We're gearing up for an incredible 2025 MATE ROV Competition World Championship next month in Alpena, Michigan! From exploring the Great Lakes to diving into maritime history at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this year's event is shaping up to be unforgettable.
By: Hans VanSumeren
The International Conference on AI for the Oceans (ICAIO) 2025, held April 16-18 and hosted by the MTS India Section in partnership with SRMIST, showcased how artificial intelligence is transforming ocean science, technology, and sustainability. Endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science and supported by MoES, NIOT, and other key institutions, the event brought together global experts across academia, industry, and government.
PRESS RELEASE
As we navigate our careers in marine technology, and especially during uncertain times, one truth remains clear: connectivity is key. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your journey, being part of a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships. That’s why, as MTS’s new VP of ECOPs (Early Career Ocean Professionals), I am excited to invite you to engage with the MTS ECOP Community – agrowing, informal space within MTS designed to help you build those critical connections.
The last month has come with a whirlwind of activity from the new US Administration. Like many around the world, I've been watching the news with equal parts interest and surprise. Each new administration, in any nation, comes into power with a mandate to make change, to build a legacy, and to set policy priorities that resonate with the voice of the electorate. The second Trump administration is certainly no exception to this rule—though the pace at which they are driving change has caught many in the US, and around the world, by surprise.
Houston, TX – February 12, 2025 – The Marine Technology Society (MTS) Dynamic Positioning (DP) Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Mat Bateman as the new Treasurer. Mat brings a wealth of experience to the role, underpinned by his extensive background in marine technology and mission-critical systems.
The Canadian Maritimes Section recently conducted its elections for officer positions, and we are delighted to announce the new leadership team, whose terms will run through June 30, 2026.
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) was proud to take part in the momentous naming ceremony of the future USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and the future USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26). The first-in-class and second ship of the newly designated Explorer-class ocean surveillance ships honor the legacies of two pioneers in ocean exploration: the late Captain Don Walsh, USN and Commander Victor Lance Vescovo, USNR (Ret).
Happy New Year, MTS Members!
As the end of 2024 draws near, I am honored to share some thoughts and observations with our global members. This marks my final message as President, as I will transition to Immediate Past President at the end of the year. Over the past two years, MTS has achieved remarkable growth and I am thrilled to share some highlights.
The New England Section recently conducted its elections for officer positions, and we are delighted to announce the new leadership team, whose terms will run through June 30, 2026. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nick Rotker, MITRE, for his service as past Chair and are pleased to welcome the following Section officers:
MTS is proud to be a supporter of Ocean Exchange, a global leader in accelerating innovative solutions for healthy oceans and a sustainable blue economy. This year marked the 13th anniversary of Ocean Exchange’s prestigious award competition, which continues to draw groundbreaking startups from around the world. Finalists represented seven countries, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet.
I hope this message finds you well as we near the end of another remarkable year for the MTS community. Our HQ team was in New Orleans earlier this month for Underwater Intervention and the annual Submarine Symposium, both in collaboration with the WorkBoat Show. It was a great opportunity to visit with members, expand partnerships, and learn from a robust technical program throughout the show.
This month, the MTS Houston Section BBQ brought together members, sponsors, and partners to support and celebrate marine technology education and innovation. With the support of our generous sponsors, the event provided $39,600 in scholarships to future leaders in ocean engineering, robotics, and marine technology.
In its third year, the Marine Technology Society (MTS) EMERGE (Emerging Leaders in Marine Technology) program provided critical support for promising ocean professionals to attend the OCEANS Halifax 2024 Conference. This year, the program hosted 14 participants and included attendees from all backgrounds: early career professionals, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
We are saddened by the incredible impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton on communities along the Gulf of Mexico and in the Southeastern United States this month. MTS has hundreds of members, partners, and staff members in the region – including our SeaMATE Store fulfillment center in eastern Tennessee. Many in our community have been severely impacted by these storms -- they are all at the forefront of our thoughts. To help translate our sympathy and concern into action, MTS has donated to the Hurricanes Milton and Helene fund at American Red Cross. There are dozens of exceptional organizations providing much-needed support to impacted communities from Tennessee, through the Carolinas, and across Florida. Please consider how you can represent the compassion and generosity of our community by assisting those who need our help.
Fugro is the world's leading Geo-data specialist. We map, model, and monitor the natural and built environment, unlocking insights from Geo-data to support the energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Our focus on ocean, coastal, and inland environments aligns with MTS's goal of advancing marine technology awareness and applications.
