Online Features
New AI-Driven Trade and Tariff Platform to Navigate Customs
Maersk has introduced the Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio, a digital platform designed to help global cargo owners navigate the complexities of an unpredictable trade landscape.
This AI-driven solution addresses challenges such as rising tariffs, increased regulatory oversight, and disrupted customs processes through a centralized system for managing customs and tariffs.
After extensive testing with major clients, the platform became available for cargo imported into the U.S., with a global rollout planned for August.
It integrates seamlessly with Maersk’s logistics services but can also operate independently for cargo owners.
Many global companies currently rely on a fragmented network of up to 40 local customs brokers, resulting in disjointed data, reduced transparency, and overpaid duties. Maersk’s data indicates that an average of 5–6% of tariffs are overpaid due to a lack of centralized data and optimization. Additionally, 20% of shipment delays are attributed to inadequate customs preparation.
Only 50–55% of trade eligible for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) fully capitalizes on these opportunities, despite the availability of more than 650 FTAs globally, according to the company.
The Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio features AI-powered tariff engineering and optimization, ensuring accurate application of over 6,000 product codes and more than 20,000 sub-codes. It also includes upstream compliance risk screening to prevent delays, detentions, and penalties, while providing real-time updates through data partners and Maersk’s network of 2,700 customs experts worldwide.
The platform also assists companies in complying with complex regulations, including product safety, labor standards, and emerging environmental mandates such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as non-compliance can lead to significant fines and market restrictions.
Maersk Trade and Customs Consulting global head, Lars Karlsson, stated “Today’s environment is defined by unpredictability, with newly imposed and suddenly postponed tariffs creating what many of our customers describe as ‘tariff chaos.’ Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio is our answer to this challenge—bringing clarity, compliance, agility, and cost optimization to global supply chains when goods are crossing borders.”
Recently, Maersk unveiled a new class of 17,480TEU vessels featuring dual-fuel methanol propulsion, built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea.
These container ships will improve Maersk’s services by linking Eastern Asia with Northern Europe.
Teledyne Photo, Data Contest
Teledyne Marine invites customers to participate in the 2025 edition of its annual Photo & Data Contest. This competition encourages contestants to share captivating images of Teledyne Marine products in action–whether in the office, lab, or field–or data samples collected using Teledyne Marine’s technologies.
Deadline is September 30.
Optimizing Fossil Fuels to Decarbonize
By Rob Mortimer
In the race to decarbonize maritime transport, the sector has become distracted by technologies that look good on paper but do little in practice. Too many current strategies are engineered to win headlines rather than reduce emissions. The fastest and most effective path forward is to focus on optimizing the fuels we are already using. That means improving combustion efficiency, measuring real output, and holding technologies to the same standard of performance and transparency.
The maritime industry continues to emphasize so-called transition fuels, such as biofuels. On the surface, these seem like a win. They are renewable, supported by incentives, and can be blended into existing systems. But the moment you factor in energy density and real combustion performance, the story falls apart. Most biofuels release less energy per unit mass than conventional marine diesel or heavy fuel oil, so vessels require more fuel to generate the same power, increasing fuel mass flow and emissions in real terms.
This is not decarbonization. It is accounting sleight of hand.
The more intelligent route is to optimize conventional fuels. Technologies such as hydrocarbon reformers and combustion conditioners are already delivering verified results. Fuelre4m’s own platform, for instance, has demonstrated up to 20 percent reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, without the need for retrofits or operational change; no change to bunkering, no additional load on crew, and no impact on vessel scheduling.
To get serious about emissions, the sector must move away from legacy metrics such as specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC). SFOC has turned into a flawed approximation that averages behavior and hides inefficiencies. It does not account for actual output, nor does it track variations in power delivery under real-world conditions. The only metric that matters is: fuel in, power out. Why are engine manufacturers let off the hook by not being forced to report the actual power and efficiency of their engines on real, used fuels?
The only meaningful measurement of performance is what happens at the shaft. That means tracking torque, shaft RPM, net thrust, delivered power and mass fuel flow as standard. This is how we uncover inefficiencies, benchmark optimization technologies and expose underperformance. These parameters tell us what the engine is really doing, how much force is being applied to move the ship, and how much fuel is being burned to do it.
