Acua Ocean and HydroSurv announce intention to merge
Acua Ocean and HydroSurv, two UK-based companies specialising in maritime autonomous systems, have announced their intention to merge.
The new company, to be named Blue Ocean Autonomy, will deliver turnkey solutions across a broad spectrum of capabilities, covering the inland, nearshore and offshore sectors. Blue Ocean Autonomy will combine both firms’ expertise in the development and operation of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and associated technologies for marine surveying and surveillance.
“In an evolving market, customer demand is shifting towards a comprehensive solution for trusted and certified USV systems,” says David Hull, founder and CEO of HydroSurv. “In response to this trend, we are excited to announce the intent to merge our two companies with a shared focus on accelerating the availability of these solutions for widespread commercial use, expanding our market presence and providing a better value offer to our customers.”
Blue Ocean Autonomy’s strategy will centre around low and zero-emission vessel operations with a focus on sustainability. The merger will deliver a range of both near-shore and long-endurance vessels, from 2.8m to 13.5m, for ocean data collection, hydrographic, geophysical and environmental survey and surveillance and monitoring of critical offshore infrastructure.
“Our emphasis has always been on what is best for our customers,” says Neil Tinmouth, founder and CEO of Acua Ocean. “This merger represents a natural progression of our vision and values with a company that is a strong cultural, as well as technological, fit. The new entity will undoubtedly be greater than the sum of its parts, establishing one of the most experienced and talented teams in marine autonomy.”
Earlier this year, a consortium led by Acua Ocean in partnership with zero-emission infrastructure provider Unitrove won a multi-million pound UK government grant in a major push to decarbonise the maritime sector.
