ORE Catapult Technical Director is new President of the SUT
AGM of the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) announced 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.“ [Note to Editors: full biographical details follow].
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 Suykes 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.”
MacArtney Underwater Technology appoints Mads Nipper as Chair of the Board
MacArtney Underwater Technology appoints Mads Nipper as Chair of the Board. This succession reflects a continued commitment to strong board leadership and long-term growth.
Mads Nipper will be assuming the role of Chair of the Board at MacArtney Underwater Technology. Mads has a long professional career at several large Danish multinational companies and is currently also Chair at FLSmidth, a publicly traded company. Prior to this, Mads was CEO of Ørsted and CEO of Grundfos, and previously held several senior leadership roles at the LEGO Group.
“I am very much looking forward to assuming the role of Chair of the board for MacArtney Underwater Technology. I am convinced that the company, through its strong competencies, values, and dedicated employees, has the potential for further development and growth in the coming years. I am very much looking forward to cooperating with the leadership team, the board, and the owners, and providing my contribution to ensuring that the impressive development can continue,“ says Mads Nipper
Mads Nipper will formally replace outgoing Chairman of the Board Niels Erik Hedeager following the company’s annual general assembly in January 2026. Starting in 1989, Niels Erik became CEO in 1997. He held this role until 2017, when he assumed the position of Chairman.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation towards Niels Erik for his 37 years of dedication to MacArtney Underwater Technology. He has played an instrumental role in leading the company – both as CEO and, over the last eight years, as Chairman – to where it is today,” says Glenn and Marco MacArtney.
“After 37 fantastic years at the helm of MacArtney and with a record year in both earnings and turnover, it is a good time for me to step down and proudly pass on the baton,” says Niels Erik Hedeager.
MacArtney Underwater Technology was founded 47 years ago by Winnie and Martin MacArtney, the parents of the current owners. The company is currently present in 14 countries worldwide and employs approximately 500 people.
SIDUS Solutions announces leadership updates and honours company founder
SIDUS Solutions announced important company updates, honouring the legacy of its founder while reinforcing leadership continuity and continued commitment to its clients and partners.
Honouring Our Founder
It is with profound sorrow that SIDUS Solutions marks the passing of its founder and Director, Leonard Pool, who died in November 2025.
Leonard Pool founded SIDUS with a clear vision: to deliver technically robust, reliable systems for complex and demanding environments. His dedication to engineering excellence, integrity, and mission-focused execution established SIDUS Solutions as a trusted partner across maritime, defense, and industrial sectors. His leadership and values remain deeply embedded in the company’s culture and direction.
Leonard’s legacy continues to guide SIDUS Solutions as the company moves forward.
Leadership Transition
SIDUS is also proud to announce that Tom Hernandez has assumed the role of President.
Tom Hernandez brings extensive leadership and operational experience and has worked closely with the SIDUS team to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Under his leadership, the company will continue to focus on client success, technical innovation, and long-term growth while upholding the principles on which SIDUS Solutions was founded.
“I am honoured to carry forward Leonard's vision and work alongside the outstanding team at SIDUS,” said Tom Henandez. “Our mission, our clients, and our commitment to excellence remain unchanged.”
Sales Leadership Promotion
In addition, SIDUS Solutions announced the promotion of Larry Hagstrom in his role as Sales Manager.
Larry Hagstrom continues to lead SIDUS’ sales efforts, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding the company’s presence across its core markets. His leadership and deep understanding of client needs have been instrumental in the company's ongoing success.
Looking Ahead
“These updates reflect both the strength of our leadership team and our continued dedication to our customers,” said Tom Henandez. “SIDUS Solutions remains focused on delivering reliable, mission critical solutions while honouring the legacy that built our company.”
Greensea IQ Names Chris Sotzing as Senior Vice President of Technology
Greensea IQ, a leader in subsea robotics, autonomy, and software solutions for defense, maritime, science, and commercial sectors announced the appointment of Christopher Sotzing, PhD as Senior Vice President of Technology. In this new role, Dr. Sotzing will lead Greensea IQ’s software and technology development across all product lines, with an initial focus on the EverClean systems.
