As we continue our journey through the third decade of the 21st century, it is curious to think what a hydrographic surveyor or oceanographer from 100 years ago would make of the array of technology now at our fingertips. Perhaps there would be more familiarity than you think - the use of sound as a distance measuring tool underwater was then still in its relative infancy, but an echosounder was used to help select the route of a telegraph cable between France and Algeria in 1922 (1).
From Belgium to Brazil, one of Valeport’s most successful profiling instruments is delivering results across the globe. But where did SWiFT start and how did it develop? Jay Nicholson, Head of Research and Development gives a glimpse behind-the-scenes at Valeport.
Schools closed, events were cancelled and staying safe meant keeping our distance. Coronavirus has meant different challenges for different organisations. For Valeport, the goal has been to keep its people safe, while continuing to support its customers.
Seals, whales and turtles wearing specially designed tags are gathering vital data on sea mammal behaviour and information about our oceans, which is crucial to our understanding of climate change.
An instrument mangled beyond recognition by a ship’s propeller. A tool encrusted with mussels after months on the seabed. Forty-year-old equipment requiring repair. They sound like they are beyond repair, don’t they? But in each of these real-life examples Valeport’s servicing and repair team got the equipment up and running again, and operating like new.
Our underwater sensors and profilers are used for environmental monitoring, water survey, energy, dredging, civil engineering and scientific research.