Argyll marine firm scales up with new high tech survey vessel

An Argyll based marine science firm is commissioning a new high tech survey vessel as part of its further expansion after securing investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The project by Oban based Tritonia scientific Limited will support four jobs and is forecast to increase the company’s turnover by more than £1m within three years.

The underwater research and technology company is part of the industry cluster in marine, aquaculture and life sciences based at the European Marine Science Park, developed by HIE at Dunstaffnage (EMSP) near Oban.

Tritonia was established in 2018 and now employs 17 people. It specializes in providing underwater scientific and technical services, primarily focused on marine research and environmental monitoring.

The company offers expertise in areas such as seabed surveys using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), diver-based scientific work, and hydrographic monitoring.

Clients include companies in marine industries, and governmental agencies that need clear evidence of the exact conditions of the seabed, or submerged structures in the marine environment.

Tritonia has a growing reputation for ensuring accurate and high-quality data collection in challenging underwater environments.

HIE has approved up to £37,471 towards the total project costs, which includes building a new seven-metre catamaran and kitting it out with state-of-the-art electronic equipment that has a primary objective of supporting semi-autonomous ROV surveying.

The project combines the most recent marine survey innovations into a single new type of survey vessel with advanced positioning and navigation systems integrated into modified observation class ROVs with pioneering data recording capabilities.

This will more than double Tritonia’s capacity to collect precise three-dimensional (3D) mapping data based on a process known as photogrammetry.

It will enable the company to expand in response to increased market demand for its hydrographic services and underpin its position at the forefront of marine survey technologies.

It’s expected that the new vessel will have applications in the marine renewables sector and aquaculture, as well as generating baseline spatial planning information for extensive areas of seabed.

Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s areas manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:

“We have worked with Tritonia Scientific since the company started here at the European Marine Science Park. It has grown steadily in line with advances in our marine industries and provides valuable skilled employment opportunities and new career options for graduates.

“This latest expansion project will strengthen the company’s position in the market and the contribution it makes to Argyll’s economy. I’m very pleased we are able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with Tritonia as the new vessel is commissioned.”

Martin Sayer, managing director at Tritonia said:

“The new survey vessel will enhance our operational capabilities and will allow us to conduct more efficient and advanced marine surveys. With a dedicated vessel, our company can expand our range of underwater scientific and technical services, while enabling us to access a wider range of sites, which in turn will support larger projects.

“We are working closely with our sister company Ocean Ecology who are also located at the EMSP near Oban and who have a focus on environmental monitoring.

“Both companies appreciate the investment made by HIE as it will strengthen our position as innovators in applied marine science and technology.”