Remote Underwater Exploration
Toyo Construction has acquired a trenching ROV from underwater technology and services company SMD, as part of its investment strategy aimed at Japan’s emerging offshore wind sector.
Full article at: Marine Technology News 19dec24
Offshore Biotechnologies and SeaGen Aquaculture cultivated over 100 species of deep-sea marine sponges to support new methods in offshore seabed restoration and enhancement.
Scientists from Deakin University is monitoring newly created reefs using underwater ROVs to track the recovery of sponge communities and marine biodiversity.
Full article at: Marine Technology News 19feb25
Our partner Blue Trail Engineering launched an oceangoing ASV from Avila Beach CA on February 8, 2025. Destination: Hawaii.
The vessel uses all Blue Trail Engineering components: MTR-2000 thruster, servo SER-2020 rudder, and all Cobalt cables and connectors.
“If the boat makes it to Hawaii, it will demonstrate the reliability of our products. If it doesn’t make it to Hawaii, we’ll blame it on sharks or pirates.”
Technical details and live progress tracking at: Blue Trail Engineering Fun Stuff
Vitrumanthus flosculus, meaning “small flower” or “flowerette” in Latin, was discovered on underwater mountain ranges (seamounts), south of Japan’s coast.
V. flosculus is remarkable for its small size (~ 1.5 to 2.5mm high and 1.0 to 2.5mm diameter) and for its close relationship with the glass sponges that serve as its hosts. Like other members of the Parazoanthidae family, these tiny creatures have a symbiotic relationship with glass sponges where they exist as polyps on the sponges’ surface.
Full article at: MSN World News dec24
Blue Robotics released their Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) in 2022 but we still get questions about the difference between it and the Enclosure Vent and Plug.
The PRV has the functionality of an enclosure vent in that it can be opened manually and used to perform a vacuum test on your enclosure, but it also automatically releases any excess pressure built up inside a watertight enclosure. This automatic venting feature is very useful when you work with the BlueROV2 in warm climates or the enclosures are in direct sunlight while you prepare to launch.
The PRV plug (blue), when used with the backfill adapter (red), allows you to fill an enclosure with an inert gas or to pull an enclosure to vacuum with a vacuum plug (brass) while maintaining a seal.
So, while the PRV is a little more more expensive, the added functionality and versatility is well worth it.
And we recommend you keep a spare plug handy for both the vent and PRV, in case you lose one in the field.