This week the team spent a productive day at Capernwray Diving Centre in Lancashire, England, putting the ISS360 sonar series through its paces. 

By deploying our range of high performance imaging sonars from pole mounts, tripods and a Blueye Robotics ROV allows us to test the performance in a range of deployment scenarios. 
 
It’s one thing to talk about performance; it’s another to see it mapping underwater wrecks in real-time. 
 
A successful trip with even better results. Check out some highlights from the day! 

Here’s Capernwray Diving Centre Website: https://www.dive-site.co.uk/

Looking forward, Impact Subsea continues to invest in the long-term development of the ISS360 and ISS360HD Sonar.  Further new developments in the ISS360 range are expected to be released later in 2026.  

[Explore the ISS360 Series] | [Access the SDK on GitHub] |

[ISS360 YouTube Playlist] |

Impact Subsea is proud to highlight the continuous development and global success of the ISS360 Imaging Sonar series.   

Since its groundbreaking debut in 2020, the ISS360 has evolved into the industry’s premier solution for Subsea Imaging on ROV and AUV for navigation and target identification, offering a modern, high-performance replacement for legacy, scanning sonar systems. 

A Five-Year Journey of Technical Excellence 

Launched in March 2020 as the world’s smallest scanning, imaging sonar, the ISS360 was designed to provide a step-change in capability for the underwater vehicle market.  

The ISS360 Imaging Sonar has undergone development, evolving from the world’s most compact, scanning sonar into a high-definition powerhouse that outperforms systems many times its size. 

Over the past five years, Impact Subsea has maintained a rigorous development roadmap to meet the increasing demands of the subsea industry: 

• 2020: The Foundation: Introduced resilient operation via inductive coupling, entirely removing the need for slip rings, a common failure point in traditional scanning sonars. 

• 2021: Extreme Depth: Launched the 6,000-meter rated ISS360, featuring a Titanium housing and specialized pressure-compensated components for ultra-deepwater missions. 

• 2022: High-Definition Clarity: The launch of the ISS360HD brought a 1° acoustic angular resolution and a 2.5mm range resolution, enabling operators to identify targets in zero-visibility conditions with unprecedented detail. 

• 2023: Seamless Integration: Direct GitHub access to an Open-Source Software Development Kit (SDK), allowing AUV developers to integrate the sonar directly into bespoke software packages. 

• 2024: Released Impact Subsea Signalling Scheme (IS³): To reduce interference between sonars operating in close proximity to each other.  This advanced signalling scheme makes use of CHIRP combined with Phase Shift modulation and coding.  

• 2024: Released the ISP360: Expanding the sonar range with a profiling sonar option. 

Seamless Integration: Open-Source SDK 

Impact Subsea believes in empowering users to push the boundaries of subsea autonomy. To facilitate this, the company provides a free, open-source Software Development Kit (SDK) for direct integration. This operating-system-independent library, available via GitHub, has allowed AUV developers and manufacturers to integrate the ISS360 sonar directly into bespoke software packages, enabling custom interfaces and advanced vehicle autonomy. 

The Ideal Upgrade for Legacy Systems 

If your operations relied on recently discontinued compact scanning sonar lines, the ISS360 offers a superior path forward. It was designed from the ground up to exceed legacy sonar performance in every metric. 

While the ISS360 represents the cutting edge of sonar development, Impact Subsea understands that reliability is built on support. The company is dedicated to providing long-term availability and comprehensive technical support for the ISS360 range.  

To ensure peak performance throughout the life of the sensor, Impact Subsea offers professional servicing to maintain seal integrity, O-rings and calibration. 

Proven Performance for Subsea Imaging 

The ISS360 has earned “performance wins” in some of the most challenging subsea environments. Notable achievements include: 

• High-Value Recovery: Guiding a Mohawk ROV to recover over $1 million in lost oceanographic equipment in near-zero visibility. 

• Scientific Autonomy: Integration into the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) REMUS AUVs for advanced obstacle avoidance. 

• Infrastructure Lead: Trusted by Bay Dynamics for high-precision reservoir inspections. 

• Cable Touchdown Monitoring: Integrated with North Sea Systems’ innovative CableFish® system. 

