Big Blue World
The Global Newsletter of the Society for Underwater Technology
Issue 14, June 2025
Renew your SUT membership online at www.sut.org,
or email us at members@sut.org for help
Contents
Big Blue World™
Editor: Michelle Jones
michelle.jones@sut.org
Contact Michelle 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™.
Cover Photo: cover: Lee Brett
www.sut.org
facebook.com/SUT.org
linkedin.com/company/sutuk
buzzsprout.com/1000288
instagram.com/societyforunderwater
twitter.com/SUT_news
youtube.com/SUTMedia
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Welcome
Technical Director Dr Karen Dalton
New Corporate Members
Publications
UT2, Underwater Robotics, Big Blue World
Events & Training Diary
SUT News
11 | Applications open for ESF 2025-26
12 | ESF Spotlight: Vanda Czene
13 | Gwyn Griffiths Award
SUT Awards
14 | Lennard Senior Award
Winner Interview
SUT Member News
SUT Innovation
32 | Natural Hazzards Responsible
for 25% of Subsea Cable Damage
34 | The Importance of Preservation
Plans for Subsea Equipment
36 | Leading Innovation in the
Blue Economy
38 | Design of Green Hydrogen
Production System from Offshore
Wind Energy
40 | Ocean Robots Exploring Role
of Marine Snow
42 | Geophysical AUV Survey Offshore
Suriname
44 | Ultra-Deepwater Weld Inspection
Celebrating Excellence
Events Reports
Next Issue
Society for Underwater Technology
Welcome
Welcome
Hello from the first female Chair of the OSIG committee
in the UK (Offshore Site Investigation and Geotechnics)
and my first welcome column. I took on Chair in June
2024 and what a year it has been. I’ve been focussed
on three priorities reflecting the purposes of the OSIG
Special Interest Group. Here they are:
My first priority was to bring everyone back together in
person wherever possible. The way that the industry
works has changed, so we’ve made sure that we’ve
given members a good reason to travel. We run our
quarterly Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting alongside
an event on the same day. An evening Geoforum event
of networking with four speakers with drinks and food is
a format that has worked well. We’ve moved this around
the country and we regularly attract over 100 people.
OSIG members recently teamed up with the Aberdeen
SUT branch and spoke at one of their monthly evening
events and we look forward to further collabs!
My next priority has been to increase the membership
and diversity including more women and to balance
the disciplines. I’ve been a member of OSIG for over 20
years and as a geophysicist I’ve generally been in the
minority, which has also been a reflection of the past
SI industry. At the last OSIG conference in 2023 there
was a drive for much better representation among the
session Chairs which was a great start, it’s always been
a challenge to attract geophysical/geoscience speakers.
This is slowly changing as we recognise how to do this.
I’ve canvassed members about a change to our name
to reflect our depth and breadth (conveniently adding
G’s to OSIG) and this will be happening very soon.
My third priority is to increase awareness of OSIG,
our fantastic industry, associated academia and all
the brilliant people who work in it. This starts with
engaging with education at a young age, and we have
a sub group who are developing content as well as
being involved with industry committees, such as
the Energy Geoscience Forum, addressing this at a
national level. We started an OSIG LinkedIn group this
year and at this point we have 819 members and great
content. This will go from strength to strength as more
people engage and then go on to join the OSIG SIG.
We had the joint SIG meeting in London in December
which brought together OSIG including ECOSIGG (Early
Careers), UXO and Marine Environmental followed by
the SUT AGM. This was such a good way to network and
create collaboration, and we’ll continue to engage with
OSIG US and Perth.
A key strength of OSIG is the willingness of members
to volunteer their time to support the SIG and to run
and speak at our events. This takes considerable
effort and I’m eternally grateful for this, bringing
together our unique mix of industry and academia. Our
brilliant training courses and one day seminar format
are always oversubscribed, and we are in the thick
of the next planning cycle for the 10th International
OSIG Conference in 2027 – Geophysics, Geoscience &
Geotechnics for Energy and Resource Resilience.