If these metrics became the regulatory standard, we would immediately reveal gaps in fuel and propulsion efficiency across the fleet. We would identify the true cost of “low-energy” fuels and expose the operational impact of degraded engine performance. Better still, we would unlock immediate emissions savings at no capital cost. This is proven, accessible and measurable.
Critically, this approach gives the industry time. Time to test new fuels properly. Time to work out bunkering logistics for ammonia or hydrogen. Time to develop propulsion systems delivering reliable thrust at scale. But all of this is only worthwhile if future fuels are held to the same measurement standards: power output, fuel flow, torque, thrust; not extrapolated claims or idealized simulations. Until we bring rigor and real metrics to the center of emissions reduction strategy, we will keep wasting money and time.
Optimizing fossil fuels is not a step backward. It represents progress that can happen right now. It reduces emissions, lowers operating costs, demands accountability. And it creates the space we need to build the technologies of tomorrow on a foundation of real, measurable performance, not promises.
The future will be clean. But right now, we must be accurate.
Webinar July 15: US Army ERDC Patent Commercialization
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has developed patented technologies to address real-world challenges in aquatic environments and infrastructure management. These innovations present strong potential for business expansion and market diversification.
An informational webinar will take place July 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. CST to explore how licensing or commercializing these technologies can create new business opportunities.
This session is ideal for companies with manufacturing or distribution capabilities looking to bring advanced, field-tested solutions to market.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with ERDC inventors and discover how ERDC’s streamlined licensing process makes it easier to evaluate and pursue market potential of ERDC innovations that have dual-use applicability.
Participants will be introduced to the following ERDC patents:
- Acoustic Camera Systems and Methods: an advanced fluid flow analysis in large-scale, high turbidity environments
- Autonomous UV and Brush Apparatus for Well Fouling Prevention (Wellbot): an innovative method for relief well cleaning and maintenance
- Modular Bathymetry: bathymetric modeling method with computer numerical control programming
- Sand Boil Filter: a lightweight filter kit that simplifies sand boil treatment to speed remediation
Attendees will also learn how they can submit innovative solutions for funding consideration by ERDC.
Registration deadline is July 11.
Batteries, Energy Systems Provide Reliable Power at Depth
SubCtech battery storage skid (BSS) placed on seabed for operational use.
By Sören Johannsen
SubCtech, an award-winning leader in underwater technologies, founded in 2010 by applied physicist Stefan Marx (CEO), has grown into a maritime powerhouse based in Kiel, Germany. This medium-size enterprise, composed of a diverse team of skilled mechanical and electrical engineers and software specialists, is dedicated to next-generation R&D, custom project consulting, thorough prototype testing, and high-quality manufacturing according to international standards.
The great benefit for customers is a safe and reliable field-tested technology that not only significantly reduces CAPEX and OPEX costs but also greatly reduces the CO2 footprint through less downtime and service calls and longer life cycles; a win-win for industry, the blue economy, and the environment.
Ocean Power Products
SubCtech’s ocean power products are crucial for offshore oil and gas companies; environmental monitoring stations; manufacturers of AUVs, USVs, and ROVs; and other subsea applications. The company’s flagship product line, PowerPacks, features advanced lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems with configurations for basic, subsea, vehicle, and custom battery needs, including advanced charging and battery management systems (BMS). These modular and flexible battery power blocks (SPBs), encased in a custom housing, are depth-rated to 6,000 m and designed for a life span of up to 20 years.
One of the key factors in SubCtech’s success with its subsea batteries is the unmatched reliability and adherence to strict safety standards. The Li-ion cells as well as the entire PowerPacks undergo rigorous testing to meet UN T38.3, MIL-STD, DNV, and API 17F compliance standards, along with further customized requirements.
These subsea batteries are specifically engineered for high-capacity, uninterruptible power supply for subsea energy production facilities, capable of operating even in extreme conditions. Our batteries undergo intensive testing for heat resistance, shock and vibration tolerance, and electromagnetic compatibility to ensure they meet the stringent standards our clients expect and heavily rely on.