“The ISS360 was designed to be a step-change in the miniature sonar market,” says Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea. “Advanced acoustics enable excellent image clarity and by eliminating slip rings and utilising Titanium as standard, we provide a more physically resilient sonar. When combined with our expert service and support, the ISS360 offers a level of longevity and performance that was previously unavailable in a sonar of this size.” 

Looking forward, Impact Subsea continues to invest in the long-term development of the ISS360 and ISP360 Sonar range.  Further new developments in the ISS360 range are expected to be released later in 2026.  

Ready to upgrade your underwater vision? 

[Explore the ISS360 Series] | [Access the SDK on GitHub] | [ISS360 YouTube Playlist] 

Today, we had the honour of welcoming the Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, to present our King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, one of the highest accolades a UK business can receive.

Formerly known as the Queen’s Award, this prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding achievement across innovation, international trade, sustainable development and social mobility.

Earlier this year, we were informed that we were among the 116 organisations acknowledged for contributions to International Trade, across 197 total organisations recognised with a King’s Award.

This milestone follows our 2021 Queen’s Award for Innovation, highlighting our continued commitment to excellence, global growth and supporting the UK subsea industry on the world stage.

Today’s presentation is not just a company achievement, it’s a celebration of the hard work, passion and dedication of our entire team.

This royal recognition follows a decade of rapid expansion, marked by our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, where we reflected on our journey from a small Scottish start-up to a global subsea technology provider.

Here’s to continued innovation, collaboration and international impact.

We’re proud to share that Impact Subsea has been named in the Marine Technology Reporter Top 100 (MTR100) for the 9th consecutive year.

The MTR100 recognises the most influential companies driving innovation across offshore energy, subsea defence and scientific industries.

Our continued inclusion in this list is a testament to the team’s dedication to advancing underwater technology and delivering reliable, high-quality sensor solutions.

“We are proud to be recognised by the Marine Technology Reporter for our hard work and dedication to providing users with quality and reliable sensors.”

Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea.

📖 Read more on page 29 of the latest issue: https://magazines.marinelink.com/nwm/MarineTechnology/202509/#page/31

Impact Subsea is pleased to announce the appointment of Spry Technocon Pvt. Ltd. as its new distributor in India to further enhance support and accessibility for users across the region.

Based in Gurugram, with regional offices situated at strategic locations across India, Spry Technocon brings over 35 years of industry experience delivering precision-driven solutions for the marine sectors. Their portfolio includes advanced technologies for underwater sensing, site positioning and machine control, making them ideally positioned to support the growing demand for Impact Subsea sensors in India’s underwater and offshore industries.

Spry Technocon will provide customers with streamlined access to Impact Subsea’s full range of underwater sensors, including sonars, altimeters, depth sensors, AHRS and flooded member detection systems.

Amol Merwade, Vice-President of Spry Technocon, commented:
“At Spry, we strive to accelerate technology adoption by connecting our customers with globally trusted innovations. Our association with Impact Subsea marks a significant milestone in this journey. With their cutting-edge underwater sensor technologies and our deep understanding of the Indian market and subsea workspace, we are confident in delivering value to industries working in challenging underwater environment.”

Ace Awaad, Technical Sales & Training Manager at Impact Subsea, added:
“We’re delighted to welcome Spry Technocon as an official distributor in India. Their strong technical capability and established presence in key regions will provide exceptional local support to our growing user base in the country.”

This collaboration reflects Impact Subsea’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and ensuring sensor users have access to expert support wherever they operate.

Contact Spry Technocon Pvt. Ltd.

Tel: +(91) 9810395706
Email: info@spryindia.co.in
Website: www.spryindia.co.in

For more information about Spry Technocon, visit: https://www.impactsubsea.co.uk/spry-technocon/

Impact Subsea is proud to announce it has been honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The King’s Award for Enterprise, formerly known as the Queen’s Award, is one of the most coveted accolades for UK businesses. This latest honour in International Trade follows Impact Subsea’s previous success in winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2021, highlighting the company’s consistent commitment to excellence and growth.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are awarded annually by His Majesty The King and celebrate outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.

Impact Subsea’s recognition in the International Trade category reflects its exceptional success in expanding its global footprint and supporting the UK’s international trade efforts. The company is one of just 197 organisations to receive this prestigious honour in 2025 and among 116 recognised specifically for excellence in International Trade.

