For more than five decades, Sonardyne’s work in pioneering underwater technology has been guided by a focus on sustainable growth and the formation of enduring international partnerships.

These principles have shaped our approach through every chapter of our story. Our vision has always centred on enabling safe, secure and environmentally sound operations across the world’s oceans. This vision is not static—it drives us to continually question, adapt and improve how we engineer, operate and plan for the long term.

Achieving carbon neutrality

Reaching carbon neutrality for our UK operations in 2023, two years earlier than our original goal, stands out as a significant point of progress. Achieving this milestone was not just a matter of ambition, but the result of careful measurement, reduction and offsetting of our emissions and a shared sense of responsibility at every level of the organisation.

It demonstrates how environmental responsibility and high standards in operational performance can, and must, be interwoven.

Earlier this year, we earned our second consecutive carbon-neutral verification, with our 2024 footprint confirmed to ISO 14064 standards and our management system meeting ISO 14068. We also expanded our scope to include our Brazil, Singapore, and Houston offices and were happy to take delivery of two new Ford Transit E-Custom electric vans, further decarbonising our vehicle fleet.

Our commitment extends beyond our own footprint. Through technological solutions supporting offshore renewable energy and advancing environmental monitoring, we have aimed to equip others to operate with greater awareness of their impact.

By focusing on reducing vessel time, optimising fuel use and improving operational efficiency, we contribute in practical ways to a healthier marine environment.

Recognition through the King’s Awards

These efforts were recognised this year through the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. In early October, we celebrated this achievement at our head offices in Yateley, Hampshire, with a visit from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq.

It was a double celebration, marking our achievement in also winning a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Indeed, recent years have also seen Sonardyne deepen our international engagement. Sustained growth in direct exports—an 83% increase over the past three years—is a reflection of our long-term relationships and a shared goal of progress with partners in more than 100 countries.

Expanding into new markets, such as Germany, where, earlier this year, we opened a new office, has opened further opportunities to collaborate and learn.

These experiences reinforce the value of genuine partnership and knowledge exchange in advancing both business and environmental objectives.

Indeed, our double King’s Awards are recognition of a collective and connected endeavour. These are linked priorities that are fundamental to how we evolve as a company and as part of the wider marine community.

It’s also heartening to note that it’s also just over three decades since our first Queen’s Award in 1994. This was an award for Technological Innovation, for the development of our SIPS – Seismic Integrated Positioning System (SIPS) – technology.

Since then we received a further three Queen’s Awards: for Export Achievement in 1999; for Enterprise in Innovation in 2014, for our underwater digital acoustic communications technology; and in 2021, for our seabed deformation monitoring technology.

Future challenges and goals

Looking forward, the path is not without its challenges. Responsible growth requires a balance between innovation and stewardship. Our continued investment in research and development, and in building robust relationships across sectors, will be essential.

The marine environment is constantly changing, and so too must be our approach—always seeking a better way, always mindful of our responsibility.

While there is satisfaction in what has been achieved, there remains more to do. Our progress should serve as a foundation for further reflection and action, ensuring that advances in technology and trade continue to support a more resilient and sustainable future for the world’s oceans and those who rely on them.