our ocean, so I will continue to do my part and support as many others as I can on our journey to further understand this ocean world on which we live.”

Educational Commitment

Dr Girguis’ peers also talk of his “deep commitment to supporting scholars from underrepresented groups at Harvard University and beyond by developing and supporting programs that earnestly improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.” To elaborate: “He has collaborated with submersible and ROV operators to establish an expeditionary program with cost-effectiveness, enabling a diverse group of individuals to participate in deep-sea exploration missions. Additionally, he played a key role in co-founding a Harvard/high school internship program, leads diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in ocean sciences in the U.S. and abroad, and works closely with United Nations delegates to promote democratization of ocean sciences around the world.”.

The presentation of the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, by Don Walsh, is scheduled to take place at Oceanology International 2024 (London’s ExCeL 12-14 March).

MTS and SUT Presidents share their enthusiasm

MTS President Justin Manley noted: “Dr Girguis is a prominent and key thought leader for the ocean exploration community. His technical contributions are widely recognized and appreciated. Having had the opportunity to spend time with Peter, I can highlight that his passion for the subject is infectious. Peter always shares captivating stories, offers kind words, and greets others with a warm and welcoming smile. The marine technology community feels privileged to have Dr Girguis as one of its esteemed members.”

As SUT’s President, Moya Crawford, said of Dr Girguis’ win: “One of the great strengths of the SUT is its broad coverage and connectivity. Decades of conducting deep water cargo recovery has given me rather more first-hand experience of ‘tubeworms’ (vestimentifans) than most might expect. Therefore, it is my pleasure that this year’s Captain Don Walsh Award goes to Dr Peter Girguis, as a scientist who has brought together the application of technology, with animal physiology and technical ingenuity to recover these amazing creatures to the surface, in order to better understand how they live in what we consider to be such extreme conditions. It is very fitting that his research and endeavour should be marked by this year’s Captain Don Walsh Award.”

Peter Girguis is no stranger to winning awards and accolades. He was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and The Explorer’s Club. He received the Petra Shattuck Excellence in Teaching award, the Lowell Thomas Award for Engineering Exploration, the Lindbergh Foundation Award for Science & Sustainability (microbial fuel cells), the State of California’s Distinguished Community Service Award; and received Discover Magazine’s ‘10 Everyday Technologies That Can Change the World’ (microbe-powered lighting for the developing world.

About Peter Girguis’ work

Further information on Peter Girguis and the lab’s work is at

https://girguislab.oeb.harvard.edu/people/peter-girguis and includes a link to his latest C.V.

Four months ahead of the SUT’s 9^th International OSIG Conference “Innovation Geotechnologies for Energy Transition” (12-14 September at Imperial College London) the Society for Underwater Technology is pleased to announce the new Mick Cook Award for Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation. The winner will receive a prize of £1000, a trophy and a certificate.

The SUT’s OSIG Committee (Offshore Site Investigation and Geotechnics) is one of its largest and most active committees with an impressive history of industry conferences, training, and networking events.

Mick Cook, a long-standing member and former Chair of the OSIG Committee, as well as being a Past Treasurer and Council Member of the SUT, explained the reasons behind the new SUT Award:

“From my own lengthy and rewarding career and involvement with SUT’s OSIG Committee I know the value and importance of peer-recognition of achievements and contributions through an International Award can make to both individuals and industry. 

“I am delighted to be able to sponsor this Award and support all those who contribute to the field of geotechnics and geophysics from yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

The inaugural Mick Cook Award for Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation and Characterisation will be presented at the upcoming London conference in September 2023.  The Award will be run annually with the presentation at the SUT AGM between the running cycle for the Society’s International OSIG Conference. 

Open to all working in the field of marine site investigations and characterisations globally, details of the full requirements for nominations or applications for the award are available online at https://sut.org/mick-cook-marine-site-investigation-award/

All applications/nominations to be received by 14 August 2023.

