Ashtead Technology, UK, has secured a global asset management agreement with Blue Ocean Monitoring, Australia, to store, maintain and supply underwater gliders for ocean data monitoring. 

Blue Ocean Monitoring is a specialist in the provision of ocean data solutions using autonomous subsea and surface glider technology. 

The deal will see Blue Ocean Monitoring expand its service offering globally with Ashtead providing asset management services and project support from its offices in Aberdeen, Houston, USA, and Singapore.    

Tim Sheehan, commercial director at Ashtead Technology, said: “Through this exclusive agreement, Ashtead will hold gliders in each of its bases around the world, from where we will store, maintain and supply them providing our customers with a new, proven technology solution for ocean data collection. 

“The gliders can be equipped with a choice of over 40 different sensors, and can be deployed in the water for up to a year at a time. With two-way satellite communications the gliders can be deployed and controlled anywhere in the world, they are highly weather resilient and have no environmental impact.” 

Simon Illingworth, managing director of Blue Ocean Monitoring, said: “Initially used extensively for academic and military applications, these gliders are now increasingly being embraced by the oil and gas community for a wide range of purposes.   

“Oil and gas applications include pipeline leak detection, oil spill response, decommissioning studies, dredge/construction plume monitoring, environmental monitoring and metocean studies.”

Following its acquisition of British tooling maker Hydro-Lek, Saab Seaeye reports it is now consolidating the business into its own facilities at Fareham, UK.

“There is a strong technology synergy,” said Saab Seaeye’s managing director, Jon Robertson. “Manipulators and tools are key elements in the design and function of underwater vehicles and integrating Hydro-Lek into our operation at Fareham means we can fully direct our technological expertise, operational resources and service support towards advancing the Hydro-Lek technology.”

Robertson sees the move bringing greater product content to Saab Seaeye and an important step in the company’s growth strategy.

“The decision to create a central technology hub allows us to grow and develop tool and manipulator technology and strengthen our position as a complete underwater robotic solutions provider,” he said. “It will also accelerate developments within our product portfolio and expand tooling options for our new range of Seaeye electric work-class ROVs and hybrid AUVs, along with developing further opportunities to create more bespoke systems.”