MMT AB was founded in 1976 bymarine biologist Ola Oskarsson, using a small skiff, pursuing his dream to investigate the sea (Figures 1 and 2). The focus soon turned to bathymetry, geophysics and survey software integration. The first multi-beam echosounder was purchased in 1994. The breakthrough came in 2003 with the discovery of a long-lost Cold War aircraft, a find that generated new partners and capital, starting with acquisition of the Franklin. “Our philosophy is to employ and train our own personnel instead of freelancers,” says Ola, still true to his Hamlet-motto: “To take to arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them”.

Enthusiasm
During the past few years’ expansion, the workforce has increased to over 150 people. A strong focus on equality has increased the number of women working both offshore and at the head office. The emphasis on personnel has also led to implementation of short intervals for crew change and a firm belief in a happy workplace where pressures and joys are shared equally. “Our personnel usually have academic exams or training and we are dependent on enthusiasm and responsibility by our personnel to ensure that we live up to our clients’ expectations,” says Ola Oskarsson.

Typical Tasks
Today, MMT AB works worldwide with seabed mapping projects, with a strong focus on the European market. Seabed survey operations are conducted for the offshore industry, as well as for governments and institutions. Typical tasks are hydrographic charting projects and route surveys for cables and pipelines. Geophysical site surveys are performed for various offshore infrastructures and for archaeological object, wreck and munitions searching. MMT AB also specialises in environmental mapping projects that are performed in lakes, rivers and coastal areas, as well as offshore in deep waters. The largest MMT survey vessel, the Franklin, has full capacity for geophysical and ROV survey down to 2,000 metres (Figure 3). “MMT takes on large as well as small projects. With our fleet, utilising a range of different-sized boats, we are able to cover the whole spectrum of deep analysis between one and 2,000 metres,” commented Ola Oskarsson.

Worldwide Projects
The company is currently engaged in several high-profile projects for the offshore industry. The Nord Stream project is the largest of these and is the first major pipeline in the Baltic Sea. Hydrographic mapping projects are currently being conducted for the UK Hydrographic Office and Maritime and Coastguard Agency in UK waters, as well as ongoing work for the Norwegian Hydrographic Service and recently finalised surveys for the Swedish Maritime Administration.

New Ships
MMT AB commissioned two new ships this past year. The shallow-depth, high-resolution survey vessel SeaBeam entered operation in mid-2008 and is based full-time in Britain for assignments within IHO-standard projects. In the summer of 2009, MMT AB’s latest acquisition, IceBeam, was launched under a Swedish flag. IceBeam is a specially developed marine survey vessel for high-resolution charting in shallow-to-medium waters. MMT AB purchased IceBeam from Iceland and spent six months equipping her with cutting-edge technology. With a length of 40 metres, she is ideal for the Baltic Sea, Scotland and near-shore work throughout Europe. Precise positioning, station-keeping ROV, geophysical spread, sampling equipment, cameras and gradiometers, as well as explosive ordnance disposal capacity and being Ice Class make her ideal for assignments in Baltic oil and gas operations.

Prospects
The company aims to work in the offshore industry, various maritime administrations and the growing market for environmental surveys. Investments are being made for deep-water environmental projects. The company acquired advanced skills in detection, investigation and handling of wrecks and munitions through its work in the Baltic Sea. Working together with Nord Stream, MMT AB and Innovatum have developed a surveying tool consisting of an array of 12 gradiometers attached to a work-class ROV for detection of metal objects buried below the seabed. Ola Oskarsson is optimistic about what the future will bring: “Over the coming years we will invest in our inspection and light intervention skills and our environmental capacities. Further training of our personnel is another primary goal. We have the luxury of not being dependent on the stock market and we will maintain our integrity”.

For more information, please visit the MMT AB website (website 1).?