Action on the water: workboats in focus during Dockside Demonstrations
A dynamic line-up of specialist workboats, autonomous vessels and cutting-edge software are bringing ocean technology to life during the Dockside Demonstrations at Oceanology International (Oi26). This year’s live feature hosts more than 20 companies conducting in-water or on-water product demonstrations, once again placing real-world application at the heart of the event.
Held on the quayside of the historic Royal Victoria Dock outside Excel London, the Dockside Demonstrations are a cornerstone of Oceanology International. Complemented by the 450 exhibiting companies and in-depth technical discussions taking place inside the venue, the demonstrations enable visitors to view innovative marine technology in action, step aboard the vessels, meet the crews and discuss the latest workboat systems. They also offer a great opportunity to gain insight into how advanced onboard systems integrate, perform and deliver mission-critical data in real time.
UK-designed workboats
Over 20 companies are participating in the Dockside Demonstrations at Oi26. Among this year’s highlights are two UK-designed workboats that demonstrate the versatility, innovation and leading operational capabilities driving the ocean industry forward: the Solent Guardian and the MJM Enterprise. The Solent Guardian, Briggs Marine’s 19m coastal survey vessel, is built for hydrographic, geophysical and environmental surveys. With a 6.3m beam and shallow 1.5m draft, it provides unhindered access to nearshore and coastal areas. Onboard data feeds for depth, position and heading – combined with wet and dry laboratories and a robust moonpool-mounted survey pole – make her a comprehensive platform for real-time data collection and processing. An A-frame and HIAB crane enhance equipment handling, while accommodation for up to ten staff supports extended daily operations.
Meanwhile, the MJM Enterprise – a 26.7metre multi-role workboat from Marshall Jakeman Marine Ltd – demonstrates exceptional flexibility for survey, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and environmental campaigns. Her 5.2m-wide, 6T SWL A-frame with integrated winch and expanded towing width underlines her power and capability. A flexible deck mounting system, 1.2m moonpool and 38t/m crane further enhance her suitability for shallow geotechnical, ROV and environmental operations.
Restored 1891 Baltic trader
Another eye-catcher berthed at Oi26 is Kommandoren, an 1891 Baltic trader. The vessel has been restored by Hays Ships, owner and operator of a specialized fleet of survey and research vessels, after being rescued from her former life as a gravel dredger. Serving a diverse range of clients across the offshore industry, Hays Ships has over 40 years of experience as a trusted vessel provider, combining proven operational knowledge with advanced vessel capabilities. Each vessel in its fleet is meticulously designed to meet client specifications, typically ranging from 50-100 metres in length, and equipped with dynamic positioning (DP) systems and high-quality onboard accommodation.
Underwater robotics
Visitors to the Oi26 Dockside Demonstrations have the chance to experience the next generation of ROV technology thanks to Deep Trekker, one of the largest underwater robotics manufacturers in the world. Besides watching live demos, visitors can engage in hands-on interaction and gain insights from the company’s engineers.
“Dockside demonstrations give operators the opportunity to evaluate performance in real-world conditions rather than relying solely on specifications,” says Cody Warner, vice president commercial at Deep Trekker. “Seeing an ROV operate in open water – assessing stability, control response, imaging clarity and tooling integration – provides immediate insight into how the system will perform on an actual job. Practical demos reduce uncertainty in procurement decisions and allow teams to compare capabilities side by side.”
Autonomous solutions and more
Other companies present on the Oi26 dockside include autonomy software specialist Marine AI, providing insight into its intelligent systems for optimized navigation and enhanced operation decision-making. CHCNAV is demonstrating the APACHE 6, an autonomous uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) designed for high-resolution 3D bathymetric surveys, underwater object positioning and offshore construction.
SatLab is demonstrating its latest USV multibeam solution, the HydroBoat 1200MB, which combines proven uncrewed vessel technology with the HydroBeam M2 multibeam echosounder (MBES). EvoLogics, Norbit AS, Teledyne Marine and Kongsberg Discovery are also demonstrating their solutions on the quayside.
No substitute for direct engagement
“The Dockside Demonstrations are one of the most exciting features of Oceanology International, because they allow visitors to see cutting-edge technology performing in the live marine environment,” comments Mike Enser, marketing manager for Oceanology International. “There’s no substitute for engaging directly with the operators and developers behind the equipment to understand its full capabilities.”
From the demo cabins that line the edge of the dock, attendees can watch in real time as data is transmitted from operations below and on the water, gaining valuable insight into system performance. “Being able to step aboard the vessels themselves to see how they’re equipped, and to speak with the crews, is invaluable when it comes to making informed decisions about future charters or investments,” he concludes.
