UKHO Awards OceanWise with MEMS Contract
OceanWise has, through competitive tender, been awarded the contract to supply, install and maintain Marine Environmental Monitoring Systems (MEMS) globally as part of an initial three-year framework agreement with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The framework also includes the provision of data collection, management and display systems, which will be provided through OceanWise’s Port-Log. The framework also includes shore control and GNSS surveys, as well as local training and mentoring.
The UKHO has identified the installation and operation of MEMS as an important component of a number of UK government programmes, including the Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme (OTSMP). Countries and territories can benefit from the MEMS through improved navigational safety and improving knowledge of the marine environment, to assist with scientific research into understanding the implications of climate change.
Tide Gauges and Weather Stations
Under the framework agreement, OceanWise is responsible for the supply, installation and support of professional grade environmental monitoring equipment (such as tide gauges and weather stations), as well as providing observational data to the local community and global initiatives, such as the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS). OceanWise’s data services can benefit the maritime community directly, for example through the provision of tsunami and storm surge warnings, and via more accurate and up-to-date tide tables.
Ralph Bostock, monitoring business manager at OceanWise, stated: “We are delighted to be working with the UKHO and to have won this contract after a robust tendering process. We support and maintain numerous tide gauges and weather stations around the world for our port and renewable energy customers, so this contract is a natural extension of our work. We are particularly looking forward to using our expertise and experience in environmental monitoring systems and applying it to unique and remote locations. Our in-depth technical knowledge of marine data acquisition, telemetry and data management will also be fully utilized in this contract as we support the UKHO in realizing the full benefit that MEMS can offer.”
This contract win swiftly follows a series of other contracts awarded to OceanWise, including the maintenance and upgrade of the UK National Tide Gauge Network.
