A team victory in the STR United Challenge has provided an opportunity to support the Armed Forces community in Aberdeen, with Team ESCA choosing SSAFA Grampian as the recipient of a £1,000 donation from STR.
The STR United Challenge brought colleagues from across STR together through a series of challenges and friendly competition, with Team ESCA ultimately taking the win. As part of their prize, James Christie, Regional Director – ESCA, was given the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive a £1,000 donation from STR.
For James, SSAFA was a natural choice.
Before joining the subsea industry, James spent more than 12 years serving in the British Army. His military career took him to locations around the world, including service during the First Gulf War and later as part of the United Nations mission in Bosnia.
That experience has given James a lasting appreciation of the challenges that serving personnel, veterans and their families can face, and of the importance of organisations such as SSAFA being there when support is needed.
“Winning the STR United Challenge was great fun and a real team effort, but having the opportunity to turn that success into something that could help others made it even more worthwhile.
“SSAFA was a natural choice for me. I spent more than 12 years in the British Army and served in a number of places around the world, including operational tours during the Gulf War and with the UN in Bosnia. Although that was many years ago, you never really lose that connection with the Armed Forces community.
“I have been fortunate in the years since leaving the Army, but I know that the transition from military life and the challenges that can come afterwards are very different for everyone. The support SSAFA provides to serving personnel, veterans and their families is therefore something I have a great deal of respect for.
“It was a pleasure to visit the Aberdeen branch, hear more about the work being done locally and hand over the £1,000 donation on behalf of STR and Team ESCA.”
James recently returned to Aberdeen after many years working internationally, making the opportunity to visit SSAFA Grampian and present the donation particularly meaningful. During his visit, James learned more about the work being carried out by SSAFA Grampian to support members of the Armed Forces community across the region. Zoe Morrison, Branch Chair for SSAFA Grampian commented:
“It was our pleasure to welcome James to SSAFA Grampian and hear about Team ESCA’s competition win. His recognition of the contribution that service life has made to his career was inspiring, and it is our privilege to receive this donation in support of our local Armed Forces community. A huge thank you to James and everyone at STR.”
The donation brings the STR United Challenge to a positive conclusion, extending the impact of an initiative created to bring colleagues together across the business.
For Team ESCA, the challenge was an opportunity to compete, connect and celebrate a shared achievement. Through James’ choice of charity, that achievement can now also support the Armed Forces community in the place he has recently returned to call home.
Seaforth Geosurveys has spent over 30 years delivering innovative offshore survey, geotechnical and site characterisation solutions in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From coastal waters to deep ocean settings, Seaforth’s integrated approach, proven offshore capability and uncompromising focus on quality give clients the confidence to make critical, data-driven decisions.
Seaforth Geosurveys was contracted to deliver a high-resolution pre-engineering geophysical and geotechnical survey to confirm or amend a proposed route for the installation of a fibre-optic telecommunications system connecting remote communities in Nunavut, Canada. The remote location and reduced seasonal operational window meant the Seaforth team had to ensure the project was well planned and executed efficiently, with limited margin for disruption.
Seaforth Geosurveys recognised that traditional sound velocity profile (SVP) acquisition, pausing survey operations to recover towed sensors, would cause significant time loss across the campaign. With multiple sensors deployed and a high volume of SVP casts required, these interruptions threatened to slow progress.
During planning, the team identified that a moving vessel sound velocity profiling (MVP) solution was essential to save vessel time and mitigate schedule risk. Existing market options had been trialled, but none met the project’s operational demands.
Additional constraints included limited deck space, Arctic conditions and the remote location, where equipment failure could cause major delays. A reliable, fully integrated solution was needed to acquire accurate, full water column SVPs without disrupting ongoing survey operations.
Seaforth Geosurveys and STR have a long-standing partnership built on shared values of innovation, quality and operational excellence. For this project, Seaforth chose to deploy the STR SeaCast system, a compact yet robust moving vessel sound velocity profiler designed to acquire full water column SVPs without pausing survey operations.
SeaCast’s self-contained winch, lightweight steel-armoured cable and intuitive control software enabled rapid mobilisation and straightforward integration into Seaforth’s vessel setup. While underway, the system collected real-time sound velocity data, eliminating the need to recover towed sensors for conventional SVP casts.
Features such as automated deployment, real-time data visualisation, altitude monitoring, and seafloor collision avoidance helped maintain data quality and protect equipment in Arctic conditions. STR’s technical expertise and operational support ensured the system performed reliably throughout the campaign, allowing Seaforth to focus on efficient data acquisition and survey progress.
