SAMS news room

Research at SAMS that combines expertise in artificial intelligence, marine robotics and marine biology to help assess marine growth of offshore structures has been recognised at The Scottish Green Energy Awards.

SAMS won the Judges Award at the event in Edinburgh last night (December 4) for its work on using ROV inspection footage, advanced 3D photogrammetry and machine learning to generate precise 3D maps of marine growth, automatically identify organisms and accurately estimate biomass.

The method provides an accurate and more cost-effective assessment for offshore renewables companies when compared with the current use of intermittent bespoke surveys.

Run by leading industry body Scottish Renewables, The Scottish Green Energy Awards is the largest celebration of renewable energy in the UK and an annual celebration of the organisations, people and projects shaping Scotland’s clean energy future. 

The prestigious awards saw more than 50 individuals, companies and projects contest prizes in 14 categories at the 1,600-guest ceremony. 

Daniel Carcajona, Business Development Manager at SAMS Enterprise, collected the award on behalf of the SAMS team, including his research colleagues Drs Tom Wilding, Joe Marlow and John Halpin.

Daniel said: “Marine growth is a major issue offshore, yet most existing ROV footage is not fit for monitoring. Our innovative methodology transforms routine video into excellent ecological data, enabling biomass quantification, machine-learning ID and predictive models to support research, lower costs and guide sustainable design and monitoring.

“Scotland’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind, urgently needs accurate, cost-effective monitoring of marine growth. Operators must know what and where marine growth is, yet current industry guidance is highly inaccurate.

“Using routine ROV inspection footage, advanced 3D photogrammetry and machine learning, we generate precise 3D maps of marine growth, automatically identify organisms and accurately estimate biomass. This delivers a step change from the current ‘snapshot’ assessments.”

Last night’s winners were selected by a panel of independent judges. The prestigious Judges Award goes to a project, organisation or person that fits the criteria across a number of awards categories, or one which has genuinely shifted the dial for the industry.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The Scottish Green Energy Awards are always a truly special occasion and for more than 20 years they have been recognising our industry's unwavering commitment to setting new standards through world-class innovation and expertise.

“The continued growth of this event reflects the wider growth we have seen across our £15 billion industry which now employs more than 47,000 people across Scotland.

“These awards are so important as they allow us to come together as an industry and look back on the successes we’ve achieved this year. There is so much for our industry to be proud of, and that is reflected in an outstanding list of finalists.

“The calibre of those shortlisted is nothing short of inspiring and shows that we have outstanding individuals leading the way toward a stronger and more prosperous future.

“My congratulations go to all off this year’s nominees, and of course winners.”

Find out more about marine growth services at SAMS Enterprise.