Tuesday 23 September 2025 | 17:45 – 20:00

Nautical Institute HQ, London, SE1 7JY

The security of critical subsea infrastructure (interconnector pipeline and cables) remains an issue of great concern and there is little in recent news to give hope that these concerns will reduce in the years ahead.  Join the SUT and the Nautical Institute to explore the evolving challenges of underwater asset security and the surveillance of critical subsea infrastructure. This event examines responsibilities, risks, and future innovations to safeguard the vital networks beneath our oceans.

Presentations:

Surveillance and Protection of Underwater Infrastructure – Chris O’Flaherty, Nautical Institute

Chris O’Flaherty is an underwater warfare specialist and a former head of the Royal Navy’s warfare evaluation and tactical development centre. He will discuss the core factors to be considered when developing strategies for the surveillance and protection of underwater assets, including some technological options and the associated balancing of risk, reward and investment.

Safeguarding Subsea Infrastructure: Challenges, Responsibilities, and Future Innovations – Jon Capanda, Wood PLC

Jonathan Capanda is a Subsea Project Manager with a background in pipeline and subsea engineering, his expertise is in Emergency Pipeline Repair Strategies and over the last few years has a growing interest in subsea infrastructure protection

The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022 exposed the vulnerability of Europe’s critical energy infrastructure, a concern reinforced by subsequent incidents involving the Finland–Estonia Baltic Connector in 2023 and many more incidents to subsea fibre-optic cables. These events underscore the growing threat of cold war “style” tactics, prompting governments and industry stakeholders to adopt urgent monitoring and protective measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.

For the past three decades, relative geopolitical stability has enabled the cooperative development of energy infrastructure. However, the recent rise in incidents may signal a shift toward “grey zone” activities, with implications for legislations and regulation, design standards, project risks, and the capital and operational costs of future infrastructure projects.

Wood explores the industry’s current position within this evolving threat landscape, focusing on:
•  A brief history of subsea infrastructure
•  Challenges in enhancing subsea infrastructure resilience
•  Responsibilities for subsea infrastructure protection
•  Practical considerations for implementing technologies
•  Future innovations

10 November 2025 | 15:00-17:00

National Subsea Centre, Amphitheatre, Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ

Join SUT+ for fascinating opportunity to explore the National Subsea Centre, hosted at the Robert Gordon University School of Computing, Engineering and Technology! The NSC is the national centre of excellence for subsea research, engineering and technological development.

The NSC is focussed on four industrially relevant research programs: Transparent Ocean, Integrated Energy, Net Zero Operations, and Cyber Physical Systems. This site visit will provide a deep dive into the latest research conducted by the centre, alongside a facility tour, a project showcase and opportunities for networking!

Aimed at graduate engineers, students, and developing professionals, this site visit will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about ongoing subsea research and cutting edge emerging technologies which aim to revolutionise the industry.

This site visit will be start at the Sir Ian Wood Building, Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7GJ. Please be at the Amphitheatre in the Sir Iain Wood Building atrium at 15:00 sharp to start the visit.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to register for this FREE 2-day conference organised by the Global Underwater Hub.

Thursday 28 August 2025 | 18:30 – 21:30

The Ivy Lodge, 62-64 Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY

THS:UKI Scotland Branch is pleased to extend an invitation to their annual Super Summer Social 2025, on the 28 August at The Ivy Lodge, 62-64 Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY

Join like-minded professionals for an unforgettable evening of fun, networking and great company. Your £25 ticket includes a refreshing welcome drink on arrival and a street food buffet.  Doors open at 18:30.

Wednesday 24 September 2025 | 18:00 – 20:00

Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, Aberdeen

Registration – £15 SUT members / £25 non-members (+ VAT) / £10 students

PLEASE NOTE: Your ticket includes a buffet meal.  There is a bar on site where you can buy a good selection of drinks.

With decades of combined experience, our speakers will share real-world insights on subsea flowline repair, integrity and life extension, exploring both the technical challenges and the opportunities for smarter, more sustainable solutions.

Speakers:

Stephen Hunter, bp

Title: Outside-the-Box Engineering: Bespoke Repair of a Challenging Flowline Failure

Stephen is a Subsea Engineer with almost 2 decades of experience.  Having initially concentrated on hardware delivery and installation, he has spent the last 10 years focusing on complex subsea repair projects campaigning for a repair rather than replacement mindset.  Stephen is currently managing numerous subsea project scopes for bp.  He is based at Sunbury, UK.

Scott Duncan, 2H Offshore

Title: The Hidden Cost of Neglect: A Cautionary Tale in Subsea Flowline Integrity and Life Extension

Scott is the General Manager of 2H Offshore Aberdeen and has extensive experience in offshore operations and subsea systems. Scott has worked across a range of projects from pre-FEED to life extension and removal, he brings a strong focus on practical risk management and system longevity. For the last 5 years, Scott has been involved in engineering assurance and complex life extension in West Africa, collaborating with subject matter experts to address challenges in flowline and riser integrity, corrosion, and thermal effects.

Martyn Conroy, Unique Group

Title: Pipeline repair – from issue identification to restoration of integrity

Martyn will present 2 case studies – one from Malaysia where pipeline connectors were used and one from the North Sea where diver assist clamps were deployed.

Martin is the Group Commercial Director for Subsea Equipment at Unique Group. With over 20 years of experience in the subsea industry across engineering, product development, and commercial roles, he has deep technical and market expertise. Martyn holds an MBA from Durham University and is a fellow of institute of managers (CMgr FCMI).

Craig Peters, Subsea 7

Title: Introduction to Pipeline Cross Sections and Installation Methods

Craig has 13 years’ experience of subsea pipeline engineering and is the Team Lead for Subsea7 pipelines and spool design in Aberdeen. Craig has worked on a variety of projects from pre-FEED to detailed design solving the technical challenges of pipeline design in the harsh North Sea environment. His project experience includes traditional oil and gas projects and carbon capture and storage systems.

SUT Event Policy 

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, although discretion may apply in exceptional circumstances. The SUT reserves the right to make changes to the event schedule, lineup, or venue. Attendees assume all risks associated with the event. By entering, you consent to photography and video recording for promotional purposes. Terms and conditions apply. 

Contact [email protected] for enquiries.