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Our latest news
Meet the two newest members of the CMS GeoScience team
Both Craig and Henry bring valuable experience that will strengthen our core capabilities as we continue to grow.
Craig Withers, Reporting Geologist
Craig joins CMS GeoScience as an experienced geoscientist with academic qualifications from Durham University and the Camborne School of Mines at the University of Exeter, where he also works as a research assistant and was previously an Impact and Partnership Development Officer.
He has a strong background in aligning resource management strategies - such as the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) and other UN sustainability frameworks - with best practice principles for environmental conservation, social responsibility, and equitable engagement with local communities.
Henry Benn, Junior Hydrographic Surveyor
Henry is our new junior hydrographic surveyor and joins us following a two-and-a-half-year stint working on geophysical surveys across port and harbour projects, the aggregates industry, coastal monitoring and cable route surveys, as well as positioning for windfarm construction in nearshore and offshore environments.
Following a degree in geology and geotechnics from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Henry worked on mineral exploration projects in the Australian outback. Henry comes to us with a proficiency in operating positioning and survey equipment as well as producing clear technical reports and managing GIS.
CMS GeoScience successfully completes ground investigation
project for ABP Southampton
CMS GeoScience is proud to announce the successful completion of a ground investigation project for ABP Southampton. We’d just like to say thanks to everyone involved including ABP Southampton, The Bates Partnership, ABPmer, Wessex Archaeology and Southampton VTS.
The excellent communication and collaboration throughout ensured we completed the job safely and without delay. We worked around challenges such as Storm Goretti, tidal restrictions and port traffic.
This project highlights our expertise in planning and executing complex operations, particularly in the winter months, which saw us mobilise multiple vibrocores with an array of real-time feedback sensors, benthic equipment, accurate survey and positioning systems, as well as onshore logging and laboratory facilities.
A huge thanks to our team for their professionalism and resilience. These efforts meant that all field deliverables were met ahead of schedule.
CMS GeoScience team pass certification for
operating the Neptune 5000 CPT
Following the arrival of our new Neptune 5000 CPT last month, our team attended an intensive 3-day operator training course at Datem’s headquarters in Lincolnshire.
We’re pleased to report that our team successfully achieved their Datem Neptune CPT operator certifications and are ready to deploy safely and effectively.
Members of the team, including our Engineering and Technical Manager, Jack Foll, geologists Rory Bardner and Owen Sweeney, geotechnical operators Benjamin Sales and Louis Richards, and our first engineer Emils, were put through their paces by highly experienced tutors in Datem’s Operations Manager, Aaron Bromley, and Neptune Technician Martin Rae.
“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Datem for delivering an excellent CPT training course. The hands-on guidance and in-depth technical knowledge provided by their team have been invaluable,” said Jack Foll.
“This training not only strengthened our understanding of the CPT system, but also ensured our team are fully equipped to use the equipment safely, efficiently, and to its full capability. We appreciate Datem’s support, and we look forward to working together moving forward.”
The course covered system operation, rod loading procedures, cone maintenance, software control and fault-finding techniques for the Neptune 5000 system.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
Ben Sales takes on 50-mile ultra race across Cornish coast path
Meet Ben Sales, CMS GeoScience’s geotechnical equipment operator, and ultra runner.
In January Ben will be running the Arc of Attrition ultra race, 50 miles along the coast path here in Cornwall.
Ben is raising money for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, a charity very close to the company’s heart. We’re incredibly proud to support Ben over the coming months as he trains for and takes on this impressive challenge.
But Ben’s challenge started long before race day. Fitting this huge commitment in around working hours and time spent offshore isn’t easy, but Ben finds the time for training runs when he can, waking up at 5am or running in darkness after work.
During the race, which he intends to finish in under 12 hours, Ben will face over 2,500m of elevation gain across rugged terrain, minimal daylight and the likelihood of adverse weather conditions.
So, join us in supporting Ben on this incredible journey and consider donating to his fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-50-miles-for-neuroendocrine-cancer-uk?lang=en_GB
CMS GeoScience receives brand-new
Neptune 5000 CPT from Datem
CMS GeoScience is proud to share the arrival of our brand-new Neptune 5000 CPT from Datem Ltd. The new CPT will strengthen our core geotechnical capabilities and position us to provide accurate, reliable and cost-effective solutions for a wide range of seabed investigation projects.
With real-time data capture and control from the topside unit, the system delivers highly accurate evaluations of subsoil stratigraphy and the geotechnical and geo-environmental properties of the seabed. Designed to be deployed in water depths up to 3000 meters, the 35kN system has a maximum push of 20m. The system can operate with a single umbilical for both lifting, deployment and data transfer, ensuring simplicity and ease of use.