“The countdown for nominations from around the globe is on in earnest, the award will recognise significant contribution to geotechnics and geophysics and be open to everyone regardless of where they are in their career,” said SUT’s CEO, Cheryl Burgess. “The SUT and members of the OSIG Committee are excited by Mick’s generosity; which has been welcomed by some of the sector’s key stakeholders – Neil Morgan, Professor Richard Jardine, and Andy Hill.”

Announcing the Award, Neil Morgan, Chair SUT, OSIG Committee and Lloyd’s Register Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Technical Support Office, Marine & Offshore said:

“The launch of this award is welcome news. It will encourage those working in the offshore geoscience industry to develop what will be needed in the future. The energy transition means we will see ever-increasing demands for marine site investigation and characterisation. This will be against a background of shortages of skilled resources and equipment to perform the work and interpret the results.

 “The resource constraint means getting the maximum value from data will be essential and it will also be essential that the data acquired can be applied to large scale developments with rapid project timelines. Innovation and creativity will be needed to ensure the offshore geoscience community fulfills the future needs of offshore energy stakeholders in a reliable and cost-effective way.”

Richard Jardine FREng, FICE, FCGI, Professor of Geomechanics, College Proconsul, Imperial College London explained

“The creation of a new SUT Award, funded by Mick Cook, to recognise each year a particularly Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation or Characterisation, covering the broad disciplines of Geophysics and Geotechnics represents a highly encouraging, positive and timely development.

 “Mick has made his own important contributions through a long career in these fields, taking part in developments that are proving crucial in realising successfully the imperative international drive towards low-cost, low-carbon, energy.

 “Mick’s unstinting work with the SUT Offshore Site Investigations and Geotechnics (OSIG) committee, their guidance notes, short courses and internationally leading conferences has been one of the factors behind the UK’s excellence and prominence in the practical, industrial, scientific and academic aspects of geotechnical engineering for sustainable offshore energy production.”

While Andy Hill, Marine Geohazards Technical Authority – S&ORA, BP America added

“News of this award is very timely as the importance in the delivery of efficient and effective Integrated Offshore Site Characterization has rarely been as important as it is now.

 “Mick Cook has been directly involved in the development of offshore site investigation rationale over the past forty years in projects around the world. For much of this time he has been involved with the Offshore Site Investigation Committee of the SUT and a driving force behind a number of its outputs – most recently the Guideline Document for the Planning and Execution of Geophysical and Geotechnical Ground Investigations for Offshore Renewables which is an important resource in supporting the development of staff entering this sector.

 “This award will go further in encouraging staff to make their mark in the industry over the next decade by continuing to push technology and technique forwards.”

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Full details on the International OSIG Conference being held 12-14 September 2023 at Imperial College London are at https://tinyurl.com/he85ypfn. Further information on all aspects of the SUT’s work globally and information on membership are at www.sut.org

Using digital technologies to visualize operations and identify uncertainties in order to make better commercial and ESG decisions

We are in a second energy upheaval! The first occurred when the maritime sector changed, simultaneously, from sail to steam and wood to iron. The London market in the form of Lloyds responded to this. Today, in a very similar frenzy, this time to achieve ‘Net Zero’, the technologies may be very different, but insurance and investment market-need and human nature remain very much the same.

Karen Seath, Lead Blue Economic Ecosystem at the D’Arcy Thompson Simulator Centre, based at St Andrews University explained: “Insurance and indemnity are two crucial enablers of investment in innovation and change, yet those involved may not be able to adequately determine residual uncertainty due to the novelty.

“Evermore accessible visualization and simulation tools and techniques now make it possible for underwriters, P&I Clubs to be brought in at an early stage, alongside investors, using virtual assets placed within the intended operational setting, when there is still the time, money and appetite to make the changes that would make the difference between them coming on board, or not. What is being re-kindled in this initiative is a proven, commercial symbiosis.”