The SeaCast system enabled Seaforth to maintain continuous survey operations while collecting complete SVPs. Across the campaign, over 200 SVP casts were completed without pausing the vessel, recovering several hours of vessel time per day compared with traditional stop-and-cast methods, reducing schedule risk and supporting consistent productivity within a constrained Arctic season.
As Seaforth expands its Arctic presence across multiple sectors and clients, the remote and often harsh environment demands highly reliable and functional technical solutions to facilitate successful project execution. STR has been a highly trusted supply chain partner, working closely with the Seaforth team to ensure we achieve our project objectives time and time again. With the new and innovative SeaCast system mobilized on Seaforth’s survey vessel Mainport Geo, we were able to complete a 60+ day Arctic campaign on time and on budget. STR continues to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in technical solutions, support and innovation.”
– David Lombardi – Seaforth President & CEO
Seaforth highlighted SeaCast’s balance of portability and robustness, bridging the gap between large, permanently installed systems and more fragile portable alternatives. Real-time data visualisation also allowed operators to confirm full water column coverage during each cast, minimising the risk of incomplete profiles or repeat deployments.
Overall, the solution helped Seaforth sustain survey momentum, manage schedule pressures effectively and successfully complete the campaign on time.
Randy Mullins
Region Director – AMEA
STR’s TitanMux was deployed onboard a vessel during post-lay burial and final survey operations in the Mediterranean. Faced with increasingly complex subsea survey requirements, the operator required a next-generation multiplexer capable of handling higher sensor payloads, optimising power usage, and accelerating mobilisation, without compromising reliability. The objective was to enhance operational efficiency, maximise vehicle uptime and future-proof the fleet through a scalable and standardised solution.
STR delivered the TitanMux system, purpose-built to support high-density multi-sensor configurations with intuitive power management and port flexibility. Its compact size, advanced diagnostics interface and standardised bulkhead design enabled faster mobilisation, streamlined onboard configuration, and the deployment of additional sensors without operational burden.
Beyond supplying equipment, STR provided technical support, rapid firmware updates and configuration optimisation to ensure seamless integration with existing systems throughout this initial operational trial. The team’s proactive and collaborative technical approach helped unlock the full capability of TitanMux from the very first deployment, without any disruption to the project.
Prior to adopting STR’s TitanMux, the operator faced several operational limitations with its previous multiplexer systems:
Demand for rapid adaptability: The operator needed a multiplexer capable of quickly adapting to evolving project acquisition requirements, advanced sensor packages and tooling payloads across diverse operational environments.
The STR TitanMux has delivered immediate and measurable improvements to subsea operations. Its intuitive interface has transformed real-time sensor monitoring, diagnostics and fault analysis, keeping operations fully operational while capturing valuable insights during deployment. Learnings from each operation were communicated continuously to STR’s research and development team, allowing firmware updates and optimisations to be applied without disrupting ongoing activities. This close collaboration ensured improvements were implemented seamlessly, enabling rapid decision-making and reducing downtime.
Key outcomes included:
Based at our Norway facility, Kjetil brings strong technical knowledge and a passion for subsea innovation to the STR team.
With a background in electrical engineering and extensive firsthand experience across both onshore and offshore operations, he has quickly settled into his role. After a recent visit to the UK to get to grips with STR’s processes, Kjetil is already supporting vessel spreads for clients and playing a key role in FMD scopes offshore.
We sat down with Kjetil to learn more about his background, what led him to STR and how he sees his role shaping the company’s presence in Norway.
“I actually started my career as a car mechanic which gave me a practical foundation and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Over time, I became more curious about complex systems and advanced engineering, which led me into the offshore and subsea industries.
“In my previous role at DeepOcean, I worked as an Electrical Engineer, focusing on maintaining and testing subsea control systems, supporting ROV operations and assisting with integration tasks on demanding offshore projects. I’ve worked extensively with both Kystdesign and Schilling ROV systems, which gave me great exposure to high-end subsea technology and control solutions.
“Joining STR felt like a natural next step. The company’s reputation for technical excellence and its forward-thinking approach to engineering development in the subsea sector really stood out to me. I wanted to be part of a team that combines deep engineering expertise with creativity and precision, constantly pushing what’s possible in the subsea industry.”
“What excites me most is the opportunity to help build and strengthen STR’s presence in Norway. There’s a solid focus at STR on collaboration, innovation and technical quality, and I think that can make a real difference in how projects are executed here, especially as offshore operations become more complex and technology-driven.
“Being part of something that is still growing and being able to support regional clients directly with local knowledge backed by STR’s global capabilities, is incredibly motivating.”