I’m really looking forward to what the next year will
bring and encourage anyone interested in joining and
supporting OSIG to get in touch with me as we go from
strength to strength.
Dr Karen Dalton
Technical Director
Big Blue World
New Members
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Publications
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Editor: John Howes John@ut-2.com | Commercial: Zinat Hassan ut3subsea@gmail.com
Big Blue World
The Global Newsletter of the Society for Underwater Technology
Issue 10, July 2024
Big Blue World
Events & Training Diary
2025
JUNE
OSIGp Quiz Night
25 June, 2025
OSIGp Quiz Night
South West OSIG
Geoforum
26 June, 2025
Wills Memorial Building, Bristol
JULY
OSIGp July 2025– Offshore Geohazards
and Geotechnics Course
24 July, 2025 - 25 July, 2025
The University of Western Australia
London & South East
Evening Meeting –
Electric Cables
10 July, 2025 AUGUST
The Warehouse, 13 Theed Street,
London, SE1 8ST
SUT+ July Site Visit to KD Marine
SUT+ July Site Visit to KD Marine
24 July, 2025 – KD Marine Ltd
AUGUST
Perth – Materials & Corrosion Course
06 August, 2025 - 07 August, 2025
Perth - Materials & Corrosion Course
Perth – August Evening Technical Meeting
13 August, 2025
Parmelia Hilton Perth
Aberdeen – Gadgets & Widgets
27 August, 2025
Aberdeenshire Cricket Club
SEPTEMBER
Aberdeen Subsea Awareness Course
08 September, 2025 - 12 September, 2025 –
Palm Court, Aberdeen
Houston – 2025 SUT-US Energy Conference
12 September 2025
University of Houston
Perth – SUT & SPE
Annual Golf Day 2025
19 September, 2025
Perth - SUT & SPE Annual Golf Day 2025
SUT-US Fall 2025 Subsea Awareness Course
22 - 25 September 2025,
Multiple locations in Houston TX, USA. Click here for early
bird discount (Ends 30 June 2025)
OCTOBER
SUT Aberdeen Branch Dinner
09 October, 2025
Sandman, Aberdeen
Perth – 2025 Annual General Meeting
15 October, 2025
Parmelia Hilton Perth
Perth – October Evening Technical Meeting
15 October, 2025
Parmelia Hilton Perth
Perth – Autonomous Marine Technology
(AMT) Conference 2025
28 October, 2025 - 30 October, 2025
Parmelia Hilton, Perth
14th International SUT (China)
Technical Conference
31 October, 2025 - 03 November, 2025
Zhenjiang, China
Find more information on SUT
events and training online at
www.sut.org/events
Society for Underwater Technology
Forthcoming Events
Guest Speaker - Chris Lemons
Chris Lemons, a commercial diver and
IMCA Diving Supervisor, specialises in
deep-sea saturation diving. In 2012, he
survived 40 minutes without air after a
catastrophic accident. His story is now
recreated in a 2025 Hollywood movie.
Aberdeen Branch Dinner
Thursday 9th October 2025 | 1830hrs - midnight
Sandman Hotel, Aberdeen
Dress code: Formal
www.sut.org
Prices from 1 July 2025
£85 - SUT Member, £100 - Non-Member (ex VAT)
Early Bird prices available until 30 June 2025
£75 - SUT Member, £90 - Non-Member (ex VAT)
Sponsorship
opportunities
available contact
events@sut.org
Organised by
REGISTER
NOW!
2-5 SEPTEMBER 2025, P&J LIVE, ABEERDEN
ACCELERATING THE
TRANSITION TO A
BETTER ENERGY FUTURE
Explore ground-breaking solutions
in offshore energy, smart tech and
net zero.
