Big Blue World
The Global Newsletter of the Society for Underwater Technology
Issue 8, December 2023
Contents
Big Blue World™
Editor: Emily Boddy
emily.boddy@sut.org
Contact Emily to submit an article,
send in Corporate Member news,
member updates and photos, or to
find out about advertising and
sponsorship opportunities in Big
Blue World™.
www.sut.org
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instagram.com/societyforunderwater
twitter.com/SUT_news
youtube.com/SUTMedia
Welcome from the SUT East Med
Branch Chair
Dan Hayes
New Corporate Members
Publications
UT2, Underwater Robotics, MTS Journal
Events & Training Diary
SUT Annual Report 2022-2023
SUT News
8 | Jane Hinton - 30 years at the SUT
10 | AGM - new SUT President Benj Sykes
13 | SUT Perth and SUT-US Branch Chairs
14 | 2023 Awards - Captain Don Walsh
Award for Ocean Exploration, Lennard-
Senior Prize, Mick Cook Site Investigation
Award
16 | Rest in Peace Captain Don Walsh
17 | Greensea Systems evolves into
Greensea IQ
Innovation
18 | The Shift to Industry 4.0
20 | Subsea Power Monitoring Innovation
Key to Lowering Offshore Costs in the
Gulf of Mexico
OSIG 2023 - Innovative
Geotechnologies for Energy Transition
Reports of Recent Events
24 | LSE Branch Pub Quiz Winners
25 | ADIPEC
25 | Welcome back to SUT KL!
Updated OSIG Guidance Notes
Next Issue
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04
05
06
22
18
28
08
24
26
07
Society for Underwater Technology
Welcome from the new East Med Branch
Welcome
I’m pleased to welcome you to the December issue of Big Blue World as
chair of the newly formed SUT EastMed branch. For the last two years,
engineers and scientists in the region have been informally discussing the
idea of forming a branch, and we have fnally made it ofcial earlier this
year. Historically, cooperation among countries bordering the Eastern
Mediterranean has been fragmented, but afer lots of back and forth
among potential members and the SUT leadership, we felt that improving
the ability for professionals and students to network across borders and
across disciplines as much as possible would result in opportunities for
cooperation and streamlining of eforts. Ofshore energy projects are active
in this region, with several ultra-deep and deep natural gas felds at diferent
phases of maturity. Besides the difculty of working in great water depths,
environmental sensitivity is high because of the nature of the ultra-oligotrophic (low production) sea and
unique seamount and canyon ecosystems. Ofshore renewables and ofshore aquaculture are extremely
challenging in most of the Eastern Mediterranean because of the narrow continental shelves which rapidly
fall away to abyssal depths. Personally, I see these issues as strong drivers for cooperation and innovation of
many types. Low-impact exploration and exploitation of deep water environments promote new technologies
and methods as does the need for better scientifc understanding and management tools. Te socioeconomic
push towards reduced CO2 emissions has increased this drive, and the commonalities of the issues faced
makes cooperation among regional eforts potentially benefcial to everyone.
Te SUT EastMed branch aims to bring together people from diferent sectors of technology (energy,
environment, robotics), from diferent types of organizations (academic and research organisations, small
and large companies), and from as many countries as possible, so that ideas can more easily be shared and
mutually developed. Finally, the new branch has identifed needs and opportunities for public outreach in the
region, not just for university students looking to build a career, but to secondary and even primary school
students who are unlikely to be aware of the amazing technology being used or developed, ofen just down
the road. Future events are being planned to support both professional networking, as well as public outreach.
In Cyprus, where I lead a small research and consultancy company, environmental surveys are being
carried out using traditional (vessels, buoys) and autonomous (underwater gliders, ROVs) systems, and
ofshore wind, wave, and aquaculture facilities are being actively investigated in various research programs
by consortia of research organisations and SMEs. At the same time, of course, many large companies have
been actively exploring for and extracting hydrocarbons in this region using state of the art technology.
Unfortunately, these two worlds of research and commercial activity do not intersect as much as they could,
despite the potential advantages for both sides, ofen just for a lack of communication avenues.