The batteries automatically protect themselves from potential issues, safeguarding the system from damage and ensuring operational safety. They are equipped with features to disconnect in case of over- or undervoltage, over temperature, overcharge, overcurrent or short circuits, with a high number of sensors and new KI-based algorithm to eliminate false alarms and detect critical states. Compared to traditional alkaline primary batteries, Li-ion PowerPacks provide robust high-current operation, functioning at sub-zero temperatures, able to handle peak currents efficiently, and suitable for long storage or operating times. These attributes precisely meet demanding subsea and offshore applications.
An illustration of SubCtech’s 2-MWh energy storage skid, depicting two BSS and one power skid/converter.
Subsea Energy Storage System
Recently, SubCtech developed a 2-MWh subsea energy storage system (ESS), setting a milestone in its commitment to sustainable energy storage solutions. This ESS stands out due to several key innovations. Its design is based on scalable and independently operable SPB modules, allowing for flexible configurations, from small kilowatt-hour setups to multimegawatt-hour installations. The ESS uses field-proven, DNV GL-certified lithium-ion batteries, ensuring reliability and safety.
The advanced BMS provides real-time diagnostics, redundancy, intelligent balancing, and autonomous subsea operation with minimal maintenance. It is applicable for both energy storage and powering AUVs, sensors, and subsea equipment. This combination of technical maturity, scalability and autonomy sets it apart in the global subsea energy market.
The ESS, with a Technology Readiness Level of 6 (TRL 6 according API 17Q), is currently in operational use in the oil and gas sector. The system has proven its value in the field, where it effectively supports the demanding power requirements of offshore operations.
One of SubCtech’s customers, a major international oil and gas company based in North America, impressed by the ESS’s performance and reliability, recently placed an order for an additional complete system. This order underscores the ESS’s success and the growing demand for sustainable, high-capacity power solutions within the subsea industry. It represents a milestone in the commercialization of large-scale subsea battery systems.
2-MWh energy storage skid ready for shipment after factory acceptance test.
Global Growth
As the global demand for ocean power products increases, SubCtech has been experiencing rapid growth, supplying products to clients around the world. To accommodate this growth, SubCtech has doubled its workforce to 76 employees and plans a significant expansion of its production facilities in 2025.
Our UN T38.3-certified Li-ion batteries are safely transported worldwide via airline cargo, thanks to our professional sales partner network that ensures seamless service availability even in diverse regions.
Future Vision
Looking to the future, SubCtech is committed to advancing as a global leader in ocean power solutions, as well as ocean monitoring systems, such as our OceanPack RACE system, currently deployed on German research vessels, such as the RV Polarstern. It performs continuous CO2 and pH monitoring; meteorological and hydrographic data logging (salinity, temperature, oxygen, etc.); and real-time satellite transmission to global networks, including the Integrated Carbon Observation System and SOCAT, which brings together, in a common format, all publicly available surface water data from the global oceans. SubCtech’s systems contribute critical data to climate research and carbon cycle modeling, and they are recognized for their reliability in extreme polar and tropical environments.
The company actively seeks strategic partnerships to extend its network and deepen its impact in the international oceanology sector. With continued innovation in subsea energy storage and monitoring, along with a robust commitment to environmental responsibility, SubCtech is well-positioned to set new standards in sustainable marine technology.
An illustration of a subsea tech ecosystem with multi-use energy storage system and several charging options.
SubCtech is a trusted partner in the marine and subsea technology sectors, known for its innovative solutions, such as Li-ion PowerPacks and the pioneering Subsea ESS. These products deliver reliable, field-proven technology that meets the demanding standards of the offshore industry.
The key benefit for customers lies in significantly reducing CAPEX and OPEX costs. Longer operational intervals, fewer service calls, and reduced downtime not only optimize efficiency but also lower the CO2 footprint—offering a clear win for industry, the blue economy, and the environment.
The recent success of the ESS in operational deployment within the oil and gas sector and the subsequent re-order by a key customer further underscores the effectiveness and reliability of SubCtech’s solutions in real-world applications. As SubCtech continues to innovate and grow, it solidifies its role as a pioneer in sustainable power and monitoring technologies for the marine environment.
For more information, visit www.subctech.com or contact: info@subctech.com.
Sören Johannsen is the COO and marketing manager of SubCtech.
Sustainable Propulsion with Smart Navigation
Zodiac Milpro featuring RAD 40 electric propulsion in Southampton, U.K., 2024.
