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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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Huge congratulations to Deborah Greaves, a beacon in the field of Ocean Engineering and Renewable Energy!

We’re thrilled to share that Professor Deborah Greaves has been awarded this year’s prestigious SUT Lennard-Senior Prize, today at the All-Energy Exhibition and Conference in Glasgow, in recognition of outstanding individual achievement in the field of Marine Renewable Energy. Pictured above with SUT CEO Cheryl Burgess.

As Professor of Ocean Engineering and Director of the COAST at the University of Plymouth, Deborah has been at the forefront of innovative research and transformative projects, shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions.

Since its inception in 2017, Deborah has been Director of the £9m Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub. She was appointed to develop the strategy and consortium for the new Supergen ORE Hub that brings together offshore wind with marine energy sectors.

Deborah also led the Collaborative Computational Project on Wave Structure Interaction and has consistently pioneered the development of new technologies in offshore wind, wave, and tidal power. This has included novel types of wave energy converter, analysis methods for offshore renewable energy farms, and extreme wave-structure interactions.

In addition to her research, Deborah has led high-profile national and international initiatives designed to ensure such technological advances can be applied in real-world scenarios to help meet the country’s future clean energy demands.

Here’s to Deborah’s continued success and the remarkable impact she continues to make in advancing the frontiers of Ocean Engineering and Renewable Energy!

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The Lennard-Senior Memorial Prize has been awarded annually since 2011 in memory of two of the original members of The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT)’s Marine Renewable Energies Committee (MREC) – Don Lennard and Gordon Senior.

Continuing to build its international reputation for ocean and marine engineering and science training, the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) is holding its second 3-day in-person course on Offshore Wind Renewable Energy in Newcastle, 30 April-2 May 2024. The course, led by industry and academic experts, includes visits to key sites in the area including Equinor’s Dogger Bank O&M Base on South Tyneside; and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult’s Blyth R&D Centre.

As Course Director Dave Brookes, a Fellow of the SUT, explained: “The course, with its emphasis on practical applications, is designed for three specific groups of individuals:

• Professional non-engineers who would benefit from understanding the offshore wind energy industry
• Engineers and technical staff who are new to this sector or making the transition from another industry
• Technical staff in the sector who would benefit from broadening their understanding of the sector.

“Once again we have an inspiring line-up of speakers from BP, ERM, Newcastle University, Pace Geotec and Partrac with others to be announced shortly on our Learned Society’s website and emailed to those who have already expressed an interest in attending. Naturally course numbers are limited to ensure maximum benefit to delegates.”

The topics being covered over the three days are:

• Wind and the Net Zero Challenge including Deepwater Floating Potential
• Planning, Environmental Studies and Approvals
• Metocean/Weather: UK and NW Europe Focus including Deepwater for Floating Technology
• Fixed Bottom Offshore Structure Design and Integrity
• Offshore Site Investigation and Seabed Site Foundations
• Construction
• Cables
• Floating Wind Structures
• Operations and Maintenance Field Study including Turbine Operations, Equinor

Registration and details of fees can be found here. The SUT member price applies to members of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR); Energy Industries Council (EIC); Global Underwater Hub (GUH); International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA); NOF, and the Offshore Engineering Society (OES). SUT membership information can be seen here. The SUT membership year runs from 1 July until 30 June, so currently half rates apply for new members.

SUT’s Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Course was originally created as an online course during the pandemic and attracted delegates from every continent. “It was much appreciated at the time, but of course the visits to key sites we are now able to undertake are the cherry on top of the proverbial cake. We look forward to holding the course at other key offshore wind regions in the future and can also undertake in-house courses for interested organisations,” explained Dave Brookes.

Artificial reefs have become a hot topic in the realm of underwater technology, and Matt Allen is the perfect guide to navigate through the complexities of their creation. As a renowned expert in the field, Allen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making this episode a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of technology and marine conservation.

The Underwater Technology Podcast has consistently provided a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the latest developments in underwater exploration, marine science, and technological advancements beneath the surface. The revival of the podcast promises even more exciting content and deep dives into the mysteries of the ocean.

Whether you’re a seasoned marine biologist, a tech geek with a penchant for underwater gadgets, or simply someone with a love for the ocean, this podcast has something for everyone. The fusion of technology and marine exploration has never been more intriguing, and the Underwater Technology Podcast is at the forefront of unraveling these mysteries.

Don’t miss out on this underwater adventure—subscribe, listen, and stay connected with the Underwater Technology Podcast as we continue to explore the boundless possibilities that lie beneath the surface of our oceans. Happy listening! 🌊🎧

🔗 Listen to episodes here  |  Find out more about the artificial reefs here | Contact us at [email protected]