Daniel Hayes, PhD is Managing Director of Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services C.S.C.S. Ltd, Visiting
Researcher at the Oceanography Center of the University of Cyprus, and chair of SUT EastMed. He is also the
National Focal Point for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), member of the OceanGliders GOOS
steering committee, and member of the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) Operations Committee.
Dan Hayes
SUT EastMed Branch Chair
SUT EastMed aims at including subject matter experts, outreach and education experts, policy
and business stakeholders interested in underwater technology activities in countries bordering
the Eastern Mediterranean (such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Lebanon).
If you’d like to find out more about how you can be a part of this branch, contact eastmed@sut.org.
Big Blue World
New Members
Big Blue World
Click here to �nd out how your organisation can join the SUT as a
Corporate Member and the bene�ts it includes.
Welcome to our new Corporate Members
The Society offers enhanced communication with other companies, government, organisations and
individuals working in the area of underwater technology in specialist disciplines.
Society for Underwater Technology
Publications
UT2/Underwater Robotics - The magazines of the SUT
Click to read the latest issues
Society for Underwater Technology
Te Marine Technology Society Journal is the
fagship publication of the Marine Technology
Society. It publishes the highest caliber, peer-
reviewed papers, six times a year, on subjects of
interest to the society: marine technology, ocean
science, marine policy, and education. Te Marine
Technology Society has published the MTS
Journal under its current title since 1969.
Click to read the latest issue.
Marine Technology Society
Journal (MTSJ)
Big Blue World
Events & Training Diary
2024
JANUARY
SUT KL Monthly Session
10 January 2024
Loco, KL
Aberdeen – AGM & Pub Quiz
17 January 2024
OGV Podium, Aberdeen
SUT US – Networking Event
17 January 2024
Red Lion Pub, Houston, TX
10th Anniversary SUT-TAMU Student
Chapter
18 January 2024
Texas A&M University, Houston, TX
Aberdeen Branch Business Breakfast &
Subsea Market Outlook 2024
30 January 2024
Te Marclife Hotel, Aberdeen
FEBRUARY
SUT-US Networking Event
1 February 2024
Union Kitchen, Houston, TX
Aberdeen – Subsea Awareness Course
5-9 February 2024
Palm Court, Aberdeen
Perth – February 2024 Evening
Technical Meeting - Reefs & Wrecks
7 February 2024
Parmelia Hilton Perth
SUT KL Monthly Session
14 February 2024
Loco, KL
Champagne Conversation
21 February 2024
Velvet Oak Tavern, Houston, TX
MARCH
Oi International 2024
12-14 March 2024
ExCeL - London
SUT KL Monthly Session
13 March 2024
Loco, KL
AOG Energy 2024
13-15 March 2024
Perth Convention &
Exhibition Centre
Perth – Positioning and Survey Course
20-21 March, 2024
APRIL
MCEDD - Deepwater
Development
9-11 April 2024
Hôtel Mövenpick, Amsterdam
SUT KL Monthly Session
10 April 2024
Loco, KL
Perth – April Evening Technical Meeting
17 April 2024
Parmelia Hilton Perth
MAY
Perth – Subsea Awareness Course
6-10 May 2024
Parmelia Hilton Perth
SUT KL Monthly Session
8 May 2024
Loco, KL
All-Energy
15-16 May 2024
SEC, Glasgow
SUT Member News
Society for Underwater Technology
Events & Training Diary
SUT Annual Report
Click below to read the SUT Annual Report
for the year July 2022 - June 2023
Big Blue World
SUT News
Jane Hinton - 30 years at the SUT
Jane Hinton, Membership and Finance Of�cer at the SUT, is not only
a valued member of staff but also holds the esteemed title of being
the organisation’s longest-serving employee. This year, 2023, marks
an incredible milestone as Jane celebrates 30 years of dedicated
service at the SUT.
Jane’s journey with
the SUT actually
began in 1983, when
she worked for us
in membership and
events, but lef afer
three-and-a-half
years to work more
locally to her home.