As a leading force in the subsea technology sector, the company provides cutting-edge sensors and systems, including sonar, altimeters, depth and temperature sensors, attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS) and a state-of-the-art Flooded Member Detection System.

Their solutions are compact, reliable and used on ROVs, AUVs and in various underwater applications, including offshore energy, defence, marine science and environmental monitoring. Their commitment to innovation and delivering high-quality products has enabled them to build strong relationships with sensor users worldwide.

Ben Grant, Managing Director of Impact Subsea, said: 

“Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of the entire Impact Subsea team.

It’s a proud moment for us, recognising our commitment to excellence and our success in expanding our reach in the global, subsea technology sector. This award inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the world stage.”

This award underscores Impact Subsea’s strategic focus on international markets and its ability to compete successfully on a global scale. The company’s dedication to providing advanced subsea solutions has not only driven its own growth but has also contributed to the UK’s reputation for excellence in engineering and technology.

Impact Subsea has announced a distributor agreement with Ashtead Technology Singapore. This collaboration will broaden access to Impact Subsea’s innovative sensor technology for ROV and AUV applications within the region.

This agreement builds upon the existing relationship between the two companies, following Ashtead Technology’s acquisition of Seatronics last year. It leverages Ashtead Technology Singapore’s established presence, market expertise and comprehensive service offerings to provide customers with another avenue to access Impact Subsea’s cutting-edge sensors.

Impact Subsea develops cutting-edge subsea sensors and systems, including sonar, altimeters, depth/temperature, AHRS and a Flooded Member Detection System. Their solutions are compact, reliable and used on ROVs, AUVs and in various underwater applications. Their technology is widely used in inspection, survey and monitoring applications across various industries, including offshore energy, oceanographic research, and subsea construction.

Through this distributor agreement, Impact Subsea’s range of sensor solutions will be available for purchase and rental through Ashtead Technology Singapore. This partnership provides customers in the region with increased flexibility and choice when sourcing advanced underwater technology.

Ben Grant, Managing Director of Impact Subsea commented:

“Collaborating with Ashtead Technology Singapore is an important step in expanding the reach of our advanced sensor technology. Their established presence and reputation in the local subsea market, combined with their commitment to customer service, makes them a valuable partner. This agreement provides sensor users with another convenient way to access our high-performance sensors and benefit from their expertise.”

Artur Gaylin, Regional General Manager, Ashtead Technology Singapore added:

“We are pleased to partner with Impact Subsea and offer their innovative sensor solutions to our customers in Singapore. Their technology complements our existing portfolio, further enhancing our ability to provide a comprehensive range of high-quality equipment for subsea projects. We look forward to working with Impact Subsea and supporting our customers with these advanced solutions.”

Contact Ashtead Technology Singapore

Impact Subsea is experiencing a period of rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for its innovative sensors.  This expansion includes the recent move to larger premises, the launch of cutting-edge technologies and the upcoming celebration of its 10th anniversary, creating exciting career opportunities for skilled professionals.

New Innovations Fuel Demand

Impact Subsea’s success is built on its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable underwater sensors for a variety of applications.  The recent launch of the ISP360 Profiling Sonar has been met with significant interest from the industry, further solidifying the company’s position as a market leader. 

“The ISP360 represents a significant advancement in profiling sonar technology, offering unparalleled performance and ease of use,”

says Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea. 

“We’re also working on several other exciting product releases later this year, which will further enhance our portfolio and better support our growing customer base.”

Expanding to Meet Demand

To accommodate this growth and prepare for future expansion, Impact Subsea has recently moved to larger, more modern facilities. This increased space will allow the company to scale its operations and continue to develop cutting-edge technologies.

A Decade of Innovation

Adding to the excitement, Impact Subsea will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on February 17, 2025.

“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust users of our sensors have placed in us,”

says Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past decade and excited for what the future holds.”

Join the Impact Subsea Team – We’re Hiring

As Impact Subsea continues to grow, the company is seeking talented individuals to join its dynamic team.  Current open positions include:

• Production Technician: Working closely within the production team to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products and contribute to product development.
• Technical Sales Engineer: This is an opportunity to use your technical knowledge and sales skills to generate and develop new sales leads.
• Technical Support Engineer: Become a vital part of our team pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in subsea sensor support.
• Stores & Logistics Coordinator: Working closely with the operations team to plan order dispatches, manage imports and exports and maintain accurate records.