The free SustainaVerseTM Afternoon Workshop taking place at Lloyds Lab in The Lloyds Building, Lime Street, London on Tuesday 16 May (12:00-15:30) aims to provide a solution.

The D’Arcy Thompson Simulator Centre as a provider of sustainability assurance, the London City Branch of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) as a learned society, Beazley as underwriters, the Waves Group as warranty surveyors working in maritime and oil and gas, and IQ3 Connect, providers of a collaborative VR platform, are holding the event at Lloyds Lab to explore how A CANVAS (Abstraction, Calculation, Analysis, modelliNg, Visualization, Animation and Simulation) can help ensure that test design is complete, and residual risk adequately identified.

Aimed at Underwriters, P&I Clubs, Sustainable, Responsible Impact+ Investors+, Brokers, Lawyers, Technology Providers, Operators and Owners, Members of the SUT, and Members and Associates of the International Salvage Union (ISU), the workshop will feature two short presentations covering electricity generation scenarios and ESG. A hands-on exercise using collaborative VR, will then be followed by examples of where Visualization and Simulation has informed academic research, operations, and spatial planning.

As Moya Crawford, President of the SUT, said: “The SUT is delighted to be involved in this event. Our aim, as a multidisciplinary learned society, is to bring together organisations and individuals with a common interest in sustainability, responsibility and impact, alongside our traditional areas of underwater technology, ocean science and offshore engineering. Introducing the latest digital technologies in tandem with creating thinking around classification, places our London City Branch at the heart of debate and knowledge-sharing around global ‘net zero’ challenges”.

To register to attend this free event, please go to the SUT’s Events Page: at sut.org/event/sustainaverse-afternoon-workshop/ or contact Karen Seath at: karen.seath@darcythompson.net

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The Society for Underwater Technology’s (SUT’s) International Panel on Underwater Robotics has announced that nominations/applications are now welcome for the Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award (GGURA) at https://sut.org/gwyn-griffiths-underwater-robotics-award-ggura/. The deadline for entries is 1 May 2023.

The GGURA recognises people in the early to mid-stages of their career (and under 40 years old) who have made outstanding contributions to their field in underwater robotics. The award may be for industry/commercial, research and/or creative activity in underwater robotics. The winner will receive £500, a certificate, and an engraved award.

Neil Bose, Chair of the Panel on Underwater Robotics stated:

“Members of the Panel on Underwater Robotics were excited by Professor Gwyn Griffiths’ generosity in supporting this award and were especially enthusiastic that it should be an early to mid-career award to encourage the up-and-coming generation of underwater robotics workers in their careers.“

While Gwyn Griffiths MBE, a Past President of the SUT added:

“As a vibrant, forward-looking learned Society the SUT is at the forefront of encouraging and facilitating international cooperation in Underwater Robotics. From my own career, I know that peer recognition of achievements through an international Award can make a substantial and lasting difference. These have been times for reflection, and by enabling this new Underwater Robotics Award I am delighted to support the innovators of today and tomorrow.“

Nominations or applications for the 2023 GGURA must consist of the following documents.

• A letter of nomination or application that describes how the candidate meets the criteria.
• The letter should be no more than two pages in length. Supporter(s) of the nomination/ application may add their signature to this letter or supply an email that indicates their support for the candidate
• A 100-word citation or appraisal of the candidate’s research describing their contributions in a way easily understandable to those outside the discipline
• A curriculum vitae

So far there have been two winners of the GGURA, both can be heard on the ‘Underwater Technology Podcast’. The winner of the inaugural GGURA in 2021, Aleksandra Tomaszek MBA, 1 CSI Ltd Co-founder & COO, Strategic Subsea Business Partner can be heard at https://tinyurl.com/y3k7bmb3; while 2022 winner Rustom Jehangir, Founder and CEO at Blue Robotics can be heard at https://tinyurl.com/2cbs5m73