KAUST and the Marine Technology Society (MTS) have formed the MTS Red Sea Section, the first MTS Section in the Middle East. KAUST hosted the MATE ROV Red Sea Regional competition and RobotoKAUST, sponsored by the MTS Red Sea Section. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in the Blue Economy, and KAUST is positioning itself at the forefront of marine science and technology for the Red Sea. Why it matters: This partnership and KAUST's activities will foster marine technology development and talent growth in the region, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Blue Economy initiatives.
KAUST and Fugro N.V. have inaugurated the KAUST – Fugro Center of Excellence (CoE) for Marine Technology. Fugro will provide access to advanced technologies for data collection in previously inaccessible sites of the Red Sea. They will also establish an ROV Training Academy (ROVTA) at KAUST to train Saudi students as ROV pilots and engineers. Why it matters: This partnership will enhance KAUST's marine research capabilities, support industrial partners, and advance the development of subsea research technologies in the region.
KAUST and Fugro conducted the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV) training program in Saudi Arabia in 2018 through the KAUST-Fugro Center of Excellence for Marine Technology. The Fugro ROV Academy is accepted by major oil and gas companies, providing KAUST marine science students access to deepwater ROVs and pilot training. KAUST Ph.D. student Lina Eyouni became the first Saudi female ROV pilot through this program. Why it matters: The initiative enhances marine research capabilities in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental protection and providing students with industry-standard training in robotics.
KAUST has announced a collaboration with Ocean Aero and Shelf Subsea to enhance Red Sea research using autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUSVs). Ocean Aero's Triton Generation III AUSV, which can sail and submerge for long-range data collection, will be customized with sensors for KAUST's Red Sea Research Center. KAUST's CEMSE division will integrate AI and IoT features into the vehicles. Why it matters: This partnership will advance KAUST's marine research capabilities and contribute to the understanding of the Red Sea's unique environment, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UN's Ocean Science Decade.
KAUST and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) are collaborating to research the Red Sea's shallow reef and deep-water environments. The partnership utilizes Japanese specialty equipment and the KAUST-owned research vessel RV Thuwal, with funding from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and KAUST. The initiative will address critical data gaps about the Red Sea and provide information for government regulations. Why it matters: This collaboration will advance understanding of the Red Sea's unique environment, relevant to Saudi Arabia's giga-projects and environmental protection efforts.