Her son Nicholas was
born in 1991 and she
rejoined SUT in 1993
(having kept in touch
with Jean and Monica -
Events Manager and Publications Ofcer) when she covered a maternity leave and the rest
is history!
Over the last 30 years, Jane has witnessed signifcant changes and growth within the SUT.
Jane has witnessed six CEOs at the helm: Geof May, David Wardle, Ian Gallett, Bob
Allwood, Steve Hall, and, now, Cheryl Burgess. Te SUT has weathered two industry
crashes, demonstrating its resilience and ability to bounce back. In 2003 and 2004, the
SUT expanded internationally, establishing branches in Perth and Houston. Although
international branches were not present when Jane initially joined, she has seen the SUT
grow and embrace a global reach over the years (now 12 international branches!).
Te SUT’s physical presence has also seen changes, with ofces moving around diferent
parts of London. In 1993 the SUT HQ London ofce was located in Birdcage Walk, within
the building of Te Institute of Mechanical Engineers. It then moved to Bird Cage Walk,
Mark Lane (within the ofces of IMarEST) – Te Institute of Marine Engineers as they were
then known, Coleman Street (again with IMarEST), then independently to Fetter Lane,
Chancery Lane, and fnally John Street, before the big move to fully remote working in
2020.
Jane’s journey within the SUT began with responsibilities in membership and events, as well
as managing a training course. As the SUT expanded, so did Jane’s workload. She took on
bookkeeping and accounts tasks, albeit on a much smaller scale than today’s membership,
given that the organization had around 1000 individual members and a few corporate
members in the early years. Jane pursued an AAT course in accounting (Association of
The SUT of�ce in London, 1983. Jane sits second from right.
Society for Underwater Technology
SUT News
Accounting Technicians) to further
enhance her skills and contribute to
the fnancial management of the SUT.
Jane now manages all the fnancial
and membership matters of 1500+
individuals and 150+ corporate
members.
In addition to her professional
achievements, Jane has built strong
social connections during her time at
the SUT. She fondly recalls the vibrant
social life in London, particularly the
great events and memorable moments
shared with colleagues like Bob and
Ian. Te opportunity to visit Houston
stands out as a highlight, where she
enjoyed wonderful social events and
had the pleasure of meeting Patsy and
Jodie, as well as enjoying frequent
trips to the Aberdeen ofce.
Since working at the SUT Jane has had
two sons. She loves travel, gardening,
cricket, rugby, and supporting Harlequins (you can fnd her cheering them on in the winter
on a Saturday afernoon!).
When Jane eventually
retires she plans to travel
overseas to watch as much
cricket as possible!
Jane is a huge asset to
the SUT HQ team; her
experience and knowledge
of the Society is second to
none and we are incredibly
lucky to have her.
Thank you, Jane, for
all your hard work
and everything
you have done and
continue to do for
the SUT.
Left - Jane gets �tted for diving gear at
Fort Bovisand, Plymouth which used
to be a diver training centre where the
SUT annual Physiology of Diving course
was held (organised by Jane). 1984.
SUT HQ staff enjoying a drink at the local pub to the of�ce on Fetter
Lane, The Old Bank of England, in 2011. L-R Cheryl Ince, Ian Gallett,
Michaelagh Broadbent, Bob Allwood, Jane Hinton
10
10
Big Blue World
SUT AGM London
Tis month’s AGM of the Society for Underwater Technology marked the ofcial handover to newly
elected ofcers 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. Tese being Te President’s
Award, the Gwyn Grifths 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 Afairs at Ørsted has been
elected SUT’s President, Nick Swif 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 ofshore oil and gas and the ofshore
renewables sector. Trough his current role at Ørsted, and previously at the Carbon Trust, and his non-
executive roles in the Ofshore Renewables Catapult and previously the Ofshore 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 ofshore oil and gas sector through the energy transition, while building a stronger
position in ofshore 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.”
Four SUT Presidents, past and present
L-R Moya Crawford, Benj Sykes, Judith Patten MBE, Prof Ralph Rayner
Ørsted’s Benj Sykes becomes
President of the SUT