I’ve always been drawn to the combination of advanced technology, problem-solving and powerful collaboration that defines the subsea industry. No two projects are the same, and each one comes with its own challenges, which means you’re constantly learning, adapting, and finding solutions that are both practical and robust.
With backgrounds in both mechanical and electrical disciplines, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to system integration and troubleshooting. I focus on delivering solutions that perform reliably in demanding offshore environments – not just functional, but efficient and built to last.
STR is proud to welcome Kjetil to the team in Norway, where his practical technical ability and passion for advancing subsea solutions will play a key role in supporting our clients and expanding our regional capabilities.
Looking for local expertise, global capability and trusted subsea support in Norway? Get in touch with our team today.
STR partnered with specialist ROV provider Geo Oceans to deliver Flooded Member Detection (FMD) services for an offshore inspection campaign on Australia’s North West Shelf.
As part of the scope, we deployed our in-house STR SeaGamma FMD system alongside one of our most experienced field engineers. The wider inspection programme also included close visual inspections, cathodic protection (CP) measurements, cleaning tasks and FMD surveys.
FMD is a critical component of these campaigns, as undetected flooded members can create safety risks and lead to costly remedial action. By providing accurate verification, STR enabled Geo Oceans to meet its client’s risk-based inspection commitments and confirm the integrity of the platform structure.
STR managed the Flooded Member Detection (FMD) element of the project end-to-end, which included specialist equipment, an experienced Field Engineer and full data management and reporting.
Mobilisation was carried out through our Perth base, allowing Geo Oceans to access local support and avoid the added costs of international supply.
At the core of the service was STR’s SeaGamma FMD system, an ROV-deployed gamma radiation solution. As our primary FMD technology, SeaGamma is recognised for delivering rapid and reliable flooded member detection. Its proven accuracy and flexible deployment makes it particularly well suited to platform-based inspections. In this project, it was integrated with Geo Oceans’ platform-launched ROV operations, supporting efficient inspections and reducing offshore time.
This inspection did not present significant operational difficulties. The main requirement was strict compliance with client specifications and the ability to deliver services locally without relying on international mobilisation. While this could have created delays and added costs for other providers, STR’s established presence in Perth ensured the project was executed smoothly with the necessary equipment and expertise available on the ground.
To operate the system, STR supplied one of our most experienced Field Engineers, Martin O’Connell, who is also a qualified CSWIP 3.4U subsea inspection engineer. Martin’s dual qualifications brought a high level of technical capability to the FMD work, ensuring the surveys were executed efficiently and to a high standard. This combination of specialist expertise and advanced technology delivered reliable data collection and clear verification of structural integrity for the client.
The FMD inspections were completed efficiently and in line with the client’s programme requirements, with the SeaGamma system verifying member conditions and providing the assurance needed to meet regulatory commitments.
Delivered under a single point of responsibility, STR’s service covered equipment, personnel, data management and reporting, ensuring continuity from mobilisation through to final outputs. Mobilising through our Perth base avoided the delays and costs often associated with international supply, giving the client measurable savings on freight, visas and travel.
In addition, STR’s in-house reporting produced regulator-ready outputs, supporting compliance obligations and enabling results to be acted on without delay. This project highlights how STR’s global reach, local capability and integrated inspection services make us a trusted partner for operators seeking efficient, reliable solutions.
At STR, our mission is to provide customers with a competitive edge when it comes to their subsea projects, which is why we continuously strive to produce premium quality products and equipment to help enable superior data acquisition for our customers. A large part of this is investing in our locations around the world, ensuring we can provide an exceptional service offering across each region.
With this ongoing commitment in mind, we recently expanded our Singapore premises to a new location that offers enhanced capabilities. Not only is our new facility three times the size of our previous space, but it also embodies our drive to strengthen our subsea technology and equipment solutions, particularly within Asia Pacific.
Here, our Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Jason French, takes you on a visual tour of this exciting new facility, delving into its key features and what each new zone unlocks…
“This area is the first impression for anyone visiting our Singapore premises. It’s separate from the core working area of the facility and provides a welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy our hospitality.
Our previous premises had a more industrial feel, so this professional office space gives us the ability to have more in-person time with our customers and collaborate on projects before they reach the engineering stage. We have also had customers use our facilities to hold their own meetings with their external clients, this is something we’re passionate about facilitating as our aim is to always act as a strategic partner and extension of their team wherever possible, to help their operations run smoothly.“
“Flooded with natural light and with enough workstations for 10 engineers, which is significantly larger than our previous site, and a hub of activity where our team works on our equipment and develops solutions.