By Dan Hook
There’s a seismic shift in the industry as pressure mounts to reduce emissions and embrace sustainability. This is causing vessel operators to increasingly turn toward electric propulsion as a practical and future-proof alternative to traditional combustion engines.
Innovators driving this revolution include the team here at U.K.-based RAD Propulsion, where our cutting-edge technology is reshaping how commercial operators and leisure users think about power on the water.
At the heart of our offering is the RAD 40 electric drive, a lightweight, intelligent, 60-hp-equivalent propulsion system that combines top performance and innovative technology while being simple to install and maintain. The RAD 40 also enables boat builders to maximize space on board thanks to its compact and space-saving design. The integrated steering and flush transom provide more room for features such as bathing platforms or extra seating.
With a fully integrated drive-by-wire throttle and steering system, our drive offers precise, responsive control. The ±90° steering enables 180° maneuverability, making complex handling effortless. Its ultralow maintenance requirements further enhance reliability, which is crucial for vessel owners and operators and ensures peak performance in demanding applications.
We’ve ensured users have no charging concerns with CCS DC fast charging in under an hour and AC charging solutions for use with 16- and 13-A shore power sockets. It was important to us to optimize turnaround times between uses to meet the real-world needs of our customers. Integrated battery management systems (BMS) also ensure safety and performance, while adapting to variable environmental conditions, from -10 to +55° C.
Smart Navigation
Earlier this year, we were proud to announce a new partnership with Savvy Navvy, a marine navigation technology company, to integrate our electric propulsion systems with smart range technology.
This collaboration combines both power management and route planning, allowing boaters to receive real-time updates on their range based on dynamic environmental conditions such as wind, tides, and weather. With more than 2 million downloads globally, Savvy Navvy’s intuitive mobile charts are already transforming how boaters approach trip planning. By feeding RAD’s Propulsion data into this ecosystem, users gain unprecedented accuracy and confidence in every journey, ensuring they can make the most of their voyages. This partnership validates our broader approach that clean marine propulsion needs to be part of a connected and intelligent system.
RS Electric Pulse 63 RIB with RAD 40 propulsion in London, March 2025.
Power Console System
Another breakthrough product from the RAD Propulsion team is our Power Console system, a fully integrated, all-in-one outboard console designed for rapid deployment. We wanted to design a product which appealed whether you are a commercial operator needing fast turnaround or a leisure user desiring a hassle-free setup. This system brings professional grade performance in a compact, user-friendly format, perfect for inflatable ribs such as the Zodiac MK 5.
Two versions are available currently. The Power Console features a 21-kWh battery and a range up to 21 nautical mi. (nm) at low speed, and the Power Console+ features a 42-kWh battery and a range up to 41 nm at low speed. Both systems are designed for ease of deployment. Mountable in forward or aft positions, they require no complex wiring and can be installed in under 15 min. The systems are also engineered for environmental robustness, operating in air temperatures from -10 to +55° C and water temperatures down to -5° C.
Their low noise and thermal output make them ideal for eco-sensitive missions, scientific research, and defense operations. The RAD 40’s thermal imaging footprint is negligible, a key advantage where detection or disruption is a concern. Likewise, our product’s underwater acoustic signature is significantly quieter than combustion alternatives, enhancing its utility in marine biology, conservation, and tactical uses. A cruise line successfully used the product in Antarctica during the winter, just to name one customer.
RAD Power Console system.
The Future
At RAD Propulsion, we’re working hard to demonstrate what electric marine systems can achieve, proving that clean boating doesn’t require a compromise in performance or capability. Whether it’s through reduced environmental impact, intelligent smart range navigation, or ease of deployment and maintenance, our solutions are set to help the marine industry in its move toward a more sustainable and reliable future.
RAD Propulsion’s multifunction displays.
Dan Hook is the CEO of RAD Propulsion.
Partnership for USV Build Will Enable Surveys at Scale
The REAV-47 USV Bris built for Nordic USV AS in Bergen to conduct oceanographic surveys. (Credit: Nordic USV)
By David Hull • Lennaert van den Berg
In recent years, the untapped potential of USVs as a transformational capability for marine data acquisition has been well-studied and documented as an alternative to traditionally crewed survey platforms. At the forefront of this evolution is HydroSurv, a U.K.-based pioneer in the design and deployment of industrialized, turnkey USV solutions for inland, nearshore, and coastal environments. Since its founding in 2019, the company has delivered more than 90 successful projects, deploying 25 USVs globally across a wide spectrum of hydrographic, geophysical and oceanographic applications.
