STS Defence’s Comeback at Oceanology 2022

STS Defence launched its latest subsea technology at Oceanology International 2022 earlier this month. Attending the ExCel in London for the first time in two years, our subsea team not only unveiled their innovative SeaBeacon Optical/Electrical hybrid connector, but also their involvement with the Orbital Marine Power O2 Tidal Turbine and QED Naval’s SubHub vehicle.

SeaBeacon – What makes it Unique?
The cutting-edge SeaBeacon Optical/Electrical hybrid connector range is a first of its kind due to the development of hybrid Optical/Electrical variants, and the all-optical MiniBeacon connectors. These connectors are based on proven, commercially available, Expanded Beam (EB) interconnect solutions which offer significant benefits over traditional Physical Contact (PC) products for harsh environment applications. EB technology is better suited to the industry due to the rugged nature of their design, ease of cleaning and resilience. Alongside innovations from the smallest single-way Coaxial and high density electrical ‘Minnow’ connectors through to the high power products for Tidal generation, the addition of optical products further augments the STS Defence capability matrix.

Orbital Marine Power O2 Tidal Turbine
Our Subsea team designed and manufactured ruggedised underwater high power, low voltage, control and data cables for the Orbital Marine Power O2 Tidal Turbine which is currently generating power off the Orkney Islands. Working in collaboration with offshore engineering specialists, ETA Connect, these connectors and bespoke cables were specifically developed for the project in short timescales. Measuring up to 180mm in diameter and 9kg in weight, these are the largest ever produced by STS Defence.
Building from this success, STS Defence has recently installed similar products on the QED Naval SubHub vehicle, which is due to go into service in the Solent in Spring 2022.