What Aquatec Group does

Aquatec Group is a privately held marine technology company founded in 1989 by Andy Smerdon in Hampshire, United Kingdom, specializing in underwater measurement, monitoring, and communication solutions for subsea environments. The company designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of depth-rated instruments (up to 11,000m) organized across three divisions: Subsea Integrity (covering leak detection, hydrotest monitoring, strain monitoring, cathodic protection, and pipeline temperature monitoring), TECPRIME Sediment Solved (acoustic backscatter sediment profilers and turbidity loggers, including technology licensed from Sequoia Scientific), and Marine Bioacoustics (underwater soundscape monitoring). Core technologies include multi-frequency acoustic backscatter for sediment profiling, optical and acoustic subsea modems for data communication, fluorometric/passive-acoustic/thermal leak detection, and self-powered ROV-installable monitoring clamps; the proprietary AQUAtalk software suite ties the hardware ecosystem together. Aquatec holds ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, multiple registered trademarks (AQUAscat®, AQUAmodem®, LEAKlog®, KINEKtron®, PIPEguardian®, SHIELD™, CPguardian®, HYDROlog®), and has won repeated industry recognition including ASME Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement awards in 2022 and 2023.

The company's business model is built on quote-based hardware sales of subsea instruments, supplemented by recurring service and calibration contracts (UKAS traceable facilities in Basingstoke), equipment rental through a strategic partnership with RTS, and bespoke custom R&D and consulting services. It operates through a hybrid direct enterprise sales motion (UK headquarters plus US sales office in Houston and Canadian regional headquarters at COVE in Nova Scotia) combined with an extensive authorized representative network spanning 18+ countries across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania. Customer segments span offshore oil and gas operators (subsea asset integrity, pipeline leak detection, cathodic protection, flow assurance), offshore wind operators (jacket foundation monitoring, cable monitoring), marine research institutions and universities (sediment transport studies, oceanographic research via the Aquatec Equipment Awards Programme), and environmental agencies (water quality, turbidity, dredging impact assessment). Aquatec operates as a wholly founder-led, privately funded entity with no disclosed external investors and a headcount in the 11-50 range, supplemented by a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary (Aquatec Subsea Inc.) and a 2025 specialist subsidiary (TECPRIME Technology Limited) for particle and suspension technologies.

Name

Aquatec Group

Legal name

Aquatec Group Ltd

Website

https://aquatecgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Marine technology company designing underwater measurement, monitoring, and communication instruments for offshore oil and gas operators, offshore wind developers, marine research institutions, and environmental agencies worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Subsea Monitoring and Measurement Instruments

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing (334514)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Totalizing Fluid Meters & Counting Devices (3824)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring) (IMAJAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems (IMABAGAD)

Keywords

• Subsea monitoring instruments
• Pipeline integrity monitoring
• Underwater leak detection
• Acoustic sediment profiling
• Oceanographic measurement systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Basingstoke

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Subsea Instruments: Sale of underwater monitoring instruments including pressure/temperature loggers, acoustic sediment profilers, leak detection systems, strain monitoring clamps, and communication modems. Products are sold directly and through representative network globally.
2. Equipment Rental: Rental of subsea monitoring equipment including LEAKlog® devices through partnership with RTS - Rental Technology & Services. Provides flexible access for short-term projects.
3. Service & Calibration: Annual service and calibration program ensuring optimal precision and longevity of instruments. Includes in-house UKAS traceable calibration services for temperature and pressure at Basingstoke facilities.
4. Custom R&D and Consulting: Custom research and development services and consulting for bespoke subsea monitoring solutions. Offers instrument concept, design, and delivery for projects beyond standard requirements.
5. Training Services: Training services for customers on proper use and deployment of instruments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Aquatec designs, manufactures, and services underwater measurement, monitoring, and communication instruments for offshore oil and gas, offshore wind, marine research, and environmental monitoring customers. Its product portfolio spans subsea leak detection systems, hydrotest and pressure/temperature loggers, strain monitoring clamps, cathodic protection systems, pipeline temperature monitors, acoustic backscatter sediment profilers, and optical/acoustic data modems, complemented by calibration, consulting, custom R&D, training, and equipment rental services.

