DLM Stingray Enables Precise Grapnel Tracking

Thursday, 30th October 2025

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM) has supplied its innovative Stingray acoustic positioning system to Leask Marine Ltd., enabling the accurate tracking of a grapnel train within a narrow corridor at a North Sea wind farm.

The Stingray system provided Leask Marine with real-time visibility of the grapnel train’s position during pre-lay grapnel run (PLGR) operations, ensuring it remained within the designated route across an 80km subsea corridor ahead of the installation of two export cables.

Precision Tracking for Safer, More Efficient Cable Operations

DLM designs, manufactures, and calibrates advanced load monitoring and subsea cable handling equipment for the wind energy, renewables, and telecommunications sectors. Its growing range of grapnels is widely used by subsea cable installation companies for route clearance and recovery of lightweight fibre-optic or heavy-duty armoured cables.

In this project, Leask Marine required a solution to maintain complete positional awareness of its grapnel train. While grapnels are typically assumed to follow a vessel’s path, the length of the tow line and train can cause deviation, risking encroachment into restricted areas.

How the Stingray Works

Though not a grapnel itself, the Stingray is designed around DLM’s wheeled detrenching grapnel and integrates seamlessly into the grapnel train.

Positioned at the rear, it uses acoustic signals to transmit its exact location to the towing vessel in real time — providing operators with precise tracking data throughout subsea operations.

Eliminating Risk and Reducing Costly Re-Runs

“Without clear visibility of the grapnel train’s position, PLGR operators can’t react quickly if it strays from the route,” said Martin Halford, Managing Director at DLM. “That can lead to compliance issues, environmental risks, or costly re-runs. The Stingray removes this uncertainty, helping ensure projects stay on time and within budget.”

By providing live route confirmation, the Stingray allowed Leask Marine to take immediate corrective action when needed — avoiding potential delays and ensuring full compliance with operational and environmental requirements.

Proven Reliability Offshore

John F. Macleod, Commercial Director at Leask Marine, added: “We approached DLM looking for a way to track our grapnel train, and they responded quickly — even fast-tracking the Stingray’s manufacture to meet our project timeline. The system gave us complete confidence that our equipment was exactly where it needed to be, protecting both our assets and nearby infrastructure.”

In addition to enhancing accuracy, the Stingray helped prevent equipment damage, minimise environmental impact, and meet regulatory standards — reinforcing DLM’s position as a trusted technology partner in offshore cable operations.

About Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd.

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. provides load cells, load monitoring, and cable-handling solutions for offshore, renewable energy, and subsea applications. Based in Southampton, DLM offers design, manufacture, repair, and calibration services to clients worldwide.

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Atlantis Marine Power Appointed as UK Distributor for LOOKOUT

Wednesday, 22nd October 2025

AI Vision Technology Camera System Enhances Human Watchkeeping

Atlantis Marine Power is proud to announce that it has been appointed the exclusive distributor for LOOKOUT, an advanced AI-powered vision, sensor and situational awareness system designed to enhance human watchkeeping and prevent maritime accidents across the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland.

This timely partnership aligns with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)’s recent findings, highlighting the risks of overreliance on human monitoring. The MAIB’s 2025 report stated that “humans do not make good monitors and if under-stimulated they will find other things to occupy themselves,” underscoring the continued role of distraction and fatigue in maritime incidents.

Augmented Reality Meets Maritime Safety

LOOKOUT directly tackles these challenges through artificial intelligence and sensor fusion, using cameras to provide real-time detection of vessels, small craft, floating debris, and other hazards — even in poor visibility or darkness. The system acts as an “always alert digital lookout”, offering 360-degree situational awareness, colour night vision, and augmented reality overlays for docking assistance and navigation.

“LOOKOUT is not about replacing mariners,” said Sam Bradley, of Atlantis Marine Power. “It’s about giving them a partner that never blinks — a constant extra pair of eyes that enhances human awareness, especially when conditions are challenging.”

A Timely Response to Maritime Safety Challenges

The announcement follows several high-profile maritime incidents, including the March 2025 collision between the container ship Solong and the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate in the North Sea, which resulted in one fatality and significant environmental damage. The MAIB’s interim report revealed that neither vessel had a dedicated lookout on the bridge at the time of impact.

