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

SUT and MTS come together to honour excellence through Don Walsh’s legacy.

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS) are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration.

Awarded jointly by the two Societies, this award recognises outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration. Nominations will be accepted until May 31, 2025.

The presentation to the 2025 winner(s) of the Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration will take place at Oceanology International in London on March 10th 2026.

Don Walsh (1931-2023) was an American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench on January 23, 1960, the deepest point of the world’s oceans.

Nominations have now closed.

The judging panel, comprised of the presidents and three members from each society, will reflect diversity in demographics, sector and discipline.

Past winners

In 2020 the inaugural award was made to Dr. Edie Widder, MacArthur Fellow, a deep-sea explorer, and conservationist known for her expertise in oceanographic research and technological innovation and her commitment to reversing the worldwide trend of marine ecosystem degradation.

2021 saw it won jointly by Victor L Vescovo and Patrick Lahey for the 2019 Five Deeps Expedition and further dives of scientific or historical interest in subsequent years, described by a distinguished member of The Explorer’s Club as “The most ambitious exploration expedition of the century”.

The 2022 award was won by internationally recognised oceanographer Dr Samantha (Mandy) Joye a Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia, USA whose work has revealed unexpected connectivity between elemental cycles, unanticipated feedbacks between geological elemental and microbial dynamics, and fundamental controls on microbial populations and their activity. Her work accomplished during studies of the environmental response to the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil spill, led to the discovery of deepwater oil plumes, hydrocarbon rich layers in the water column that were neutrally buoyant above the seafloor but well below the surface.

Then in 2023 Dr Peter Girguis, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Adjunct Oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, described by his peers as ‘the epitome of a deep-sea explorer’ and ‘a man for all ocean seasons, was the winner whose career has been dedicated to increasing understanding of the animals and microbes that thrive in the deep sea.

Last year it was Martin “Marty” Klein, a name synonymous with ocean exploration, and a true pioneer in the field of underwater technology. who was declared the winner. Known as the “father of side-scan sonar,” Marty’s innovations have revolutionized oceanographic surveys and underwater searches.

About the Society for Underwater Technology

The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) is a multidisciplinary learned society that brings together organisations and individuals with a common interest in underwater technology, ocean science and offshore engineering. SUT was founded in 1966 and has members from more than 40 countries, including engineers, scientists, other professionals and students working in these areas. In recent decades many of our members have come from the offshore hydrocarbon sector, today we also see growing numbers of members from offshore renewables, marine autonomous systems, and the policy, law and insurance sectors who support offshore activities of many kinds.

About the Marine Technology Society

The Marine Technology Society (MTS) believes that advancements in the development and use of marine technologies are essential to support responsible and sustainable use of the ocean. Founded in 1963, we are an international professional society that provides members of academia, government, and industry a common forum for the exchange of information and ideas. Our members are engineers, scientists, technologists, policy makers, and educators on the leading-edge of technology design and application. MTS members work within the full spectrum of ocean and subsea technologies that support sustainable ocean use, ranging from offshore energy to dynamic positioning, ocean robotics to buoys, and many more.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Katie Fearon | Communications & Marketing Officer | Society for Underwater Technology [email protected] | +44 (0)7517 434764 | https://www.sut.org

Claire Idell | Senior Director, Engagement & Member Relations | Marine Technology Society [email protected] | (202) 827-7176 | https://www.mtsociety.org

Image: L-R John Sharp; Andy Hill (L) presents award to Philippe Jeanjean; Jonas Wüst

The well-attended recent SUT AGM of saw the announcement of newly appointed SUT Officers for the Learned Society; notification of elected Fellows from the UK, Australia, and the USA; and awards presented both in the year under review and the prestigious President’s Award announced at the AGM. The meeting was followed by a stimulating talk on ‘The Crown Estate Marine Delivery Routemap’ by Alex Thompson, Strategic Delivery Senior Manager at The Crown Estate.