We chose the Neptune 5000 CPT because its innovative, compact, and modular design optimises safety and makes it the perfect fit for our versatile, multipurpose survey vessel, MV FlatHolm. The system completes our total, inhouse solution for geotechnical site investigations.
Ben Foll meets with Helms Geomarine during Malaysia visit
Our Business Operations Manager, Ben Foll, is currently on trip meeting valued partners and clients. Ben had the pleasure of meeting with Helms Geomarine who kindly showed him around their HQ and brilliant company facilities in Kuala Lumpur. It was clear that the company culture is at the forefront of their work and it was fantastic to see the focus Helms gives to the team’s development.Thank you to Hj Ts Nazrin Ridhwan Helmi for your time to discuss projects support, training and collaborations. Your hospitality at Helms was much appreciated and we look forward to welcoming you to us in Cornwall.
CMS GeoScience business Operations Manager,
Ben Foll, embarks on Southern Hemisphere trip
Our business Operations Manager, Ben Foll, is embarking on a trip to the Southern Hemisphere to explore new market opportunities and build and strengthen partnerships.
Ben will start in Malaysia, meeting some of CMS GeoScience’s long standing industry colleagues, exploring collaboration and opportunities for development, before heading to Australia to explore opportunities in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
The focus of the trip is knowledge exchange, fostering key relationships in the region and exploring opportunities to expand our expert knowledge and technical abilities in the regions.
Get in touch with Ben Foll on LinkedIn or email - ben@cms-geoscience.co.uk - if you’d like to meet him in Australia and learn more about CMS GeoScience.
CMS GeoScience supporting the Daily Dip 4 Dave
We’ve pledged to donate £1 for every metre of core we collect this year. Every successful project we complete is contributing directly to raising vital funds for those affected by Neuroendocrine Cancer.
We’re also proud to be the official badge sponsor for the National Daily Dip 4 Dave Day!
This mass cold-water dip takes place on Saturday 11th October, at Gylly Beach in Falmouth and around the world.The 2025 Daily Dip 4 Dave also introduces the Challenge Cup, a competition open to businesses. The Cup will be awarded to the team that takes part and raises the most money.
Register here: https://lnkd.in/gzhixWFG
We can't wait to see everyone brave the cold for this brilliant cause.A massive thank you also goes out to our friends at Datem Ltd. for their incredibly generous donation of £1,000!
Aaron Bromley from Datem Ltd. was down in Cornwall on holiday this week and even popped in to see us!
Cheers Aaron Bromley and Datem Ltd. for joining us in supporting this important cause.
We believe that every metre and every dip can make a difference.Take the plunge and join us in supporting Neuroendocrine Cancer UK!
Find out more about the challenge here: https://lnkd.in/eP9H_YWk
Crew and vessel visited by HM Coastguard
Our team aboard MV FlatHolm got a surprise visit off the South Coast yesterday. We had a front-row seat to an Maritime and Coastguard Agency HM Coastguard training exercise.
While it's not every day you get a fly-by, it's a great reminder of the essential work they do to keep our waters safe. We were happy to play a a small part in their training and witness their vital work firsthand.
Thanks to the entire Coastguard crew!
Momentum continues as we head into a busy autumn of projects
What a summer! We're excited to report that the momentum continues as we head into a busy autumn of projects up and down the UK coastline.
Earlier this week, we successfully undertook a geotechnical survey in the English Channel for a new client. Once completed our crew and the MV FlatHolm made their way towards the River Thames to start work on an important infrastructure project for a longstanding client.
Following on from this, the team will be heading off to carry out more site investigations working their way along the English Channel and South Coast. After a well-deserved short break, we'll be back in action with a busy schedule of geotechnical surveys across the English Channel, Bristol Channel and East Coast later in the Autumn.
As we move into October, we will come inland to a undertake a specialist geotechnical project where we'll be deploying a unique in-house solution on an inland body of water in a challenging environment, so stay tuned for updates.
A huge thanks to our dedicated team for their hard work and professionalism - it's been non-stop all year, and it doesn't look set to slow down just yet. However, we will always find a way to accommodate any projects you may be looking to start, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Back-to-back geophysical site investigations completed
CMS GeoScience recently completed back-to-back geophysical site investigations for our valued clients off the South Coast.
Both projects involved the collection of high-quality data using multi-beam bathymetry, dual channel sidescan sonar, boomer, and magnetometer. This work is critical to understanding seabed integrity and composition, providing the essential insights needed for our client’s projects.
Despite encountering some tough conditions in the English Channel, our team persevered, ensuring the job was completed safely, on time and to the highest standards. We worked 24-operations from our own vessel, MV FlatHolm.