Headline Sponsor
offshore-europe.co.uk/ut2
Society for Underwater Technology
Forthcoming Events
SUT ABERDEEN BRANCH
Deadline for submissions
25 July 2025
27 August 2025 | Aberdeen
We’re inviting organisations to apply for a
10-minute presentation slot at this year’s event
to share recent innovations and technology
developments relevant to the subsea community.
www.sut.org
Gadgets and Widgets
SUT Aberdeen is now inviting submissions for
Gadgets and Widgets 2025—our popular evening
event dedicated to showcasing new technology for
the subsea sector.
We’re offering 10-minute presentation slots for
organisations to highlight their latest innovations.
Technology presented must be relevant to the
subsea community and not commercially slanted.
Successful applicants will receive:
l Table-top space for demonstrations, literature,
or display equipment
l Room for pop-ups or posters
Showcase Your Innovation at
Gadgets and Widgets 2025
Call for Presenters – Submit by 25 July 2025
l An engaged, subsea-focused audience
l Buffet and networking session post-presentations,
where sales conversations are welcomed
l To support the Society in running the event,
selected presenters are asked to contribute a minimal
co-sponsorship of £100 for members / £125 for non-
members.
Submissions
To be considered, please email your proposal to
aberdeen@sut.org
Deadline – 25 July 2025
We look forward to seeing your latest innovations!
Wednesday 27 August 2025 | Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, Morningside Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7FB
Your Underwater
Community Awaits
Your Underwater Community Awaits — Renew your membership
for 2025/2026 or Join Now and be part of SUT
Whether you are renewing or joining us for the first time, now is the perfect time
to connect to our global underwater technology community.
SUT members benefit from:
l Specialist knowledge and insights through technical events, webinars, and training/education
l Engagement Professional connections with our global branches and Special Interest Groups
l Member-only discounts on courses, events, and publications
l Access to the Marine Technology Society (MTS) journal
l Opportunities to contribute to standards, research, and policy discussions
l Support for early-career development, or a chance to give back as a volunteer
l The opportunity to contribute to Big Blue World, our quarterly publication
l Access to our online members directory
Membership runs from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
With Individual, Corporate and Student options available.
Renew your
SUT membership
today!
Renew online at www.sut.org, or email us at members@sut.org for help
with your login or to update your membership details.
Looking for funding to support your studies in
marine science or underwater technology? The
Society for Underwater Technology’s Educational
Support Fund is now open for applications!
Each year, we help students worldwide pursue
their passion by offering sponsorship awards to
those who demonstrate academic excellence
and a commitment to the subsea sector. Whether
you’re a current SUT member or new to our
community, you’re welcome to apply.
Full eligibility criteria and application guidance
can be found on the SUT website at www.sut.org
/educational-support-fund.
If your organisation would like to support our
Educational Support Fund we’d be delighted to
hear from you! Together, we can help shape a
strong and diverse future for underwater science,
engineering, and technology.
Welcoming Julie Callaghan to the Society
for Underwater Technology (SUT) Team
The SUT is delighted to introduce Julie Callaghan as our
new Membership Coordinator & Administrator. With years
of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Julie is no stranger
to supporting member services and ensuring smooth
operations behind the scenes.
In her new role, she’ll be the go-to person for all things
membership such as: updating records, processing new
applications and renewals, and ensuring our community
stays engaged with timely welcome packs. She’ll also be
the friendly voice on the other end of your membership
enquiries and will play a key role in coordinating our Awards
processes and supporting Special Interest Groups.
Julie joined the team towards the end of May and is already
making a splash with her contributions. Join us in giving her
a warm welcome, we’re thrilled to have her on board!
Julie Callaghan
Membership Coordinator & Administrator
julie.callaghan@sut.org
Applications Open for SUT Educational
Support Fund 2025–2026
Key Dates:
Request an application by: 30 June 2025
Submit your application by: 31 July 2025
SUT News
1111
Society for Underwater Technology
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Big Blue World
SUT News
As part of our 2025–2026 Educational Support Fund
(ESF) campaign, we’re highlighting the real impact this
sponsorship can have on students studying degrees
relating to marine science, underwater technology or
offshore engineering.