Sotzing joins Greensea IQ with more than a decade of experience in marine autonomy and robotics. Most recently he served as Head of Software and Autonomy at HonuWorx, Ltd., a company developing uncrewed subsea systems and cloud-based autonomy platforms. Prior to that, he was Director of Engineering at Sea Machines Robotics (Boston) where he had primary responsibility for key autonomy and remote-control systems for commercial marine vessels. Earlier in his career he spent nearly nine years with SeeByte in Edinburgh, Scotland, supporting unmanned vehicle technologies and autonomous inspection vehicle projects. He holds an undergraduate degree in computer science from Colby College and earned a doctorate (Ph.D.) in autonomous underwater vehicles from Heriot‑Watt University in Edinburgh.
With his extensive background in key technological domains, Sotzing is well-positioned to propel Greensea IQ's next crucial phase of innovation and technological advancement. His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in expanding the company's capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what is possible within subsea robotics.
“Chris's technical expertise, demonstrated success in marine autonomy, and passion for innovation are all qualities that align with Greensea IQ's mission and legacy.” said Ben Kinnaman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Greensea IQ. “I’ve worked with Chris during his tenure at HonuWorx and SeeByte, and I’ve always been impressed by his ability to translate cutting-edge research into robust, deployable systems. I am thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team as we continue to expand our technology leadership in subsea autonomy, robotics, and service.”
“Greensea IQ has a well established legacy of delivering cutting edge technology to the ocean environment,” said Chris Sotzing. “I’m thrilled to contribute my experience in marine autonomy to accelerate the development of robust, intelligent systems that make work in the ocean safer, cleaner and more sustainable.”
Sotzing will work closely with Greensea IQ’s business units supporting defense, maritime and commercial markets, including the EverClean platform, Bayonet autonomous ground vehicles and EOD software suites.
Kraken Robotics appoints Kim Butler to Board of Directors and hires Bernard Mills as Executive Vice President, Defence
Kraken Robotics Inc. (“Kraken” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) is pleased to announce two strategic additions to its leadership team: the appointment of Kim Butler, CPA, ICD.D, to its Board of Directors and the hiring of Bernard Mills as Executive Vice President, Defence.
Kim Butler Appointed to Board of Directors
Kim Butler brings more than 35 years of executive experience in financial, operational, and governance roles with Canadian and multinational organizations, both publicly traded and private. She has served as a board member and Chair of Audit and Special Committees for leading companies in technology, utilities, and defence, and is recognized for her expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
Ms. Butler previously served as Head of Business Operations and Integration at Ericsson following the acquisition of CENX where she held interim CEO and CFO/COO roles. As SVP Finance and CFO at Bridgewater Systems, a global leader in mobile policy solutions, she led the company’s initial public offering in 2007, and later its successful acquisition by Amdocs in 2011. Prior to Bridgewater, she held senior finance roles at Asea Brown Boveri, and Mitel Corporation.
“I am very honored and excited to join the Board of Directors at Kraken Robotics and look forward to participating in their continued growth as a global leader in advanced 3D underwater imaging and next-generation subsea battery technologies,” said Ms. Butler.
“Kim’s extensive experience in financial leadership, corporate governance, and strategic planning makes her an exceptional addition to our Board. Her proven ability to guide organizations through complex growth and transformation will be invaluable as Kraken advances its mission to deliver innovative marine technology solutions globally,” said Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics.
Bernard Mills Appointed Executive Vice President, Defence
Bernard Mills will join the Company’s executive team as Executive Vice President, Defence, effective January 12, 2026. Mr. Mills currently serves as a member of Kraken’s Board of Directors and has resigned from the Board, effective immediately prior to his new role on Kraken’s executive team.
Mr. Mills is an internationally experienced executive specializing in the defence and aerospace sectors. He spent the last three years as CEO and Managing Director at Stelia North America, an advanced materials subsidiary of the Airbus Group. He previously served as President of Ultra Sonar Systems, leading over 850 UK, Canada, and Australia-based staff in the delivery of underwater sensing capability to global naval customers. Earlier in his career, Mr. Mills worked for Thales, another maritime systems developer, with roles in both France and Australia.
Mr. Mills is currently Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI). His expertise spans strategic growth (through both business capture and mergers and acquisitions), operational and program leadership, and government and international relations. As Kraken bids and delivers increasingly complex and large integrated systems programs, Mr. Mills’s experience will allow the Company to quickly develop execution capability and manage risks more effectively as an organization.
“I’m excited to join Kraken Robotics’ leadership team at a time when global demand for underwater robotics and maritime systems is accelerating,” said Mr. Mills. “From my time on the Board of Directors for the last three years, I know Kraken has a strong portfolio, an exceptional team, and deep relationships with leading naval and offshore energy customers. I believe the Company is poised for significant expansion in the years ahead.”