“These are exciting opportunities to be part of a growing company at the forefront of underwater technology,”

adds Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea.

“We offer a competitive compensation package, a collaborative work environment and the chance to contribute to the development of cutting-edge products.”

Learn More and Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Impact Subsea Careers Page to learn more about the company and apply for open positions.

The ISP360 is a high-performance profiling sonar that sets a new standard in measurement precision and range capability. 

A highly compact and power efficient 1° profiling sonar, with up to 80 meters range and a 0.35mm timing resolution.  The ISP360 provides sonar imagery with profiler points overlaid on top of this.  Each point can then be logged or output to a survey package to enable the creation of a 3D points cloud.

Acoustically the ISP360 can operate over the frequency range of 650kHz to 1.25MHz using Continuous Wave (CW), Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) or the Impact Subsea Signalling Scheme (IS³).  

IS³ Impact Subsea Signalling Scheme uses advanced phase modulation and coding techniques to provide exceptional signal integrity, timing accuracy and range resolution. IS³ provides the range resolution benefits of CHIRP acoustics but without the angular distortion inherent in CHIRP signalling. 

Critically IS³ also allows multiple ISP360 profilers to operate with minimised interference. This removes the requirement for ‘ping syncing’ traditionally required for multiple mechanically scanned profilers – enabling much faster scanning capability when using multiple profilers and thus decreased survey times.  

Ben Grant, Managing Director of Impact Subsea commented;

“We are excited to introduce the ISP360 Profiling Sonar to the market. The ISP360 is a game-changer for underwater profiling and positioning.

With integrated IS³ Impact Subsea Signalling Scheme coupled with a highly sensitive broadband composite transducer, the ISP360 delivers unparalleled accuracy for sonar profiling with optional pitch and roll, all from a single device.” 

Below is example imagery from the ISP360 Profiling Sonar. 

The ISP360 offers a number of key features and benefits, including: 

The ISP360 is perfect for a wide range of underwater applications, including: 

Ben Grant, Managing Director of Impact Subsea also commented;

“The ISP360 is a valuable asset for anyone who needs to collect accurate and detailed data about the underwater environment. With its advanced features and versatility, we are confident that the ISP360 will quickly become the industry standard for mechanically scanned sonar profiling.

If you’re looking for a powerful, all-in-one solution for your sonar profiling needs, the ISP360 is the perfect choice.”  

Learn more about the ISP360

Impact Subsea, today shared the results of a study comparing the performance of its ISS360 and ISS360HD imaging sonars for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) obstacle avoidance.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, was presented at the IEEE AUV Symposium in Boston.

Led by Andrew Motz, Nathan McGuire and Jeff Kaeli, the study evaluated the two sonar systems under various underwater conditions, including different ranges and target types. The researchers compared the sonars’ signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), average target strength, average noise level, overall average intensity and level of sensor saturation.

The results were clear: the ISS360HD demonstrated superior performance in all categories, particularly in terms of SNR, which is crucial for detecting obstacles at longer ranges and in challenging underwater environments.

This improved performance is due to the increased angular resolution of the ISS360HD, which enables the ISS360HD to capture more detailed and accurate information about the surrounding environment.

Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea said;

“With the ISS360HD sonar we were keen to provide high resolution sonar imagery to all classes of underwater ROV and AUV. We are pleased to review the exciting work of MIT and WHOI and their thoughts on the ISS360HD benefits for future AUV integrations.” 

The study’s findings have important implications for the marine technology industry, as AUVs are increasingly being used for a wide range of applications, including scientific research, offshore exploration and environmental monitoring.

The ISS360HD’s superior obstacle avoidance capabilities can help to ensure the safety and reliability of AUV operations while also improving their efficiency and effectiveness.

The ISS360HD sonar page

Comparing Sonar Suitability for AUV Obstacle Avoidance Poster

A previously published paper focused on using Impact Subsea sonars within AUVs as part of an automated obstacle avoidance system. Using the ISS360 sonar with the Remus 100 AUV.