One of our recent recipients, Vanda Czene, shares her
journey. From starting her degree to snorkel surveys on
coral reefs.
Hear Vanda share her ESF experience:
“I applied for the ESF when I was starting my studies in
MSci Marine Biology at the University of Southampton,
which is a four-year integrated masters course. This
means that the first three years are undergraduate
level (BSc) and the final year is a masters.
The funding allowed me to focus on my studies and
so instead of taking up part time work during the
semester I was able to fully dedicate myself to marine
biology. Knowing that someone sees potential in you is
also a huge motivator.
Last summer I worked for an environmental
consultancy doing species identification. I have also
just submitted my masters dissertation, which focuses
Educational Support Fund
(ESF) Spotlight: Vanda Czene
on how corals and their symbiotic algae may respond
to future ocean conditions under climate change. SUT
has also given me the opportunity to speak at Ocean
Business.
Studying marine biology and working with corals has
been my lifelong dream. The funding from SUT has
allowed me to go on an optional field trip to Phuket,
Thailand and do snorkel surveys in coral reefs. I highly
encourage anyone to apply for the ESF!”
My advice to students considering a career in
underwater technology, offshore engineering or
marine science is to stick with your passions. Don’t let
anyone discourage you from pursuing your interests.
Everyone brings something unique to the table, your
ideas may be the answer to big problems we’re facing
today.”
l Applications for the 2025–2026 ESF Are Open Now
If you are studying an eligible programme, you can
apply for sponsorship to support your studies and
career aspirations.
l Deadline to request an application: 30th June 2025
l Full details and eligibility: https://sut.org/
educational-support-fund/
MEMBERSHIP
RENEWALS ARE
NOW
OPEN!
Renew before 1st July
or become a new
member today!
13
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Society for Underwater Technology
SUT News
Gwyn Griffiths Award 2024 and 2025
Ocean Business brought the
opportunity for Gwyn Griffiths to meet
Jonas Wust, of Zurich-based Tethys
Robotics, the winner of the Gwyn
Griffiths Underwater Robotic Award
(for those under forty) 2024 in person.
The award recognises people in the
early to mid-stages of their career
(those, under 40 years old) who have
made outstanding contributions to
their field in underwater robotics. The
range is wide for eligible nominees.
Nominees may be working in industry/
commercial, research and/or creative
activity in underwater robotics. The
winner will receive £500, a certificate
and recognition throughout the SUT’s
global membership.
The Gwyn Griffiths Award for
Underwater Robotics for those under
forty will open again on 1 August 2025
and close on 31 October 2025.
SUT members active in the field of
Underwater Robotics and AUVs are
encouraged to express their interest in
joining this SUT special interest group.
For more information about the
Underwater Robotics Panel or the
Gwyn Griffiths Award, please email:
Julie.Callaghan@sut.org
“Don’t let anyone discourage you
from pursuing your interests. Everyone
brings something unique to the table,
your ideas may be the answer to big
problems we’re facing today.”
Gwyn Griffiths
Award 2024 and
2025
14
Big Blue World
Q. What first sparked your interest in marine
renewable energy?
I was already working in the power sector, and I had
a background in experimental fluid mechanics, when
I discovered marine energy. Utilising the incredible
power that is clearly present in crashing waves
and rushing rivers and tides resonated with me
immediately. Further, the predictability of the tides
struck me as an incredible asset of tidal energy in
particular.
Q. You were instrumental in the success of Verdant
Power’s Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) Project
– the first commercially licensed tidal power project
in the USA. What stands out most when you reflect
on that experience?
Overall, the experiences we shared, and
accomplishments we made, as a team at the RITE
Project over the 15+ years I was there are the things
that stand out to me.