“We are very pleased to have Bernard join Kraken in an executive leadership role,” said Greg Reid. “He has achieved significant success in his career as a defence and manufacturing industry executive and his strategic and operational experience will be a tremendous asset as we take our maritime defence industry business to the next level.”
NOR UK hires Richard Main as Managing Director
We are delighted to welcome Richard Main to our team. He brings invaluable experience and a wealth of knowledge to the company, says CEO Tore Gautesen.
Since its inception in 2011, Norwegian Offshore Rental (NOR) has grown steadily larger as a supplier of rental equipment and services to the subsea industry. Recently, the company has hired many new, skilled forces, also in Aberdeen. The latest addition is Richard Main, who has many years of experience from the industry, as from his latest job as Group Managing Director at Seatronics Group.
Impressive track record
NOR is investing heavily in the UK, and the management is confident that the new appointment will benefit the company greatly and help achieve the goals of growth and development in the UK.
– Richard joins us with an impressive track record from the rental industry and a robust network that will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in the UK market. With NOR's global growth ambitions, Richard Main's extensive network and experience will be a key contribution to achieving these growth objectives as well, says CEO Gautesen.
Richard Main will start in his new role the 3rd of March this year and is looking forward to joining NOR Group.
– I am delighted to have the opportunity to join such a fast moving and dynamic business as NOR. I have watched their impressive growth over the last few years and am excited to join a business with such impressive backing and potential. Throughout my career I have always put my team and our customers first, I believe that NOR share the same outlook and, with their backing, I look forward to delivering the service and support that customers have come to expect.
When Richard Main takes over as Managing Director, he will replace David Siudej who has been Managing Director since 2022. Siudej will from March 3 take over as new QHSE and Office Manager for NOR UK.
– We are very grateful for Davids efforts to strengthen NORs competitive position over the past 2,5 years. Davids operational experience will be valuable in his new job as QHSE and Office Manager for NOR UK, says Gautesen.
Klein Marine Systems Welcomes Industry Veteran Ted Curley to Leadership Team
Klein Marine Systems, a leader in advanced sonar technologies, proudly announces the addition of Ted Curley to its team. He joins with over 35 years of experience in the underwater technology industry, bringing unparalleled expertise across both defense and commercial markets.
Throughout his career, Ted has been at the forefront of innovation, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in uncrewed systems, navigation, sonars, and more. He has held prominent leadership roles, including leading Exail Defense Systems in North America and driving technological and market growth at Teledyne Marine. His extensive experience working with U.S. Navy Fleet forces, coupled with a proven track record of revenue growth and market expansion, underscores his exceptional leadership and industry acumen.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ted is an active participant in key industry organizations, including the Marine Technology Society (MTS), the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle International Systems (AUVSI), and the Navy League. As a founding member of the Marine & Oceanographic Technology Network (MOTN), Ted has consistently demonstrated his commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the maritime industry.
About his appointment as General Manager at Klein, Ted stated, “I’m excited to be joining Klein, a company with such a rich tradition and enduring legacy in the industry, and to be part of the growing success story at General Oceans. I look forward as Klein pioneers the latest advancements in new sonar technologies.”
Ted’s addition to the Klein Marine Systems team marks an exciting step forward for the company, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence in underwater technology.
Greensea IQ Welcomes Brooks Converse as Director of Business Development to Join EverClean Growth Team
Greensea IQ, a leader in maritime technology solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brooks Converse as Director of Business Development. In this role, Brooks will focus on driving the growth and adoption of EverClean, the company’s flagship proactive in-water hull cleaning solution, while building stronger partnerships within the maritime industry.
Brooks holds a Master of Science in International Transportation Management from the State University of New York Maritime College. His comprehensive understanding of port operations equips him to effectively address the challenges and constraints faced by maritime stakeholders during port activities. With a robust background in sales and consulting, Brooks is well-positioned to support the expansion of EverClean’s innovative approach to maintaining always-clean hulls, which ensures environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
“I am excited to join Greensea IQ and to focus on expanding the EverClean solution,” said Brooks Converse. “As someone with a deep understanding of port operations, I recognize the significant value that proactive hull cleaning brings to vessel operators and the maritime industry as a whole. I look forward to working with our customers to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.”
Rob Howard, Chief Growth Officer at Greensea IQ, expressed enthusiasm about Brooks’ new role: “We are thrilled to add Brooks to our EverClean team. His deep understanding of the maritime industry and his experience in port operations make him the perfect fit to lead the growth of EverClean. With Brooks on board, we are well-equipped to deliver even greater value to our customers and to expand our footprint in the global maritime market.”