HydroSurv’s portfolio is anchored by the rapid environmental assessment vessel (REAV) series, based on an agile platform concept engineered to deploy quickly in environments with limited infrastructure, or in remote locations, often where data are otherwise inaccessible or unreliable. These values underpin HydroSurv’s broader vision to democratize ocean data by making non-invasive, efficient and cost-effective autonomous systems accessible across the supply chain.
A Third-Generation Milestone: REAV-47
HydroSurv’s mission to make autonomous systems accessible relies on technology that is industrialized, trusted, available and field-proven. The company’s latest REAV-47 platform represents the newest step in optimizing performance, endurance and efficiency.
Purpose-built for nearshore, multi-day coastal surveys, REAV-47 combines Mastervolt energy systems with a new electric propulsion system developed by the innovative Dutch company Rim Drive Technology. This milestone marks the first integration of a rim-driven thruster onto a HydroSurv platform.
The first-of-class vessel, named “USV Bris,” was delivered to Nordic USV AS of Bergen in early 2025. It is the first of three REAV-47s to be supplied to Nordic USV this year, supporting the company’s mission to deploy low-emission uncrewed survey capabilities in Northern Europe.
In parallel, HydroSurv is delivering a REAV-47 order from a key customer in Nigeria, scheduled for handover June 2025.
A Choice of Electric and Hybrid Powertrains
The REAV-47 is available in two variants: a fully electric, 24-kWh battery configuration and a 12-kWh battery-hybrid configuration designed for extended operation in remote locations. In its hybrid form, the vessel is powered by two 6-kWh Mastervolt lithium-ion (MLI Ultra) batteries and a highly efficient 4-kW, 24-V DC generator from Fischer Panda, which consumes less than a liter of fuel per hour under normal operating conditions. HydroSurv has relied on Mastervolt battery technology since the introduction of the REAV-60 in 2022, and the REAV-47 is the first to implement the system in a higher 48-V configuration, offering improved energy density and reduced cable losses.
The powertrain delivers an operational endurance of 72 hr. while reducing CO2 emissions by more than 97 percent compared with small diesel workboats used for similar missions. This underscores the environmental value of hybrid electric USV systems, even where they utilize conventional fuels.
However, where mission frequency is a more important consideration than endurance, the REAV-47 may be optimally installed with an automated mooring and charging system that will recover and recharge the vessel for a hand-off operation. An evaluation unit is installed on USV Bris, and a second unit will be extensively tested by HydroSurv this summer. Afterward, the technology will be available on all third-generation REAV platforms.
Virtual Watchkeeper for Remote Operations
At the heart of the REAV-47 lies HydroSurv’s proprietary Virtual Watchkeeper vessel control system, a patent-applied PLC-based control and monitoring suite that manages propulsion and power systems and controls the vessel’s onboard systems. Designed with fault tolerance and safety in mind, the system integrates redundant power supplies, backup uninterruptible power supply and multi-channel overcurrent protection, providing the resilience customers expect from industrialized USV platforms deployed to remote work sites.
The propulsion system of Rim Drive Technology is integrated with an updated firmware build of the Dynautics SPECTRE autopilot HydroSurv has been using since 2019, allowing for precise maneuvering and dynamic positioning.
Electric Propulsion
Rim Drive Technology develops, manufactures, and sells rim drive motors from 0.5 to 75 kW for private, commercial, industrial, and underwater applications. In order to guarantee and monitor the quality of their products, Rim Drive Technology’s production, R&D and office are located in the Netherlands. The motors are 100 percent electric and can be used as either main propulsion or secondary drives. In addition to motors, Rim Drive Technology provides a wide range of customizable complementary products, including batteries, monitors, throttle controls, motor controllers and cables.
Rim Drive Technology’s electric motors are designed to excel in the most demanding environments. Whether navigating through polluted waters or areas with heavy sediment and sand, these motors deliver outstanding reliability and efficiency. Thanks to the unique design, featuring no center shaft, there is minimal risk of entanglement from ropes, nets, or debris, making them an ideal solution for autonomous surface vessels and other critical applications.