Some are technical, from the total number of MWh
delivered to the NYC grid to the issuance of the first
ever IECRE Test Report for Marine Energy; others are
logistical, from temporarily closing the East Channel
of the East River for deployment, maintenance and
retrieval operations to barge journeys across the New
York City harbor; while others are experiential, from
forging strong relationships with the local community
and the range of stakeholders involved to the quietness
of slack tide at night.
Q. You’re an active member of SUT’s Marine
Renewable Energy Committee (MREC). What role
has that community played in your professional
journey—and why do you think groups like MREC
are important for the sector?
MREC has played a very important role in my journey.
It has enabled me to stay closely connected to the
Marine Energy industry in the UK, enhanced my
technical knowledge in a broad range of aspects
across the sector, and it has helped my professional
(and friendship) network grow.
Groups like MREC are critical for the sector as they
facilitate information exchange across many technical,
economic, regulatory and political topics, among
others, which can highlight best practices from within
(and outside) of Marine Energy, and can help to
identify critical gaps in the industry.
Q. What does receiving the Lennard-Senior
Memorial Award mean to you?
It is a tremendous honor for me to receive the Lennard-
Senior Memorial Award. True luminaries in the Marine
Energy industry have won this award and similarly, true
luminaries were nominated alongside me.
To be recognised by my peers for my contributions
to Marine Energy is humbling, however, the amazing
people I have worked with over the nearly 20 years in
Marine Energy have enabled and supported my career.
I am grateful to all of the colleagues I have worked
with, and friends I have made, across the world.
Q. What advice would you give to the next
generation of marine energy professionals?
Work hard, have fun, and never give up! As in any job,
but particularly working in the smaller companies
generally found within Marine Energy, it is critical
for the next generation of professionals to be
accountable, independent thinkers and dedicated to
delivering high quality work in a timely manner.
For the industry to succeed, we need to see more and
more successful deployments of devices in the water,
operating for years - this simultaneously requires a
long-term, broad vision and a sharp focused attention
to detail in the daily execution.
As one piece of proper advice, based on my
experience: a postgraduate degree can be an
incredibly beneficial experience to prepare
professionals for work in this sector.
Lennard-Senior Award Winner:
14
14
Big Blue World
SUT Awards
15
Society for Underwater Technology
Jonathan Colby interview
“Work hard, have
fun, and never give
up! It is critical for
the next generation
of professionals to
be accountable,
independent thinkers
and dedicated to
delivering high
quality work in a
timely manner.”
15
15
Society for Underwater Technology
SUT Awards
3-6 November 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Society for Underwater Technology
SUT Member News
RS Aqua are pleased to announce a strategic partnership
with Nortek, who will now distribute the WaveRadar
Rex2. Through their global sales and distribution
network, this newfound reach will broaden RS Aqua’s
WaveRadar Rex2 market presence, enabling streamlined
access for customers worldwide.
WaveRadar Rex2 is a natural complement to Nortek’s
ADCP portfolio, enabling integrated wave and current
measurement solutions. By leveraging Nortek’s
well-established presence in key markets, and the
trust its regional teams have built with customers,
the WaveRadar Rex2 can be introduced to a broader
audience and accelerate adoption across diverse marine
applications.
Partnership
This new partnership continues to strengthen the
relationship between RS Aqua, Nortek and parent
company General Oceans. Together, they represent a
strong offering to the maritime industry, reinforcing
their position as leaders in ocean and environmental
technology.
Martin Stemp (RS Aqua, left) and Sarah Douglas (Nortek,
right) showcase RS Aqua’s WaveRadar Rex2 at Ocean
Business 2025.
“We are thrilled to announce that we are joining forces
with Nortek to launch our Rex2 WaveRadar across their
global ecosystem. The Rex2 is complimentary to many
of Nortek’s existing offerings and will now end up in the
hands of more users than ever before,” said Angus Elkins,
Senior Sales Specialist for Ocean Systems at RS Aqua.