Product overview

Aquatec Group is a pioneer in ocean technology with over 30 years of experience, offering a portfolio of modular underwater measurement, monitoring, and communication solutions. The company's products are organized across three specialized divisions: Subsea Integrity (covering leak detection, hydrotest monitoring, strain monitoring, cathodic protection, and pipeline temperature monitoring), TECPRIME Sediment Solved (providing acoustic backscatter sediment profilers and turbidity loggers), and Marine Bioacoustics. The core product line includes the LEAKlog® leak detection system with T1 temperature probe, PA1 passive acoustic detector, and LR long range fluorometer; HYDROlog® 3000 series hydrotest loggers (3000, 3000PPT, 3000F, 3100, 3400) and HYDROskid™ monitoring skid; KINEKtron® strain monitoring clamp; CPguardian cathodic protection system; PIPEguardian® pipeline temperature monitor; AQUAlogger® series temperature/pressure/turbidity loggers (310PT, 310TY, 520, 530WTD); AQUAscat® acoustic backscatter sediment profilers (1000R, 1000R Deep, 1000S, 1000L, 1000LT, ABS, AOBS); and AQUAmodem® optical/acoustic modems (Op2, Op2L, 500CP). Supporting infrastructure includes AQUAtalk™ software, AQUAdisp™ subsea display, AQUAswitch™ ROV switch, and AQUAclamp™ mounting solution. Services include consulting, custom R&D, data insight, training, rental, and service & calibration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Subsea Integrity: Division focused on subsea asset integrity monitoring and protection, including leak detection, strain monitoring, and cathodic protection solutions.
• TECPRIME | Sediment Solved
• Marine Bioacoustics