SUT’s Chief Executive, Cheryl Burgess, explained: “With Benj Sykes, Country Manager of Ørsted, now in his second year as President, Mike Fearn of Bluefield Geoservices Limited becomes Chair; the Honorary Secretary is Dave Brookes of St Jules; and Gehrig Schulz of EPI is now the SUT’s Honorary Treasurer.

“The SUT’s new Fellows are Karen Seath, Decommissioning and Salvage SIG (UK); Paul Upjohn, Perth Branch (Australia); and three Members from the Houston, Texas Branch: Colin Johnston, Luz Zarate, and Patricia Varela. Having both completed terms on Council after serving as President, Judith Patten and Ralph Rayner are now Honorary Fellows.”

The winner of the President’s Award, announced at the AGM, is Professor John Sharp. Unable to attend the meeting, Professor Sharp said: “I was honoured to receive the 2024 SUT President’s Award for my work with the SUT Marine Renewable Energies Committee as its chairman, a role I have held for a number of years.

“The Committee has continued to thrive with regular presentations and has recently expanded its scope to include floating wind and, more recently, floating solar, as both have common technologies with offshore renewables such as wave and tidal energy. I have particularly welcomed the opportunity to support the newly formed SUT marine renewable energy committees in the USA and Perth, Australia. As a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, I have been able to contribute to training young students who have gone on to careers in the marine renewable energy industry.”

AGM attendees were reminded of SUT Award winners during the year under review:

• Professor Peter Girguis won the Captain Don Walsh Award for Exploration, a joint award with MTS.

• Professor Deborah Greaves, University of Plymouth and SuperGen, won the Lennard-Senior Prize.

• Dr Philippe Jeanjean, BP, won the Mick Cook Award for Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation and Characterisation.

• Jonas Wüst of Tethys Robotics was the winner of the Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award.
  

Comments from some of the 2023-24 Award Winners

Mick Cook Award for Significant Contribution to Marine Site Investigation and Characterisation

Dr Philippe Jeanjean, Senior Advisor, Geotechnical Engineering at BP, said “What a great surprise and privilege! This is a great and truly unexpected honour. Thank you very much to the committee for selecting me.”

A distinguished expert with over 30 years at BP/Amoco, Philippe has significantly advanced offshore foundations and geotechnical engineering through leadership in professional organisations and over 60 technical publications.

Gwyn Griffiths Underwater Robotics Award Winner

Jonas Wüst of Tethys Robotics said “Thank you so much – this truly honours me and reflects what we as a team have achieved over the past few years (and we’re just getting started!).”

Terry Sloane, Managing Director of Planet Ocean and ecoSUB Robotics, commented “Anyone who can get an AUV to navigate in a river deserves an award!”

Gwyn Griffiths added “Jonas and Tethys Robotics – what audacity! Not content with facing and overcoming challenges in underwater robotics for fast-flowing rivers, their innovations in autonomous navigation and real-time mapping also allow operation in minimal visibility. I commend Jonas and Tethys on their exemplary originality and strategic vision so early in their underwater vehicle venture.”

Congratulations and welcome to our new chair of SUT Council, Mike Fearn of Bluefield Geoservices!

Mike brings over a decade of global experience in the Site Survey industry, specialising in geotechnics and holding roles as an offshore operator, offshore manager, Project Manager, and Business Development professional. Mike aims to contribute to the SUT council by leveraging a deep understanding of the market and a business development perspective to enhance SUT’s industry presence and support. Having actively supported the OSIG special interest group on conferences and collaborated with SUT and OSIG members, Mike is committed to the success of upcoming events.

Mike was formally welcomed at the SUT AGM last week. Welcome aboard, Mike, we’re excited to have you in the role!

The Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) are thrilled to announce Martin “Marty” Klein as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding, sustained, and international contributions to the development, application, or propagation of marine and underwater technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration.

Martin Klein, a name synonymous with ocean exploration, is a true pioneer in the field of underwater technology. Known as the “father of side-scan sonar,” Marty’s innovations have revolutionized oceanographic surveys and underwater searches. His groundbreaking work has made significant strides in marine technology, providing critical tools for the discovery and exploration of our oceans while also inspiring generations of ocean engineers.