Compact and lightweight, the motors easily fit into even the smallest installations, while also reducing drag to enhance efficiency and speed. At the same time, full system access through the motor controller gives users immediate insight into all essential motor and battery data, simplifying integration. Wireless, CAN-based control adds another layer of flexibility, eliminating the need for physical connections while ensuring smooth performance.
Maintenance is often a major cost driver in marine operations, but not with Rim Drive motors. With only one rotating part, the simplified mechanism drastically reduces wear and tear. The result is lower maintenance needs and reduced operational costs.
Rim Drive Technology also offers direct, high-quality service. By partnering with the company, HydroSurv gains from short communication lines, expert support, and quick access to updates and spare parts, ensuring reliable performance.
POD assembly.
Propulsion Range
Rim Drive Technology offers a wide range of propulsion options, providing efficient and reliable solutions for various vessel types and applications. For main propulsion, we provide fixed PODs, steerable PODs and outboard options.
The Rim Drive pod features a minimalist design with only one rotating part, requiring straightforward maintenance and delivering over 90 percent efficiency at medium speeds, ideal for cruise operations. The fixed pod is available from 0.5 to 75 kW and is fully waterproof (IP68). The steerable pod configurations include an entry-level option as a cost-effective solution that integrates easily with existing systems, available from 2.5 to 15 kW. Another option is the steerable pod available from 2.5 to 75 kW, with 320° rotation for superior maneuverability. It can be controlled by joystick, steering wheel or CAN interface.
For outboards, the steerable outboard offers 320° rotation and 360° propulsion, with remote adjustment capabilities. It’s mountable on the transom or a tilt-and-trim bracket and is available in 11 and 15 kW. The entry-level outboard, available from 2.5 to 15 kW, provides affordable propulsion with a manual tilt-and-trim bracket. This outboard is compatible with all standard steering cylinders, perfect for easy refitting.
For secondary propulsion, the company also offers a range of bow and stern thrusters, available from 0.5 to 75 kW. The bow thruster box makes it easy to access the motor because installation of the lid of the box is above the waterline, eliminating the need to take the boat out of the water. The thruster tunnel set is designed for difficult conditions, where the bow thruster remains protected.
Driving Innovation, Together
The REAV-47 is equipped with two entry-level Outboard 5.0 propulsion systems. The motor controller is separate from the outboard and can be installed inside the hull, allowing for an IP68-rated system without the need for additional sealings or oils.
The entry-level Outboard 5.0 is a compact and efficient solution designed for straightforward integration. Operating at a nominal voltage of 48 V with a current draw of 104 A, it delivers a static thrust of 60 kg. The unit weighs just 23 kg and features a propeller diameter of 133 mm and a total length of 967 mm. With the two Outboard 5.0 units, REAV-47 achieves a cruising speed of 4.1 kt. and a maximum speed of 6.5 kt., operating at a combined power output of 10 kW.
Rim Drive Technology’s electric motors are a natural fit for HydroSurv, not just technically but strategically. Both companies are ambitious and committed to continuous innovation in the field of autonomous marine technology. As HydroSurv expands its fleet with versatile platforms such as the REAV-47, Rim Drive Technology’s range of compact, scalable motors supports that growth with propulsion solutions tailored to vessels of all sizes.
The company’s fully waterproof, shaftless rim drive systems reduce drag, require minimal maintenance, and provide real-time access to motor and battery data; a necessity for remote nearshore survey. Combined with Rim Drive Technology’s global service partner network, this ensures that HydroSurv can support its USV customers efficiently and reliably around the world. It’s a strategic alignment rooted in shared vision, technical compatibility, and a commitment to shaping the future of marine autonomy.
Entry-level outboard.
A Scalable USV Platform
Looking ahead, HydroSurv is extending the benefits of the Rim Drive propulsion system into its upcoming REAV-25. Based on the popular REAV-28 platform, the REAV-25 has been reiterated to comply with U.K. Maritime Guidance Note 702, offering a 24-V version of the Rim Drive Technology configuration for day-works-capable USVs, with a focus on evolving regulatory and safety standards for small maritime autonomous surface ships.
