Last week’s AGM of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) marked the official hand over to a new President; the announcement of three new Fellows of the Learned Society from three countries; and announcement of winners of two Awards. When the formalities of the AGM were concluded SUT members, and guests, were treated to a highly stimulating talk by Oliver Steeds OBE, Chief Executive of Nekton, and the 2025 winner of the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, a joint award of the Society for Underwater Technology and the Marine Technology Society.

SUT’s new President.

Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy is SUT’s new President. She is Director of Research and Technical Capabilities at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, leading the strategic development of its technical capabilities and new areas of innovation. This includes the work of  ORE Catapult’s state-of-the-art Digital, Autonomous and Robotics Engineering (DARE) Centre based at the National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth. Before joining ORE Catapult, Cristina was Head of Technology at the UK Aerospace Technology Institute.

 As SUT’s Chief Executive, Cheryl Burgess explained: “Cristina Garcia-Duffy’s  professional career has been international, moving from aerospace to renewable energy and to her current role with ORE Catapult. As SUT’s new President, Cristina brings an in-depth portfolio of experience with people, projects, facilities, services and shaping and delivery of projects in blades, electrical, drivetrains, robotics and autonomous systems amongst others.

“Her commitment to SUT sector industries, and the SUT, was demonstrated through her engagement with our Executive Committee and their recommendation to Council for her election as SUT President. Our discussions with Cristina have showcased her involvement and engagement with SUT at the highest level, and in activities through Branches and SIGs reflected in OREC’s locations and interests.“

Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy said: “As I step into this presidency, I do so as both an engineer and an advocate. Together we will strengthen the connections between research and industry, between marine and non-marine sectors, between innovation and real world delivery. Thank you for your trust, your energy, and your commitment to this global community. The ocean holds vast possibilities, and beneath its surface lies an open invitation to explore and to create. I look forward to taking that journey with you.”

Retiring SUT President, Benj Sykes, UK Country Manager, Ørsted, looking back over his two years as President said: “It’s been an honour to be President of the Society for the last two years. Over that period, I’ve been delighted to see the SUT continue to deepen its reach in the energy transition, upskilling its members and supporting the global network of subsea professionals, innovators and scientists who are at the heart of, and vital to the success of, the successful transition of the world’s energy systems.  And it’s a pleasure to be passing the baton on to Cristina, who brings a wealth of experience and is well placed to champion the next leg of the SUT’s journey.”

The President’s Award

‘Given annually, the SUT’s President’s Award, recognises contributions to the SUT and inspiration to those engaged in the marine science, underwater technology and subsea engineering.’

This year’s President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement was awarded to Judith Patten MBE.  As Benj Sykes said: “Over the 25 years that Judith has been  actively involved with the SUT she’s been instrumental in promoting the Society both in the UK and internationally, not least through her ground-breaking work in co-creating the ever-growing All-Energy conference and exhibition  and building a deep and enduring partnership between SUT and the conference, with the many benefits that continues to bring to the Society and its members.  But her contributions go far beyond this; she served as President of the Society as well as on Council and continues to support the promotion of the Society through her outstanding work on our communications.  It’s an immense privilege for me to be able to honour her service to the Society with the President’s Award.”

The second award made on the evening was the 2025 Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics Award, which was presented to sea-ice physicist Dr Christian Katlein [http://katlein.de/science/about-me/]

New Fellows of the SUT

The newly elected Fellows of the SUT are:

• UK  – Dr Cristina Garcia-Duffy of ORE Catapult
• Australia – Mark Casey of Santos Ltd
• Houston, Texas – Maria Ancheril of Strohm

Awards made July 2024-June 2025

The 2024 President’s Award was made to Professor John Sharp for his work with the SUT Marine Renewable Energies Committee as its chairman.

The 2024 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, presented jointly by the SUT with the Marine Technology Society (MTS), was awarded to Martin Klein; and the 2025 award was won by Oliver Steeds OBE, Chief Executive of Nekton. He will be presented with his award at Oceanology International in March in London.  

Jonathan Colby of was the recipient of the 2025 Lennard-Senior Memorial Prize (presented at All-Energy 2025) for his impact in marine renewables. The prize is awarded in recognition of outstanding individual achievement in the field of Marine Renewable Energy.

The 2024 Gwyn Griffiths Award for Underwater Robotics was Jonas Wüst of Tethys Robotics and the 2025 Award, was presented at the AGM to  Dr Christian Katlein. 

The 2024 winner of the Mick Cook Award for Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation and Characterisation  was Dr Philippe Jeanjean of BP, and the 2025 winner will be announced at Oceanology International 2026

Post AGM inspiring talk by Oliver Steeds

Oliver Steeds OBE, Chief Executive of Nekton, the winner of the 2025 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration gave a stimulating talk outlining the ongoing work of Nekton, Ocean Census and Encounter.EDU and reflecting the wording of the award citation that stated: “The Award is made in honour of your outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration.”.

When the Award winner was announced on 1 October 2025

• Justin Manley, MTS Immediate Past President said: “Oliver Steeds exemplifies Captain Don Walsh’s spirit of exploration through his pioneering leadership and unique ability to unite science, technology, and storytelling. His work with Nekton and Ocean Census is expanding our understanding of the ocean while elevating its vital role in our world. By bridging discovery, innovation, and education, Oliver is helping to shape the next generation of ocean stewards. MTS is proud to honour his profound impact on the future of ocean exploration.”

• Benj Sykes, now Immediate Past President of the SUT, and Chair of the selection panel, explained: “The judging panel agreed that Oliver’s ongoing work with Nekton, Ocean Census and Encounter.EDU is completely aligned with Don Walsh’s vision for the future of ocean exploration and its importance in raising awareness of critical ocean issues, contributing to addressing the solution of crucial scientific, technological, societal and environmental challenges. His close links to Don Walsh make it even more fitting that he receives this year’s Award. SUT wishes him well for all that lies ahead.”

Awarded at All-Energy for his impact in marine renewables, Jonathan reflects on his journey—from leading the USA’s first licensed tidal project to growing with SUT’s Marine Renewable Energies Committee (MREC).

We caught up with Jonathan to find out more about his journey in the marine renewable energy sector.

🔹 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.

🔹 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 harbour; 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.

🔹 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 informaEnergy andge 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.  

🔹 What does receiving the Lennard-Senior Memorial Award mean to you?

It is a tremendous honour 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 recognized 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 the colleagues I have worked with, and friends I have made, across the world.

🔹 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. 

Congratulations Jonathan and thank you for sharing!

Special Interest Groups, such as the Marine Renewable Energies Committee, are a key benefit of membership with the Society for Underwater Technology. These groups bring together professionals from across disciplines to exchange knowledge, shape best practices, and collaborate on sector-relevant issues. Learn more about the full range of our Special Interest Groups and membership opportunities at: https://sut.org/specialist-interest-groups