Brooks’ appointment underscores Greensea IQ’s commitment to attracting top talent and advancing EverClean’s mission to redefine hull maintenance for the maritime industry.
GeoAcoustics Ltd Appoints Paul Stone as General Manager
Hydroacoustic technology manufacturer GeoAcoustics Ltd has appointed Paul Stone as General Manager at its headquarters in Norfolk. With 35 years of diverse experience across offshore and subsea operations and management, Paul brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in senior leadership roles.
Paul’s appointment comes as GeoAcoustics' continues to deliver innovations like its AI-powered bathymetric data processing for numerous customers worldwide. Recognised as a leading British exporter with a King's Award for Enterprise in International Growth, the company also won the Eastern Daily Press Medium Business of the Year 2024 award in November, highlighting its commitment to excellence and reputation as a top employer in its home county of Norfolk.
Paul joins GeoAcoustics following a 17-year career at Seamap Malaysia, which culminated in a five year tenure as General Manager at the company’s Malaysian headquarters from 2018 to 2023. During this time, he led operations, managed manufacturing and repairs, and successfully integrated new product lines. His extensive experience in offshore operations and technology, and customer-focused solutions aligns perfectly with GeoAcoustics’ mission to deliver ‘Excellence in Subsea Sound’.
Reflecting on his new role, Paul said: “GeoAcoustics has an outstanding reputation for delivering cutting-edge sonar technology that sets benchmarks in various marine sectors globally. I’m excited to join the company and contribute to new innovations while strengthening our market position globally. I look forward to working with the talented team and channel partners to build on the company’s unrivalled legacy and drive its future success.”
Linda Dowdeswell, Director and co-owner of GeoAcoustics Ltd, added: “Paul’s extensive experience and proven leadership make him the perfect choice to guide operations and inspire our team. His appointment underscores our dedication to sustainability and the delivery of world-class hydroacoustic technology, while supporting our position as an industry leader committed to quality, customer focus, and environmental responsibility.”
GeoAcoustics remains dedicated to advancing marine survey technology through its core portfolio which includes the GeoSwath bathymetric sonar, GeoPulse sub-bottom profiler, and Pulsar side scan sonar. With a focus on combining reliability, innovation, and customer-centric solutions, GeoAcoustics is well positioned for more sustainable growth under Paul’s leadership.
Chief scientists appointed to connect marine science and robotics
Two new chief scientists have been appointed to the National Oceanography Centre’s (NOC) Marine Autonomous Robotic Systems (MARS) Group.
Dr Veerle Huvenne and Dr Filipa Carvalho will work to increase engagement with the marine science community, raise awareness of the robotics available to them and seek input on future technological developments.
These appointments into MARS mark a significant commitment by the UK's National Marine Facilities (NMF), delivered by NOC, to strengthen links between science and engineering. A key element of NMF is the UK’s National Marine Equipment Pool, which MARS supports with its deep expertise on autonomous and robotic systems for use in marine research.
In their new roles, alongside their existing science commitments, Dr Huvenne and Dr Carvalho will work closely with the UK marine science sector to promote greater adoption and integration of MARS technology across the field.
They will also provide scientific insight for the advancement of MARS technologies, showcase accessibility and increase awareness of these technologies and foster a user community to share knowledge, expertise and best practices.
“We are excited to welcome Dr Huvenne and Dr Carvalho to the MARS team,” says Dr Alexander Phillips, head of MARS. “Their experience and dedication to marine science will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between MARS innovations and the broader research community, driving forward our mission to enable cutting-edge marine research with autonomous technologies.
“We are looking forward to championing community-driven engagement and providing the scientific input that’s essential to the continued development of MARS technologies,” says Dr Huvenne.
“By focusing on user accessibility and community-building, the chief scientists will help to make MARS resources more visible and impactful for all UK marine scientists,” adds Dr Carvalho. “Our goal is to increase the use of marine robotics, driven by science need.”
Dr Huvenne is a marine geoscientist with more than 20 years of experience in the study of complex deep-sea environments such as cold-water coral reefs, submarine canyons, hydrothermal vents or seamounts. She is currently Associate Head of Ocean BioGeosciences at NOC.
Dr Carvalho is an oceanographer interested in biophysical interactions and the biological carbon pump and uses data from underwater gliders as well as other autonomous platforms, remote sensing and shipboard oceanographic data in her work.