As demand grows for clean, compact, and versatile survey platforms that can be delivered quickly and generate a rapid return on investment for their users, HydroSurv sees strong market traction for its third-generation USVs from a diverse pool of customers seeking to lower operational carbon emissions while increasing data availability.
HydroSurv’s latest collaboration with Rim Drive Technology demonstrates the power of engineering partnerships in realizing the promise of industrialized, forward-looking robotic solutions for the marine sector’s toughest challenges.
David Hull is the founder and CEO of HydroSurv.
Lennaert van den Berg leads international sales at Rim Drive Technology.
Subsea Cable Introduces Broadband to Tiny Maine Island
Isle au Haut installed its first subsea telecommunications in November 2024. The 10-km submarine cable now connects Isle au Haut to Stonington on Deer Isle, which has terrestrial connections to the U.S. mainland. (Credit: Donna Hopkins, Isle au Haut Broadband Committee)
By Bob Munoz • Gavin Tully
Isle au Haut, a small Island off the coast of Maine, is home to approximately 75 year-round residents and around 250 in the summer. It’s small, it’s tight-knit, it’s quaint—in fact, around half of the island’s 100-sq. mi. land mass is part of Acadia National Park. It has a one-room schoolhouse (with currently seven students) and is only accessible from the U.S. mainland via a 45-min. ferry ride.
Until recently, it also completely lacked access to broadband internet. It took a village, and more, to get connected.
A Hometown Challenge
Recognizing that high-speed internet is necessary to remain a viable year-round community, the town formed a broadband committee in 2016. The goal was to find a way to bring universal fiber-to-the-home broadband to the island, replacing a microwave link and DSL service that left most of the island “under-” or “unserved,” as defined by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation deems an “unserved” location as one with no broadband service at all, or with internet service offering speeds below 25/3 Mbps. It defines an “underserved” location as one without broadband service offering speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps.
The previous internet service relied on a microwave tower located close to the town center, and performance was impacted by rain, snow, or fog—all common realities on Isle au Haut. From the microwave tower, the signal was distributed by copper DSL lines, through which the signal significantly deteriorated over distance, leaving only a trickle of service at the furthest points.
The impact was severe, especially for those not living in the center of town. One small business owner who lives at the far end of the island reported that it took 10 min. to upload one new picture to her website. As for the town’s seven students, most did not have internet access at home, significantly hampering assignments, projects and research. In an age of telecommuting, a lack of reliable internet makes it hard for a place like Isle au Haut to attract serious long-term residents and young people to stay and help the community thrive.
To remedy this situation, the Isle au Haut select board appointed committee members, all volunteers. A select-person who is a full-time resident provided the primary link to the town government for the committee throughout the project. Altogether, volunteers invested more than 4,000 hr. to achieve their mission of bringing broadband to the isle.
The committee determined that a 10-km subsea fiber-optic cable connecting to the mainland via Stonington on Deer Isle would be the ideal solution, as they sought to build a future-proof system while avoiding large microwave towers that would disrupt natural vistas near Acadia National Park.
Funding
Funding for this project came in the form of a $1.2 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the state of Maine, as part of a larger $28 million grant being administered by the Maine Connectivity Authority to support broadband expansion into underserved, especially rural, communities.
Building the Team
Axiom Technologies was brought on to spearhead the project, having designed and constructed more than 100 access points that connect more than 2,500 sq. mi. across rural Maine.
“Like municipal power and introduction of telecommunications before it, access to high-speed internet is a transformational project for Isle au Haut,” said Mark Ouellette, president and CEO of Axiom.
“Broadband is a critical link for sustainable communities. It can support local businesses, attract year-round residents, encourage remote workers to settle on the island, and enhance the cultural and economic life of the whole community.”
Ouellette commissioned Pioneer Consulting to provide key advice and connect the project to pivotal resources. Pioneer Consulting Director of Marine Services Bob Munoz took the lead, with assistance from Managing Partner Gavin Tully.
View of Isle au Haut (Robinson Point) Light. (Credit: Bob Munoz, Pioneer Consulting)
Planning the Route
Generally, cable routes span hundreds, even thousands of miles. Sophisticated—and expensive—surveying equipment is deployed to map the seafloor and design a cable route.
