Gothenburg, Sweden – 2025-11-20 – The Voice of the Ocean Foundation (VOTO) is pleased to have received the first SeaExplorer 200m Glider, developed by the French marine technology company Alseamar. This milestone represents a significant step in advancing the capabilities of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for use in complex, shallow-water environments, such as the Baltic Sea.
The delivery is the result of a close and productive collaboration between VOTO and Alseamar, underpinned by a shared commitment to innovation in marine research technology. Building on VOTO’s experience operating Alseamar’s SeaExplorer glider, VOTO identified the need for an autonomous platform capable of extended endurance in challenging conditions, including shallow depths, strong currents, and pronounced stratification.
To formalise and strengthen this collaboration, VOTO and Alseamar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement outlines a shared commitment to advance marine research technologies, including the development of best practices for data quality and piloting, the promotion of glider-based ocean observations, the enhancement of SeaExplorer’s technical capabilities, and the support of training and capacity building within the global glider community.
“We are proud to deliver the first Shallow Glider to the Voice of the Ocean Foundation,” said Thibaud Bezacier, CEO of Alseamar. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of pushing the boundaries of ocean exploration and research. The Shallow Glider is designed to operate where other autonomous platforms struggle, providing scientists with vital data from challenging shallow-water environments like the Baltic Sea.”
The new SeaExplorer Shallow Glider represents a significant advancement for marine science. Its design, which features three months durability due to larger batteries and the option to deploy from land, enables continuous and autonomous data collection in conditions where conventional systems often struggle. Through these design elements, the Shallow Glider will enhance research in coastal and shallow-water environments. The Baltic Sea, characterised by its unique salinity gradients and limited circulation, provides an ideal environment for launching and validating this innovative technology.
“I’m very proud of the work and dedication from our Ocean Tech Team in developing this project” said Sanna Thimmig-Johansen, CEO at VOTO. ”VOTO believes that this technology has the potential to significantly enhance global understanding of ocean processes, providing researchers with new insights into marine ecosystems, climate dynamics, and environmental change.”
Through both financial and scientific support, VOTO has played a vital role in the development of the SeaExplorer Shallow Glider.
About the Voice of the Ocean Foundation
Voice of the Ocean envisions a world where the ocean is understood, respected, and protected. The Foundation dedicates itself to advancing marine research and enhancing knowledge. By uniting the power of storytelling with scientific integrity, Voice of the Ocean seeks to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire meaningful engagement with the ocean.
About ALSEAMAR
Founded in 2015, ALSEAMAR, a subsidiary of the ALCEN Group, develops, designs, operates and maintains high-performance underwater solutions that meet scientific exploration challenges. World leader in the production of buoyancy materials for underwater vehicles, ALSEAMAR is also known for its underwater autonomous gliders, its acoustic capabilities and its scientific department for underwater studies.