“The MAIB’s findings underline why technology like ours matters,” said David Rose of LOOKOUT. “LOOKOUT assists crews by ensuring they’re alerted the instant something appears in their path. It’s a team effort — human judgement supported by machine precision.”

Enhancing UK Maritime Capability

As the exclusive UK distributor, Atlantis Marine Power will provide full sales, installation, and integration support for LOOKOUT sensor camera system via its nationwide dealer network, ensuring adoption across commercial, leisure, and defence sectors.

This partnership reinforces Atlantis Marine Power’s leadership in marine innovation and supports the industry’s move toward hybrid human–machine watchkeeping, enhancing safety, reducing collisions, and protecting the marine environment.

“The goal is simple,” added Sam Bradley. “Keep people safer, prevent collisions, and protect the environment — by combining the best of human skill and artificial intelligence.”

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BoatChecks Secures UK Grant for its Digital Compliance Platform

Tuesday, 21st October 2025

BoatChecks Secures Innovate UK Grant to Accelerate Digital Vessel Management Innovation

BoatChecks, the UK-based maritime compliance and operations platform developed by SAB Software, has been awarded a prestigious Innovate UK grant to accelerate the development of its digital vessel management system for small commercial craft.

The funding, provided through Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will enable BoatChecks to scale its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and expand its offering for operators of vessels under 24 metres. The award recognises BoatChecks’ potential to deliver high-impact innovation and generate significant economic benefit for the UK maritime sector.

“We are thrilled to receive support from Innovate UK,” said John Peacock, Founding Director of BoatChecks. “This funding will allow us to expand our feature set, improve onboard usability, and deliver even greater value to operators of smaller commercial vessels — a sector that often lacks cost-effective, fit-for-purpose, and robust compliance tools.”

Driving Digital Transformation for Smaller Vessels

BoatChecks supports a growing number of users across the UK maritime industry, including workboats, passenger vessels, aquaculture service boats, and harbour vessels.
Its existing platform features include:

– Digital documentation storage for safety certificates and SOPs

– Maintenance scheduling and defect tracking

– Crew certification monitoring and onboarding records

– Voyage and fuel logging

– Mobile functionality for low-connectivity environments

Accelerating Next-Generation Compliance Tools

The Innovate UK grant will be used to develop new capabilities such as:

– Training record management

– Dynamic risk assessments

– Live condition monitoring

– Enhanced analytics and reporting

Together, these developments will create a more integrated compliance ecosystem for vessel owners and fleet managers.

Industry Recognition and Collaboration

This announcement follows BoatChecks’ partnership with Williams Shipping, a leading UK fleet operator and port services provider, which has rolled out the platform across its operational fleet. Williams Shipping has already reported improved safety assurance and crew accountability since adopting the system.

“This grant reflects the growing recognition that smaller vessel operators need modern, scalable tools to stay compliant and safe at sea,” added Peacock. “Our goal is to make the same level of digital transformation seen in large shipping accessible to smaller fleets — without the complexity or high costs.”

About Innovate UK

Innovate UK (IUK), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), provides targeted sectors with funding, expertise, and facilities to help businesses test, demonstrate, and commercialise innovations, accelerating economic growth and technological progress.

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Walcon Marine Delivers Two New Marinas for the Port of Dover

Thursday, 16th October 2025

Walcon Marine Delivers Two New Marinas as Part of the Port of Dover’s £250 Million Waterfront Transformation

Walcon Marine is proud to announce the successful delivery of two new marinas for the Port of Dover, a major milestone in the port’s ambitious Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) regeneration project.

The £250 million DWDR scheme is the largest single investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover and forms a cornerstone of the town’s wider waterfront revitalisation. Walcon Marine’s contribution was delivered in two key phases:

Phase One: Outer Harbour Marina

In 2024, Walcon Marine completed the installation of pontoons providing berths for up to 250 boats in the newly created Outer Harbour Marina. This work included the removal of older infrastructure and the installation of new pontoons, access bridges, bridgeheads, and full mechanical and electrical systems.

Phase Two: Wellington Dock Marina

The second phase, completed in summer 2025, saw Walcon Marine design, build, and install a brand-new marina within the historic Wellington Dock. This included extensive dredging and the introduction of 135 new berths, bringing the total number of new berths across the DWDR site to nearly 400.

Constructed using Walcon’s System 2000 aluminium pontoons with non-slip mesh decking, the Wellington Dock Marina is now a standout feature of Dover’s reimagined waterfront — combining modern marina design with respect for the area’s maritime heritage.

