Press Releases

May 16, 2024

ISE Unveils Its Revolutionary Subsea Surveillance Team (Press Release)

Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada, May 16, 2024 — International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE) proudly announces the launch of our Revolutionary Subsea Surveillance Team, featuring the groundbreaking integration of our XL UUV and Subsea Docking System. This dynamic duo offers unprecedented range and endurance, making surfacing optional.

ISE’s innovative docking system revolutionizes the management of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) at sea, eliminating the need for challenging and potentially hazardous recovery operations. The ISE dock enables seamless data transfer and recharging while the AUV remains submerged at depths up to 200 meters. With impressive charge rates up to 400 VDC @ 120 A and data transfer rates of 400 Mb/s, the dock can be adapted to suit most AUVs on the market.

First introduced in 1994 with Theseus, the XL UUV combines proven technology with the versatility and adaptability of our popular Explorer line of AUVs. This unique XL UUV has accumulated thousands of hours of operation worldwide and can be equipped with a wide variety of payloads and sensors from most manufacturers.

Celebrating 50 years of excellence and innovation, International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE) continues to push the boundaries of subsea technology. This milestone highlights our legacy of achievement and our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

For more information about our Subsea Surveillance Team and ISE, visit www.ise.bc.ca or contact:

Lara Smith

Chief Executive Officer

International Submarine Engineering Ltd.

La********@is*.ca

604-942-5223

Apr 11, 2023

International Submarine Engineering and Hedgehog Technologies Enter Partnership to Advance the Marine Industry in British Columbia

Two leading engineering companies, International Submarine Engineering Ltd. and Hedgehog Technologies are pleased to announce a partnership aimed at advancing the marine industry through innovation and sustainability. 

The decision was based on a collaborative history on projects, shared value alignment, and a forward-looking vision for innovation. ISE and Hedgehog Technologies have a history of project collaboration including developing manned and unmanned submersibles. Their combined expertise will join forces to advance British Columbia’s marine sector.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hedgehog,” said Lara Smith, CEO of ISE. “Our values are so aligned that it makes us natural partners, and we believe that our shared experience and history will benefit the marine industry for years to come.”

The partnership will focus on developing new technologies and processes that will increase efficiency, innovation, and improve safety in marine operations. By leveraging their resources, the companies aim to advance subsea technology innovation in British Columbia.

“Aligned with ISE’s late founder, James McFarlane’s vision, this partnership is about continuing to innovate and transform the industry,” said Michael Wrinch, founder of Hedgehog Technologies. “In the spirit of collaboration, we are both united in pushing the boundaries of marine technology.

The two companies are positioned to make a significant impact in BC’s marine sector while paving the way for a sustainable future. For more information about the partnership, please contact International Submarine Engineering or Hedgehog Technologies. 

About International Submarine Engineering Ltd. 

ISE, based just outside Vancouver, Canada, was founded in 1974 and designs and manufactures advanced underwater systems and terrestrial robotics. ISE has delivered hundreds of subsea vehicles of various types, over 400 robotic manipulators to more than 20 countries, and assisted in a multitude of additional projects for customers the world over.

For more information visit https://ise.bc.ca/

About Hedgehog Technologies

Hedgehog Technologies is an award-winning electro-mechanical engineering firm specializing in risk management. For over two decades, Hedgehog has gained experience in the conception, design, and installation of complex systems. They have a strong reputation for providing the highest level of quality products and services, with a dedication to customer satisfaction.

For more information visit www.hedgehogtech.com

Mar 22, 2023

International Submarine Engineering Announces Leadership Reorganization Following Passing of Founder James McFarlane

Lara Smith, Chief Executive Officer

PORT COQUITLAM, BC, CANADA— International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE), a leader in advanced underwater systems, is announcing the reorganization of the company’s leadership following the passing of Founder James Ross McFarlane on November 1st, 2022. CEO Lara Smith is committed to honoring the late founder while continuing to write the next chapter in ISEs 50-year legacy.

“With the support of our Steering Committee, experienced team, and the guidance of our late founder’s values, we remain steadfast in being a leader in advanced subsea technologies,” said Lara Smith, CEO of International Submarine Engineering Ltd. “Our focus on excellence, innovation, and customer service will drive ISE forward as we continue to deliver world-class products and services to our global clients.”

James McFarlane’s values continue to guide International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE) even after his passing. With a focus on innovation and commitment to excellence, ISE remains positioned to lead in the development of advanced subsea technology for deployment in global marine markets. The team at ISE is proud to carry on James’ legacy and continue pushing the boundaries of technology to better explore and understand our oceans.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder, James McFarlane.” said Linda McAuley, Chief Operating Officer. “His leadership and mentorship over the years will continue to inspire us as we carry on his legacy of excellence in the field of subsea technology.”

Dr. James Ross McFarlane

Founder Dr. James McFarlane started ISE in 1974 and became an early visionary for remote controlled, tethered, and unmanned vehicles for safer underwater operations. Notably, James was involved in the dramatic rescue of the Pisces III where crew members were rescued with depleting oxygen levels. He facilitated military transport of crew, vehicles, and supplies from Canada which he later contributed to the No Time on Our Side story.

Today, ISE remains focused and mobilized to provide exceptional service to the global marine industry. With a strong team-focused culture and a vision for innovation, ISE is ready to write the next chapter of the 50-year legacy.

For more information on International Submarine Engineering products and services, please contact us at in**@is*.ca and visit our website at www.ise.bc.ca.

International Submarine Engineering Ltd.

ISE, based just outside Vancouver, Canada, was founded in 1974 and designs and manufactures advanced underwater systems and terrestrial robotics. ISE has delivered hundreds of subsea vehicles of various types, over 400 robotic manipulators to more than 20 countries, and assisted in a multitude of additional projects for customers the world over.

The ISE’s family of vehicles include ROVs, AUVs, submersibles, semi-submersibles, Mine Countermeasure systems, and additional systems designed to customer specifications for the Naval, Science & Environmental, and offshore Oil & Gas Markets.

Jan 26, 2021

ISE Completes Phase 1B of Autonomous AUV Docking Testing

Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada – International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE) has successfully completed the second stage in the autonomous dock prototype project. This project is a joint project between Dalhousie University and ISE. Funding was provided by Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS).

What does the dock do?

The dock provides a platform for an AUV to autonomously latch onto while remaining subsea. Once latched, the AUV can then charge its batteries and download the data for the operators. Then once that is complete, the AUV can unlatch and begin its next mission. This essentially eliminates the risks of launching and recovering during rough sea states as well as greatly reducing the amount of downtime between missions.

How does the dock work?

The purpose of phase 1b was to develop a prototype and prove the concept in a real-world subsea environment using the ISE Explorer AUV. At a distance up to 90 meters, the AUV uses multi-beam sonar to align itself and navigate towards the target. Once it is within a range of 10 meters, the AUV automatically switches to camera tracking and homes in on the light array on the dock. Over a period of 10 days the dock was put through extensive testing in highly turbid water. Multiple fully autonomous connections were made between the AUV and the dock with resounding success.

What is next?

There are many options for the next stage of this project. The current focus is to include an uncrewed surface vessel to tow the dock with a towed listening array on the AUV as part of the persistent maritime surveillance scope. Adapting the dock to allow for launch and recovery opens a lot of possibilities for the technology in other applications.
The success of this project thus far highlights the experience and expertise ISE has acquired in over four decades of work in the subsea marine industry. ISE will be releasing updates to this project on the following page: https://ise.bc.ca/product/dock

Read the press release here.