In this case, both the challenges and solutions were much more home brewed. While surveying the site, Munoz referenced the planning and engineering of a resident, Parker Waite, who, as an independent diver, personally swam and surveyed the seabed in 1983 before installing the island’s first power cable. As a local scallop diver, Waite knew the seabed like the back of his hand. His knowledge of the seabed allowed for the power cable to be installed along the rugged seabed profile, where it has provided uninterrupted service for the last 42 years. Fortunately, Waite’s maps and cable routing notes were preserved by the Isle Au Haut Electric Power Co. Waite was present at Stonington to witness the completion of the fiber-optic cable installation.
Cable Sourcing
The entire process of sourcing cable took about two years from start to finish. With no experience purchasing subsea cable or managing such a project, Isle au Haut Broadband Committee members initially picked up their phones and cold called suppliers. Since the project was small in terms of distance, many companies did not even respond to inquiries, as their normal orders often spanned entire oceans. The one company initially willing to work with Isle au Haut was based in Europe, and the cost of shipping and importing the cable alone was prohibitive.
Once Pioneer Consulting was brought on board, acquiring the cable was much more within reach. Pioneer Consulting has extensive prior experience working with SubCom, which manufactures submarine cable not far from Isle au Haut, in Newington, New Hampshire. SubCom offered its state-of-the-art SL17 special purpose application (SPA) fiber-optic cable to ensure long-term survivability, and the cable was made more affordable in part because SubCom allowed the islanders to arrange transportation of the cable in a 40-ft., open-top shipping container.
“Connecting communities is what we’re all about,” said David Coughlan, CEO of SubCom. “And as a New England company, it’s a special opportunity to take part in connecting a place we know and love so well.”
Laying the Cable
Various permits were required for the project, both from the state of Maine and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The timeline for approving submitted permits was approximately one year. Preparation of the submissions took approximately six months.
The USACE permit was received on November 21, 2023. The permit window for the marine installation was limited between November 8 and March 14, 2024, due to considerations for essential fish habitat.
There were two primary challenges when it came to the laying the cable: the cable laying equipment and the weather.
The use of a large ocean-going cable ship was not viable logistically or financially for the project, so Isle au Haut hired a local barge that was fitted with cable-laying equipment and an experienced installation team from GAEAquatics, a company based in Middleburg, Florida. The weather proved more formidable. The cable needed to be laid during a very narrow weather window: between high season for tourism and fishing and the onset of the frigid, forbidding Maine winter. Although November 8, 2024 was initially selected for installation, high winds of up to 30 kt. caused a two-day delay.
On November 10, 2024, the installation process began around 4:30 a.m. with a cable landing at Isle au Haut. The cable lay took 3 hr., and the Stonington cable end landed around 11:30 a.m. without a hitch, connecting the submarine cable between Isle au Haut and Stonington on Deer Isle. The two ends of the submarine fiber-optic cable were later spliced to terrestrial cables, providing fiber-optic connectivity between Isle au Haut and the worldwide web.
The Isle au Haut town store displays its first-ever Wi-Fi sign, welcoming broadband internet to the island. (Credit: Axiom Technologies)
The Little Island that Could
Now, for the first time, Isle au Haut’s town store boasts a “WiFi” sign on its door. Life is changing for the town; more connectivity means more year-round residents, and longer summers for seasonal residents who can now work from their island homes. For Isle au Haut, the future is now, thanks to a big effort from a small group of people.
Bob Munoz is the director of marine services at Pioneer Consulting.
Business Tech Platform Unifies Client, Internal Processes
Machinio System (MS), a provider of end-to-end website and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions for equipment dealers, has entered the marine industry.
The MS Marine team sees a rising demand from boat dealers and marinas eager to leverage technology to streamline operations and scale growth. The company’s tech platform enables clients to own their marketing channels and embrace unified systems that optimize customer acquisition and internal operational processes.
Documentary: ‘Rigs to Reef’
“Steel to Sanctuary: The Rigs to Reef Story” is a new documentary presented by Arena Energy that will premiere in Washington, D.C., July 15, highlighting the Rigs to Reefs program and its environmental legacy of transforming decommissioned oil rigs into artificial reefs.
The screening will be hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. This event will bring together policymakers, conservation advocates, and offshore energy leaders for an evening of storytelling, insight, and celebration.
The deadline for RSVP is July 8.