OCEAN ENGINEERING
SubCtech is a privately-owned company specialising in underwater techno subsea solutions and ocean monitoring systems. The company strives to p reliable and modern solutions that meet evolving customer requirements
Stefan Marx discussed sustainable investments and SubCtech’s dedica to innovation, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Offering ocean power and monitoring solutions, German-based SubCtech is at the forefront of innovation within the market, CEO Stefan Marx said: “We have provided the world’s largest, fully-certified underwater 1MWh Li-ion . I am very proud of this achievement and how it will progress the industry.”
Originating with three members of staff in 2010, the company has now grown to employ 75 people and is recognised as an international market leader of seawate r climate measuring devices and underwater Li-ion batteries. SubCtech has manufactured more than 60 large measurement systems for ships and 5MWh of battery energy for underwater systems.
“The company was founded to combine marine technologies with environmental protection and sustainable developments,” explained Mr Marx. “Our products enable people to monitor the environment, which is the first step to protecting it. For example, measuring the levels of carbon dioxide is essential in preserving our oceans.” ologies, provide s. CEO ation
Alongside reliable ocean power and monitoring products, SubCtech also offers consultancy services. The company strives to meet all customer requirements and therefore, engages with clients to resolve the most complex tasks and challenges. Both SubCtech’s high-quality products and attentive service attribute to the success of the company and its consistent CGAR of over 25%.
Ocean operations
In terms of ocean monitoring systems, SubCtech offers a broad portfolio of equipment, from ultra-compact instruments to complete 19” rack systems. These can measure for pCO2, as well as other parameters. The company has a selection of surface, subsea and atmo sphere systems, as well as sensors, samplers, software and accessories to fully satisfy customer requirements. Additionally, in terms of ocean power, the company offers subsea UPS, ROV and AUV batteries, which can be used for a variety of applications including marine research. More specifically, SubCtech provides customised batteries, tailored to client needs. Through advanced technology and knowledge, the company is able to adapt products to better suit specific customer requirements.
SubCtech strives to offer clients the best experience and guarantee satisfaction with the end result, Mr Marx continued:
“We develop our products specifically for the client, aligning our designs with their needs. This involves ensuring that our products are extremely easy to operate at sea, highly reliable and also efficient. Sustainability is at the forefront of our designs, the efficiency of our products not only reduces costs, but also minimises the customers’ carbon footprint and contributes to a more environmentally conscious industry overall.”
As well as this, SubCtech equips products with functionality and reliability. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, meaning all
products are produced to a high-quality. Therefore, monitoring systems and batteries last longer, eliminating the need for replacements, minimising waste and harmful emissions.
If any difficulties do arise, then SubCtech prioritises transparent and open communication with customers. The company’s engineers are always available to directly discuss concerns with clients throughout every stage of the installation process and usage. Any issues are then solved by SubCtech’s skilled and experienced team, ensuring client satisfaction.
Industry innovations
“To find the best solutions for our customers and stay technologically ahead, we collaborate on projects with research institutes and universities,” said Mr Marx. “We are globally networked and reinvest significant funds into research, giving us more opportunities and dynamism.”
An example of this investment is SubCtech’s highly efficient underwater Li-ion batteries. These batteries bring electromobility underwater as they can be used in underwater drones. They can then fulfil a variety of purposes, from protecting critical infrastructure to energy generation. The company has delivered and deployed the world's largest 2MWh batteries, highlighting SubCtech’s capabilities.
SubCtech will be presenting its efficient Li-ion batteries at ONS, a leading trade fair in the European energy generation sector. The batteries contribute to safe
and environmentally friendly energy production and the company will demonstrate its success with the deployment of the worlds first megawatt-hour battery system in energy generation.
“We are looking forward to meeting key decision-makers from companies and corporations,” said Mr Marx. “Incorporating our new technology into future major projects and solving challenges within the industry is what we are aiming for. Our battery systems will make achieving zero emissions possible, which is why our technology is essential for the industry.”
Sustainable systems
Using SubCtech’s equipment on the Volvo Ocean Race boats, IMOCA class, Boris Herrmann and others collect data in new areas. This monitoring allows experts to create a full portrait of ocean research and gain a better understanding of the environment. Additionally, this significantly improves climate models, which are extremely important with rising environmental concerns.
SubCtech is very proud to have equipped the largest fleet in the world with this technology, Mr Marx added: “Ocean monitoring is essential for our planet and our expertise in delivering specialised, durable and efficient underwater technologies makes it possible. However, we are also investing in the sustainability of our own facilities and operations.”
The company has converted all lamps to LEDs and uses low-power devices to reduce energy consumption and overall carbon footprint. As well as this, SubCtech is planning to create more charging stations for electric vehicles and offers public transportation tickets to encourage employees to be more sustainable too.
On a larger scale, the company is restructuring and improving processes to become more efficient. Through the implementation of digital solutions,
SubCtech hopes to conserve time, energy and resources. This will significantly reduce the company’s environmental impact and is set to be achieved within the next five years. After that, SubCtech plans to continuously adapt and adjust this system, steadily improving results.
“Sustainability has always been prevalent within the company,” revealed Mr Marx. “Winning the French-German Prize of Economy award in the Environment category in 2013 was a testament to this. It was a great event and illustrates how important this topic is, which is why we are also doing a lot to support environmental projects around the world.”
In Schleswig-Holstein, the company supports a project that encourages students to engage with marine life and ecosystems on sailing boats. By supporting young people in developing a connection to nature, the environment will be protected into the future as the students grow up.
“Working for SubCtech is very rewarding,” added Mr Marx, in conclusion. “Every day, I am excited to overcome challenges within an excellent and highly motivated team. It’s great to see our success grow over the years and the positive impact we’re having on the environment.” n