Walcon’s innovative Road Transportable Rig played a vital role in the project, allowing the team to access and operate efficiently within the dock’s challenging site conditions. Tasks included repositioning existing piles, installing new pontoons, and reconfiguring marina layouts to optimise space and usability.

Preserving Dover’s Historic Character

Given Dover’s status as a site of significant historical importance, the DWDR project was carefully designed to preserve the town’s maritime heritage. The redevelopment retained the historic Wellington Dock and established a new navigable channel connecting it to the Outer Marina. Specialist heritage teams worked closely with engineers throughout the process to ensure archaeological integrity and environmental sensitivity.

A New Era for Dover’s Waterfront

The Dover Western Docks Revival represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regenerate Dover, attract new investment, and create a vibrant waterfront destination. Supported by a combination of UK Government approval, private finance, and European Union funding, the project will introduce new leisure facilities alongside a state-of-the-art cargo terminal and distribution centre.

“We’re delighted to have contributed to this landmark regeneration project,” said [Spokesperson Name], [Title] at Walcon Marine. “The new marinas not only enhance Dover’s appeal as a yachting destination but also reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering technically advanced, sustainable marine infrastructure.”

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ScaffFloat Delivers Innovative Modular Pontoon System

Monday, 13th October 2025

ScaffFloat, a leading provider of modular pontoon systems, has successfully designed, manufactured, and deployed a bespoke floating access solution to support corrosion protection and maintenance on a major infrastructure project in Africa. The project highlights ScaffFloat’s expertise in delivering safe, adaptable, and rapidly deployable marine platforms for global civil engineering operations.

The client required a reliable and efficient way to access and maintain a series of newly installed piles supporting a jetty extending nearly one kilometre offshore. The system needed to provide 360-degree working access while being easy to reposition across more than 100 pile locations.

In collaboration with the client, ScaffFloat engineered and built two 8m x 3m self-propelled modular pontoons, purpose-designed for hoisting operations. Each pontoon could be secured on either side of a pile, allowing workers to lay staging boards across the gap and create a safe, full-enclosure work platform. Once maintenance was complete, the pontoon units could be lowered, moved, and re-hoisted onto the next pile in just a few hours — dramatically improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Engineering and Testing in Cornwall

Prior to deployment, ScaffFloat completed all engineering, fabrication, and testing at its facility in Cornwall, UK. The company conducted a full trial build and load test to confirm the strength and stability of the modular pontoon system, ensuring operational safety before overseas delivery.

The comprehensive verification process included:

– A Category 3 Check from Richter verifying the hoisting system’s structural integrity.

– An inclination test in Falmouth Harbour, overseen by a certified marine surveyor, confirming pontoon stability.

– A detailed lift plan with full engineering drawings and specifications for all lifting equipment.

Global Delivery and On-Site Commissioning

The complete modular pontoon system, including both self-propelled units and all supporting equipment, was efficiently packed into a single 40-foot shipping container for international transport from Cornwall to Africa.

Following delivery, a ScaffFloat engineer travelled to the site to oversee assembly, conduct final trials, and deliver comprehensive training to the client’s team as part of a full operational handover. Ongoing remote support ensures smooth operation and maximum uptime throughout the maintenance programme.

Advancing Modular Marine Engineering

“This project perfectly demonstrates the flexibility and value of modular pontoon systems in complex international civil works,” said Toby Budd, Founder and Managing Director of ScaffFloat. “We didn’t just supply pontoons — we engineered a fully hoistable, modular marine tool that directly met our client’s operational needs.

By managing every stage from design and testing in Falmouth to deployment in Africa, we delivered a turnkey, low-risk solution that is improving safety and efficiency every day.”

About ScaffFloat

Based near Falmouth, Cornwall, ScaffFloat designs and supplies modular pontoon systems and floating work platforms for marine construction, access, and maintenance projects across the UK and internationally. Built from durable, 100% recyclable plastic floats and standard scaffolding, ScaffFloat systems are safe, sustainable, and adaptable to diverse project needs.

With options for pontoon hire, self-propelled units, and skippered services, ScaffFloat delivers reliable, eco-conscious marine access for contractors, engineers, and infrastructure developers worldwide.