Products and services

• LEAKlog Leak Detection System Versatile subsea leak detection system with dual-channel capability integrating fluorometers, passive acoustic detectors, and thermal sensors. Supports real-time data collection and transmission with customisable alarm levels for immediate leak alerts in offshore oil and gas and pipeline operator environments.
• HYDROlog 3000 Series Hydrotest Loggers Compact, high-precision pressure and temperature loggers for subsea hydrotest monitoring. The series includes standard 4,000m-rated units in stainless steel or titanium housings (HYDROlog 3000, 3000PPT, 3000F), deck versions (HYDROlog 3100), and the HYDROlog 3400 deep water variant rated to 11,000m. Features flexible sensor configurations, real-time data access via optical modem, and up to 1 year autonomous operation for hydrotesting, flooding, pre-commissioning, and decommissioning applications.
• KINEKtron Subsea Strain Monitoring System Retrofit subsea strain measurement clamp system that measures and communicates strain levels on structural tubular members, pipelines, and load-bearing infrastructure. Combines high-speed data logging with optical and acoustic communications for structural integrity monitoring on offshore platforms, wind farms, and pipelines.
• CPguardian ICCP Cathodic Protection System Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system with closed-loop control for real-time protection and monitoring of offshore structures. Extends the operational life of ageing offshore assets by continuously managing cathodic protection potentials and currents with battery-powered acoustic communication nodes (AQUAmodem 500CP) offering battery life typically >15 years.
• PIPEguardian Pipeline Temperature Monitor Continuous pipeline and seawater temperature monitoring system that determines reliable internal product thermal conditions. Features straightforward deployment and a non-intrusive retrofit design suitable for existing pipeline infrastructure, providing thermal data for flow assurance and pipeline integrity management.
• SHIELD Subsea Heat-Induced Energy Loop Detector Self-powered ROV-installable clamp that harvests thermal gradient between pipeline and seawater to continuously monitor subsea wax deposition. Eliminates the need for batteries or pipeline intervention, addresses flow assurance challenges in offshore oil and gas pipelines, and offers field-validated accuracy correlated with CT scan measurements.
• AQUAscat Acoustic Backscatter Sediment Profilers High-frequency acoustic suspended sediment profilers using multi-frequency backscatter technology with adjustable resolution from 2.5mm to 4cm. The product line spans AQUAscat 1000R (research), 1000S (survey), 1000L (laboratory), 1000LT (lite, 200m), 1000R Deep (6,000m titanium housing), plus AQUAscat ABS and AOBS point-measurement sensors licensed from Sequoia Scientific. Used for sediment transport studies, dredge plume tracking, and turbidity monitoring in marine research and environmental monitoring.
• AQUAlogger Series Data Loggers Self-contained temperature, pressure, and turbidity data loggers for oceanographic research and environmental monitoring. Includes AQUAlogger 310PT (deep water up to 6,000m and shallow water up to 1,000m variants), 310TY wide-range turbidity and suspended sediment logger (up to 10,000 FTU), 520 compact temperature/depth logger, and 530WTD wireless temperature/depth logger with IEEE802.15.1 connectivity.
• AQUAmodem Subsea Communication Modems Subsea optical and acoustic communication modems for interrogation, commanding, and data download from underwater equipment without interrupting ongoing logging operations. Includes AQUAmodem Op2 (high-speed optical), Op2L (lightweight optical for divers and small ROVs with RS232 serial interface), and 500CP (acoustic modem for cathodic protection monitoring with battery life typically >15 years).
• AQUAclamp Subsea Mounting Clamp Versatile subsea mounting solution for secure attachment to submerged pipes and structures. Built from epoxy-coated carbon steel, allowing easy installation by ROV or diver, and supports sensors for pressure, temperature, and turbidity monitoring in integrated subsea systems.
• HYDROskid 3000 Monitoring Skid Compact, standalone hydrotest monitoring skid rated to 3,500m depth. Measures test pressure, ambient temperature, and flow with real-time data access, subsea activation, and built-in power redundancy, packaged as an integrated drop-in solution for hydrotesting operations.
• HYDROgauge Mk 2 Subsea Digital Pressure Gauge Subsea digital pressure gauge delivering highly accurate measurements with 0.01% full scale precision, pressure capability to 1,000 bar, depth rating to 4,000m, and optional logging function for hydrotesting and pressure verification in subsea operations.
• AQUAdisp Subsea Digital Display Compact, low-power subsea digital display that tracks up to 16 parameters across four screens with graphical plots. Features 4,000m depth rating and compatibility with both Aquatec instruments and third-party equipment via serial and NMEA output for subsea data visualization during operations.
• AQUAtalk Instrument Configuration and Data Software Proprietary Windows software for configuration, deployment, data download, and export of Aquatec instruments. Provides real-time data analysis and monitoring across the product range, integrating measurement workflows for field and laboratory users.
• Aquatec Consulting Services Expert consulting services covering subsea monitoring strategy, instrument selection, application analysis, and project advisory for enterprise customers in offshore energy, marine research, and environmental sectors, drawing on 30+ years of in-house domain specialization.
• Custom R&D and Bespoke Engineering Services Custom research and development services that take projects from instrument concept through design to delivery for subsea monitoring applications beyond the standard product range. Provides bespoke engineering for unique customer requirements in offshore, research, and environmental programs.
• Service and Calibration Program Annual service and calibration program ensuring optimal precision and longevity of Aquatec instruments. Includes in-house UKAS traceable calibration services for temperature and pressure performed at the Basingstoke UK facilities to maintain measurement accuracy over instrument lifetime.
• Equipment Rental Services (via RTS Partnership) Equipment rental services providing flexible short-term access to Aquatec subsea monitoring equipment, including LEAKlog leak detection devices, through the strategic rental partnership with RTS - Rental Technology & Services for offshore energy, subsea construction, and marine research projects.
• Training Services Training services for customers covering proper use, deployment, configuration, and maintenance of Aquatec instruments to maximize measurement quality and instrument longevity.
• Data Insight Services Data insight services that transform raw measurements collected by Aquatec instruments into actionable operational insights, supporting customer decision-making for subsea integrity, environmental compliance, and research programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Field-validated accuracy for SHIELD™ wax deposition monitoring correlating with CT scan measurements
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.