Orders will be placed directly with RS Aqua by each
Nortek subsidiary. For any questions, please reach out to
Nortek via their contact page.
What is WaveRadar Rex2?
The WaveRadar Rex2 is a highly intelligent non-
directional radar system developed by RS Aqua, used
primarily for wave and tide measurement. The original
version was launched in 1999 and after 21 years of
global success, RS Aqua launched the latest generation,
WaveRadar Rex2 in 2020.
Half the size and weight of its predecessor, Rex2
consumes 10 times less power and has 25% greater
range whilst maintaining its accuracy.
RS Aqua recently celebrated their 1000th WaveRadar
installation, a milestone that reflects over two decades
of protecting ships, ports, and moorings with cutting-
edge radar technology.
RS Aqua and Nortek Ride: The Wave
Together with WaveRadar Rex2
Martin Stemp (RS
Aqua, left) and Sarah
Douglas (Nortek,
right) showcase RS
Aqua’s WaveRadar
Rex2 at Ocean
Business 2025.
18
18
Big Blue World
SUT Member News
KD Marine Ltd is pleased to announce the acquisition
of the former Caledonian Logistics site located at
Kintore (AB51 0UY). This strategic purchase marks
a significant milestone for KD Marine Ltd as it
establishes its new global headquarters at this prime
location.
The 3.5-acre site boasts two 10,000 sq ft workshop/
warehouses, adjoining offices, and ample car
parking facilities. This new headquarters will serve
as the central hub for KD Marine Ltd’s operations,
housing the stores and workshops for its assets. The
move underscores KD Marine Ltd’s commitment
to supporting the UK underwater industry and
enhancing its operational capabilities.
The site at Kintore offers an ideal setting for KD Marine
Ltd to expand its services and continue its mission of
providing top-tier underwater solutions. The spacious
workshops and warehouses will enable efficient
storage and maintenance of equipment, while the
adjoining offices will support administrative and
operational functions.
“We are excited about this acquisition and the
opportunities it presents for KD Marine Ltd,” said KD
Marine Ltd MD Hamish Petersen. “This new site will
not only serve as our global headquarters but also
strengthen our ability to support the underwater
industry in the UK and beyond.”
KD Marine Ltd looks forward to leveraging this new
facility to enhance its service offerings and continue
delivering exceptional value to its clients.
For more information about KD Marine Ltd and its
services, please visit https://www.kdmarine.com/
EPI Group are thrilled to welcome Dr
Sarah Courbis to join our newly formed
in-house Environmental Team, as
Principal Environmental Scientist. The EPI
Environmental Group is headed up by returning
Heidi Etter, joined by Megan McManus, Emma
Butterwick, and Melanie McCue. Supported
by four additional environmental specialists,
our team have been hard at work making a big
impact together already.
Our Environmental team is dedicated
to delivering innovative solutions that
balance energy development projects with
environmental stewardship, regulatory
compliance, and a deep knowledge of marine
environmental issues.
The Environmental team will be available
for permitting and regulatory consenting,
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs),
regulatory compliance management and
reporting, mitigation and monitoring
of protected species, and consulting on
environmental regulatory guidelines and
requirements worldwide.
Our team members are esteemed authors
within industry white papers and peer-reviewed
scientific publications, and have contributed
to various committees encompassing marine
environmental and regulatory topics globally.
With over 100 years of combined protected
species experience and a focus on marine
mammals, the team’s expertise is at the
forefront of industry knowledge and skillset
delivery.
KD Marine Ltd: Acquires
Former Caledonian
Logistics Site in Kintore
EPI Group: Welcome
Society for Underwater Technology
19
SUT Member News
to our New Environmental Dream Team
Heidi Etter | Director of Environmental Science
Heidi Etter is a marine environmental scientist
with over fifteen years of international experience
working in various consulting roles for marine
projects, including research, outreach, oil
and gas, civil engineering, and offshore
wind. She has experience managing diverse
projects including mitigation and monitoring,
Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHA),
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
(ESIA), Environmental Management Plans
(EMP), Sound Source Verification (SSV), and
decommissioning comparative assessments. She
has extensive experience developing, managing,
and implementing mitigation and monitoring
requirements for a variety of marine industry
projects around the world. She has worked and
managed projects in over 30 countries, often in
remote areas of the world, resulting in a high level
of skill deciphering international regulations.