This workshop is also where the engineers carry out some of STR’s testing processes, all of which are governed by our technical centre of excellence, where we conduct internal compliance audits throughout the year in line with our Quality Management System.”
“Our new warehouse in Singapore is a vast space, roughly three times larger than our previous facility. This huge increase in size allows us to store more of our equipment at this site, which gives us the ability to deliver equipment in this region swiftly and efficiently.
“Inside, we have installed LED lights and large power-foil fans to keep the team cool while reducing our overall energy consumption. For equipment storage, we introduced new racking, with each piece of tech correlating to the location set in our asset database. Additionally, to keep our operations as green as possible, we’ve also sourced an electric forklift and electric van as well.”
“This test tank is our most recent addition here and one which we’re all very excited about. ts vast size means we can assess even some of our largest equipment with ease. Since a lot of our products are used underwater, it’s important that it all gets wet tested prior to being dispatched. In the test tank we can assess the water tightness and underwater functionality of our equipment, ensuring the quality is as it should be and providing our customers with peace of mind that it will work as expected once deployed.”
“The calibration lab is another significant stride forward for our Singapore team. The new facility is sufficiently equipped to undertake pressure calibrations on subsea equipment which, like our new test tank, further ensures the quality of our equipment and services.
“Our calibration lab is currently set up for pressure sensor calibrations using a dead weight tester in accordance with our well established global process for sensor calibrations and tests. We can certify our own equipment locally in the region, which leads to increased uptime and faster delivery for our customers.
“We also welcome customers who wish to attend our equipment testing process in person prior to the equipment being delivered to their worksites. In these instances, we can provide desk space and meeting facilities during the testing. Not only that, the calibration lab also provides the ability to check customer owned equipment in the same way as we would evaluate our own, offering additional support in terms of analysis.”
“Overall, our new Singapore facility is more than just a larger building; it’s a reflection of our mission to deliver enhanced subsea technology and equipment solutions in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. With such a huge investment in our development and capabilities, we’re looking forward to the next chapter for our Singapore team.”
Learn more about our unrivalled fleet of specialist equipment, and get in touch with the Singapore team: https://www.str-subsea.com/singapore/
STR supported Fugro with a large geophysical survey project for boulder detection around offshore wind farms across Europe.
By combining our high-quality winch technology with our unrivalled research and development capabilities, the STR team was able to provide a highly effective and reliable solution for Fugro, helping the company achieve the following target metrics:
By developing an understanding of Fugro’s project and specific requirements, the STR team provided a tailored solution to enhance the company’s geophysical survey project.
This involved not only providing our state-of-the-art electric winch technology, but also developing a bespoke solution to enable integration with the customer’s Scantrol Active Heave Control (AHC) system.
STR’s SeaTow 2000 was selected for this project, as it met and exceeded the customer’s operational requirements.
From its, low electrical noise (which ensures data quality is not impacted) and low environmental impact due to having no hydraulic fluids,
to its, Compact footprint, minimal maintenance requirements, cable capacity, class-leading interface capability, advanced electronic control system, high torque and mobilisation-ready design; this electric winch was recommended to provide a highly effective and reliable solution for Fugro’s offshore survey project.
Our research and development team worked closely with Fugro and Scantrol to create a bespoke integration between STR’s SeaTow 2000 and the Scantrol AHC system. Unlike other winch systems on the market, the STR SeaTow control system allowed the Scantrol system to be integrated to the winch’s digital communications system without physical modification of the winch.
The result of this advancement is that the AHC system can now be instantly connected to the remote interface of any STR SeaTow winch, with no requirement for additional customisation and development of the existing hardware.
From initial enquiry through to project commencement, we were in discussions with the Fugro team throughout, with our highly experienced technical team providing 24/7 support as well as assistance with integration.
Thanks to our innovative and industry-leading fleet of electric winches, unparalleled research and development capabilities, and highly skilled technical team, we are well equipped to support our customers’ offshore renewables projects and deliver significant cost efficiencies through the utilisation of cleaner subsea equipment, such as our SeaTow winches.
Initial feedback from Fugro is that the trials of the combined system using the SeaTow 2000 and Scantrol AHC system have been very successful and are working well to improve data quality, which has been reiterated by Scantrol. Due to a reduction in vessel down time, Fugro is expecting significant ROI to be achieved.
On the back of this, the successful testing that took place during the research and development stages of this project has resulted in the integration of Scantrol AHC system being readily available in all STR’s SeaTow winches, proving a differentiating capability for our range of geophysical survey equipment for future customers. Following the positive outcome, STR is continuing to support Fugro on its other developmental requirements.
Ben Ayres
Geophysics Technical Group Leader – Europe & Africa
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