Justin Manley, President of MTS, shared: “Marty Klein exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award. His significant and continued innovation in our field, along with his unwavering dedication to mentoring young people, have left an indelible mark on the marine technology community. MTS is proud to recognize Marty’s legacy of growing the next generation of ocean explorers.”

Marty has been involved in Ocean Exploration since 1961, when MIT Professor Harold “Doc” Edgerton introduced him to Jacques Cousteau, George Bass, Peter Throckmorton, Ed Link and many pioneers in the field. When Marty introduced his side scan sonar systems in 1967, there were no commercial units on the market. He helped to create an industry – there are now over 30 manufacturers of these systems, which have truly helped open the world of ocean exploration.

Benj Sykes, President of SUT, stated: “On behalf of the SUT, it is my pleasure to congratulate Martin Klein as the chosen nominee for the Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration, 2024. Marty’s dedication to and support of ocean technology and its applications in ocean exploration, along with his contributions to education, make him a worthy recipient. His work has inspired the next generation of ocean professionals.”

Beyond his technical achievements, Marty’s commitment to education and giving back is unmatched. He plays an active role in shaping the next generation of ocean engineers across the globe. Marty has been an avid participant in MTS’s MATE ROV Competition, inspiring countless young ocean explorers. Jill Zande, Executive Director of MATE, described Marty as “humble and unassuming, cringing at being called one of the ‘grandfathers’ of side-scan sonar, but his humility and dedication have profoundly impacted future ocean technologists.”

Today, Marty supports organizations that parallel the pioneering spirit of his earliest work in ocean exploration. Katy Croff Bell, President of the Ocean Discovery League, shared: “I met Marty in 1999 when I was an ocean engineering student at MIT. When expanding the Board of Directors at ODL, Marty was at the top of my list. Marty is constantly pushing to take technologies further and figure out how we can improve the status quo; as a result, he has been instrumental in ODL launching a fundamentally new approach to ocean exploration via low-cost, accessible technologies and broadening the deep-sea community.”

Marty’s influence extends through his numerous publications, patents, and his involvement with various prestigious organizations, including the Explorers Club, the National Academy of Engineering, and the IEEE. His legacy is further cemented through the student scholarship he endowed at Memorial University, honoring his son’s memory and supporting future ocean professionals.

Upon receiving the news of the award, Marty said: “I am humbled and honored. When I was a student at MIT, I read with fascination the Life Magazine cover story about the historic deep dive to 35,813 feet in the Challenger Deep/Mariana Trench by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh in the Bathyscaph Trieste. Little could I know that three years later, just as I was beginning my career, the nuclear submarine USS Thresher would sink, the Trieste would be called from San Diego to assist the project, and I would become intimately involved in the first ever deep water search. During that search the great Don Walsh became a hero of mine and an invaluable friend and mentor.”

The Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration will be presented to Marty Klein at the 2024 OCEANS Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia in September 2024.

For information, please contact:

Claire Idell
Senior Director, Engagement & Member Relations
Marine Technology Society
[email protected] / 202-827-7176

Emily Boddy
Publications & Communications Officer
Society for Underwater Technology
[email protected] / +44 7517 434764

The 100th issue of UT2, the magazine of the SUT, is out now!

A huge congratulations to John Howes, editor of UT2, for achieving this incredible milestone! Since the magazine’s inaugural issue in October 2006, John has strived to bring readers insights into the subsea industry.

Eighteen years ago, a conversation with the SUT’s then Chief Executive, Ian Gallett was responsible for the launch of UT2. The magazine has now reached its 100th edition.

John Howes, UT2 Editor, writes “Having covered the offshore industry for decades, I became very interested in starting up my own magazine. This idea resonated with Ian who saw the value for the SUT in having a media vehicle that could provide contact with its members and generally promote underwater technology to a wider audience.

Read more about the origins of UT2, including how it got its name on page 14 of this issue.

📖 Read now at https://lnkd.in/eT-tPtWA