Dr Sarah Courbis | Principal Environmental
Scientist
Dr. Courbis has been working in marine science and
regulation for over 25 years. She is a Principal Scientist
at EPI Group. She focuses on marine protected
species and specializes in impact assessment,
permitting and compliance, and mitigation. Her
work in offshore energy includes Construction
and Operations Plans, NEPA documentation and
consultations, siting and planning, agency and
stakeholder engagement, development of practicable
mitigation, MMPA authorizations, CZMA consistency,
and public comment support for organizations. In
addition to work in offshore wind, she has supported
environmental assessment and compliance for LNG,
seismic, fisheries, coastal development, marine
hydrokinetics (tidal and wave energy), and O&G
projects. She has worked as a NEPA coordinator
for NOAA, in co-management of a National Marine
Sanctuary.
Megan McManus | Environmental Manager
Megan McManus has seventeen years of experience
working in both domestic and international
renewables and oil and gas industries, specializing
in marine protected species mitigation, project
management, data collection and analysis, and
environmental permit compliance. She has
extensive in-field experience as a Protected Species
Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operator
and Installer onboard vessels and oil rigs around the
World. She has managed diverse projects including
protected species mitigation and monitoring,
marine debris and archaeological finds reporting,
and Environmental Management Plans.
Melanie McCue | Environmental Project
Management Intern
Melanie McCue is a Marine, Biology and Ecology
major at the University of Miami. She has worked
within the EPI team as an Environmental Project
Management Intern for the last two years. Shortly,
she will be continuing her studies, embarking upon
a Masters in Marine Biology and Ecology, supported
by EPI.
Emma Butterwick | Environmental Coordinator
Emma Butterwick has joined us fresh from
completing her Masters in Marine Environmental
Management from the University of Exeter, gaining a
Distinction. She will be supporting Heidi, Sarah and
Megan on Environmental projects and learning from
their industry expertise.
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Big Blue World
SUT Member News
The offshore wind sector is experiencing
unprecedented growth, bringing with it significant
health, safety, and environmental (HSE) challenges.
Recent research has shed light on the demanding
nature of offshore wind work. Comprehensive job
task analysis reveals several physically challenging
activities that are routine for these workers. These
include:
l Transferring between vessels and turbines
l Climbing ladders, often to significant heights
l Navigating through confined spaces and hatches
l Performing mechanical tasks, such as torquing
l Conducting emergency rescues, including casualty
hauling
Additionally, these offshore wind workers must
contend with a range of
l environmental challenges, including:
l Elevated noise levels
l Constant vibrations
l High humidity
Extreme temperature fluctuations (both cold and heat).
Elevating HSE Standards in
Offshore Wind Operations
These findings underscore the unique and often
harsh conditions faced by workers in the offshore
wind industry, highlighting the need for specialised
training, safety measures, and equipment to support
their demanding roles.
Recent data reveals that incidents in offshore wind
operations nearly doubled in 2023, with the Global
Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation
(G+) reporting 1,679 incidents, representing a 94%
increase from 2022. While this rise partly reflects the
sector’s remarkable expansion – with hours
worked increasing by 39% to 61.9 million
hours – it emphasises the critical importance of
comprehensive HSE services tailored specifically to
the unique challenges of offshore wind farms.
This white paper explores the current HSE
landscape in offshore wind farms, examines key
risk areas, outlines best practices, and discusses
how specialised HSE services can mitigate risks
while supporting the sustainable growth of this vital
renewable energy sector.
M3 Marine Group Pte Ltd: Strategic