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Rotec’s OEM Kitting Accelerates Luxury Yacht Production

Friday, 10th October 2025

For two decades, Rotec Hydraulics has partnered with a luxury yacht builder, proving that efficiency in marine manufacturing hinges on a streamlined supply chain. Rotec’s bespoke OEM kitting service transforms hydraulic system installation, drastically reducing assembly time and boosting productivity.

The yacht builder’s Purchasing Manager praised the system, noting: “Rotec’s kitting service has streamlined our assembly lines, reducing assembly time and boosting productivity.”

This enduring partnership is built on a comprehensive support system:

Precision Kitting: Custom-manufactured hydraulic hose assemblies are delivered pre-bundled with all necessary fittings and components for immediate installation.

Just-in-Time Supply: A Kanban supply methodology minimizes client inventory and guarantees components arrive exactly when needed.

Asset Management: Support includes full Hose Management, utilising the Parker Tracking System (PTS) for global traceability, periodic inspections, and fast replacement services.

Dedicated Service: A dedicated Account Relationship Manager ensures consistent, expert support across all supply and technical requirements.

By handling the complexity of component management, Rotec allows high-end marine manufacturers to focus solely on construction, maintaining world-class quality while meeting tight production deadlines.

For more information visit www.rotec.net, call 01823 348 900 or email sales@rotec.net.

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Motive Offshore Group Acquires Weld Integrity

Monday, 6th October 2025

Motive Offshore Group Acquires Weld Integrity to Strengthen Inspection Capabilities and Expand in Norway

Motive Offshore Group (Motive), a leading specialist in rental, inspection, and engineering equipment for the energy sector, has announced the acquisition of Norway-based inspection and testing company Weld Integrity Group.

The acquisition will significantly enhance Motive’s Certification & Inspection (C&I) capabilities and reinforce its presence in Norway’s rapidly growing offshore energy market. The move is expected to deliver an additional £1 million in annual EBITDA to the group.

Under the agreement, Weld Integrity’s Norwegian operations will be fully integrated into Motive’s structure, combining the expertise and resources of both teams to ensure a seamless transition and expanded service offering for clients. The acquisition will notably strengthen Motive’s in-house Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and inspection services while broadening its customer base across industries including civil construction, aerospace, and infrastructure.

This strategic move aligns with Motive’s long-term goal of diversifying its revenue streams and achieving 75% of revenue from non-oil and gas sources by 2026. With the addition of advanced NDT capabilities such as Radiographic/X-ray inspection, Motive will be able to deliver a wider range of non-intrusive inspection services to customers across regions spanning from the Middle East to the United States.

As part of the deal, Motive will also acquire Weld Integrity’s majority shareholding in Weld Integrity Oslo and Integrity Heat, which specializes in heat treatment of welds and materials. The acquisition brings a seasoned management team and a highly skilled workforce into Motive, including 20 experienced inspectors who add a range of multidisciplinary expertise in Norway and globally.

Max Brown, Founder and CEO of Weld Integrity Group, will assume the role of Regional Manager for Scandinavia. Brown brings more than two decades of NDT industry experience and will play a key role in expanding Motive’s footprint in the region.

Dave Acton, CEO at Motive Offshore Group, commented: “Norway is an exciting and fast-growing market in offshore energy. Weld Integrity’s highly competent local team will help us strengthen our position in this vibrant market while expanding our NDT and inspection services to customers globally. Our C&I Division delivers long-term, recurring revenue by supporting customers in maximising efficiency, reducing risk, and ensuring full compliance with standards and regulations.”

Max Brown, Founder and CEO of Weld Integrity Group, added: “There are natural synergies between our businesses and significant opportunities to combine our services. This partnership allows us to access Motive’s international customer base while introducing Motive’s broader capabilities to our existing clients in Norway’s commercial and industrial sectors. With our EBITDA up 29% over the past year and strong growth potential ahead, this acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for both companies.”

About Motive Offshore Group

Motive Offshore Group is a global specialist in the design, manufacture, rental, and inspection of high-performance equipment for the energy industry. The company provides a comprehensive range of solutions, including winches, spoolers, tensioners, reel drive systems, hydraulic power units, and bespoke engineered systems for offshore and onshore operations. Motive also delivers expert Certification & Inspection services, encompassing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), lifting equipment certification, and structural inspections. With a strong focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability, Motive supports clients across offshore wind, oil and gas, marine, and subsea sectors worldwide.

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Month: October 2025

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