BMT and Teledyne Marine sign MoU to advance maritime autonomy
BMT has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Teledyne Marine Vehicles group, which comprises the Iceland-based Teledyne Gavia and Teledyne Webb Research in North Falmouth, MA. The agreement creates a framework for closer strategic alignment and cooperation across upcoming maritime autonomy initiatives.
The MoU builds on a long-standing working relationship. Over recent years, BMT has supported Teledyne Marine Vehicles with specialist technical consultancy for underwater autonomy programmes in the UK and other countries. This has included contributions to through-life support, cyber security and the development of a Safety and Environmental Case Review (SECR) for the UK Ministry of Defence, helping ensure the platform meets operational safety and environmental requirements.
Leveraging new technology
Will Alexander, BMT’s Maritime Autonomous Systems Lead, stated: “BMT and Teledyne Marine bring extensive complementary expertise into this market, empowering us to think innovatively and overcome challenges as the strategic shift to integrate autonomous systems across naval operations continues at pace.
As an independent consultancy with deep domain expertise, BMT offers comprehensive technical support in maritime autonomous systems across the asset lifecycle. From the design stage through development, testing, assurance and operation, we support customers in leveraging new technology to deliver cost effective, safe and sustainable marine operations.”
Teledyne Marine has established itself as a market leader in the production of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), including the Gavia, Osprey and SeaRaptor class AUVs and Slocum gliders and APEX floats, which are currently in use with the UK Royal Navy and deployed widely with other military, commercial and scientific users worldwide.
Combined underwater domain experience
Arnar Steingrimsson, vice president of sales, marine vehicles, of Teledyne Marine, commented: “We greatly value the close working relationship that Teledyne has had with BMT on successful UUV projects for the UK Ministry of Defence and other NATO members. Industry collaboration is the key to managing today’s rapidly evolving market dynamics and meeting increased demand from naval users. Teledyne looks forward to building on the work to date with BMT to better serve our joint NATO and international uncrewed systems customers.”
According to Paul Haycock, BMT’s senior account manager, defence industry, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to tackling current challenges while shaping a more innovative and resilient future. He notes that the combined underwater domain experience of both organizations places them in a strong position to support customers as they confront evolving threats, strengthen their operational capabilities and make effective use of maritime autonomy for reconfigurable, cost-efficient and scalable fleet operations.