• Sequoia Scientific, Inc.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 17 September 2025Strategic licensing agreement securing the future of LISST-ABS and LISST-AOBS sensors. Aquatec manufactures, supplies, and supports these instruments via its TECPRIME subsidiary. Sensors reintroduced to market as AQUAscat ABS and AQUAscat AOBS. Partnership combines Sequoia's sediment measurement expertise with Aquatec's manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
• NAVTRON SRLregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 March 2025Appointment as Sediment Solved reseller in Romania. Partnership enables provision of advanced sediment transport monitoring solutions addressing unique challenges of Danube River and its tributaries. Navtron is Romania's leading marine electronics company.
• Ocean Metrics GmbHregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 December 2024Authorized representative appointment expanding Aquatec's Sediment Solved division reach within DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Ocean Metrics provides local supply and support services for Aquatec's cutting-edge subsea technologies with focus on sediment measurement instrumentation.
• RTS – Rental Technology & ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 October 2024Strategic rental partnership making Aquatec's LEAKlog® devices available for rent through RTS. RTS is international provider of electronic engineering equipment for underwater industry serving offshore energy, subsea construction, and marine research sectors. Partnership strengthens presence in Norway and supports subsea innovation initiatives including Subsea Innovation Day events.
• COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship)regionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 June 2022Canadian office established at COVE in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. COVE provides modern harbour-side facilities and access to community of 300+ ocean-related companies. Partnership supports Aquatec's North American expansion strategy.
• Canada's Ocean SuperclusterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Aquatec joined Canada's Ocean Supercluster trade association following successful trade mission. Participation in ocean technology ecosystem supporting blue economy growth.
• Romor Ocean SolutionsregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Official representative in Canada facilitating commercial activities. Romor serves as key channel partner for Aquatec products in Canadian market before establishing direct COVE office.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sonardyne: Sonardyne is a UK-headquartered specialist in subsea acoustic positioning, communications, and monitoring, directly overlapping with Aquatec's underwater acoustic modem, structural monitoring, and integrity product lines. It serves oil & gas, offshore wind, and maritime security customers worldwide.
• iXblue (Exail): iXblue (now Exail) provides high-performance subsea positioning, inertial, and acoustic instrumentation widely used in offshore energy, hydrography, and ocean research. Its acoustic modems and subsea monitoring products are directly comparable to Aquatec's AQUAmodem and subsea integrity range.
• Valeport: Valeport is a UK-based manufacturer of oceanographic and hydrological instruments including CTDs, current meters, and sound velocity sensors. Like Aquatec, it serves hydrographic survey, environmental monitoring, and offshore energy customers with comparable instrumentation.
• RBR Ltd: RBR designs and manufactures compact, high-precision oceanographic instruments including temperature, depth, and turbidity loggers. Its AQUAlogger-class products and customer segments closely parallel Aquatec's AQUAlogger line for marine research and environmental monitoring.
• Tritech International (Moog): Tritech, now part of Moog, manufactures subsea sensors, sonars, and acoustic instruments used on ROVs and AUVs. Its product portfolio competes with Aquatec's leak detection and acoustic instrumentation for subsea inspection markets.
• Sequoia Scientific: Sequoia Scientific develops LISST-series laser and acoustic in-situ sediment sensors and is now Aquatec's strategic licensing partner for LISST-ABS/AOBS. Both firms serve sediment transport researchers and environmental monitoring customers with overlapping technologies.

Emerging players

• Ocean Sonics: Ocean Sonics specializes in underwater sound monitoring and marine mammal impact mitigation, directly aligned with Aquatec's Marine Bioacoustics sub-brand. Both companies supply passive acoustic recorders and soundscape monitoring tools for environmental and regulatory use cases.

Broad incumbents

• Fugro: Fugro is a large Dutch offshore geotechnical and survey services company that uses and sometimes supplies subsea monitoring and sensor solutions. While primarily a service provider, its offshore asset integrity and survey work overlaps with the customer use cases Aquatec's Subsea Integrity division addresses.
• Kongsberg Maritime: Kongsberg Maritime is a major Norwegian marine technology provider offering subsea instrumentation, sensors, and underwater communication systems. As a broad incumbent, it overlaps with Aquatec's acoustic and underwater sensing products but addresses a far larger and more diversified customer base.
• Teledyne Marine: Teledyne Marine is the marine instrumentation arm of Teledyne Technologies, offering a broad portfolio of subsea sensors, acoustic modems, imaging, and underwater vehicles. It is a scaled incumbent competing with Aquatec across acoustic modems, sensors, and oceanographic instrumentation while serving a much wider customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aquatecgroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/aquatecgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquatecgroup
• Instagraminstagram.com/aquatecgroupltd

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aquatec Group