The successful outcome of both jobs is testament to the expertise of our crew and their commitment to our core values of safety, accuracy and integrity.
We’d like to extend a thank you to all those involved, and we look forward to our next geophysical job.
Welcoming Andrew Johnson, our Senior Geospatial Survey Manager
We're very pleased to officially welcome Andrew Johnson to CMS GeoScience as our Senior Geospatial Survey Manager.
Andrew brings a wealth of global experience in hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical surveys across diverse marine environments. His background includes over eight years in senior management at the UK Hydrographic Office, working closely with the Royal Navy on critical geodetic surveys in locations such as the Falklands and South Georgia, a key role as Senior Surveyor at the Hydrographic Office of Bahrain, and valuable consultancy work on cutting-edge projects, including LiDAR Bathymetry in the Caribbean.
Beyond his deep technical expertise, Andrew has a strong track record in business development and a passion for building and mentoring high-performing field survey teams.
"I am looking forward to working with everyone at CMS GeoScience and our valued clients and partners at an exciting time of growth for the company,” Andrew said.
Andrew’s profound technical knowledge and team leadership skills are a fantastic addition as CMS GeoScience takes on new, ambitious projects and continues its strategic growth.
Ben Foll, Business Operations Manager, said: “Andrew’s arrival is a significant step in the company’s development and underscores our continued success and growth. His expertise, experience and personality will help nurture our team and support the further development of our capabilities.”
Join us in extending a warm welcome to Andrew!
CMS GeoScience Expands Operations with Acquisition of New Site
in Falmouth, Cornwall
CMS GeoScience is pleased to announce the recent purchase of a new site in Falmouth, Cornwall, marking a significant milestone in the company's ongoing growth and development. This strategic move underscores our commitment to enhancing our operational capabilities and strengthening our presence in the region whilst also enabling us to support the development of renewable energy and floating offshore wind in the southwest and Irish sea.
The Gables will support our operations and enhance research and development of new equipment. The site is being updated to ensure it can support our ambitious growth plan and exciting strategy. We're already working on building new laboratories and storage facilities for our equipment, ensuring that we can continue to deliver the high standards of service and innovation that our clients have come to expect. The new facility will serve as the headquarters for our management, administrative and survey teams supporting our future growth.
We will continue to maintain our long-standing presence in Lowestoft, with our warehouse and dedicated berth, which remains a fundamental part of our operations. Our vessel, MV Flatholm will continue to operate from this location, moving between the East Coast and southwest giving us the unique ability to operate efficiently along all sides of the UK and Europe.
We are proud and excited to take this significant step forward which demonstrates our dedication to both the development of CMS GeoScience, our people and the services we provide as well as our long-term commitment to the area. This substantial investment in our infrastructure will enable us to better serve our clients, support our team, and contribute to the continued success of our company.
CMS GeoScience Service Expansion:
Geophysical Site Investigations
As part of our continued planned growth, CMS GeoScience is now offering a comprehensive suite of solutions for geophysical and hydrographic surveys and site investigations. We have decades of in-house expertise to integrate a vast range of state-of-the-art technology to deliver precise geophysical information to mitigate project planning risks and minimise delays and costs in design and engineering of your project.
CMS Geoscience can deliver a fully integrated solution for Geophysical and Geotechnical Site Investigation Surveys. Our experienced team have an enviable track record for excellence in delivering reliable, safe and cost effective site investigation surveys with our own 24m survey vessel MV FlatHolm and our in house proven and robust geotechnical equipment, including High Powered Vibrocores CPT equipment and a range of grabs and smaller corers.
We are delighted that MV FlatHolm has recently undergone and successfully passed rigorous annual inspections by MECAL, IMCA, the MCA and the Irish Port State Authority. FlatHolm will be one of very few UK Code of Practice vessels to carry an Irish P5 licence necessary to work in Irish waters. Our team of geologists and surveyors continues to grow and we are excited about the diverse and challenging projects we are working on this year and have planned for the future.
At CMS we recognise how critical it is to have trust and honesty in all of our client relationships. We do not promise anything we cannot deliver and we will always strive to deliver the very best results, on time and to standard.
The Dublin Array Offshore Wind Farm Project, RWE Renewables
Sorry we haven't been in touch lately.
We've been busy!
Renovations to our survey vessel, MV FlatHolm
Our galley underwent a total refit, with the replacement of walls and flooring, along with the addition of high-quality, hygienic stainless-steel cabinets and splash backs as well as new worktops and appliances.
The Dublin Array Offshore Wind Farm Project, RWE Renewables
Geologists' complete soil training course
Our Marine Geologists, Rory Bardner and Owen Sweeney, travelled to Banbury to attend Equipe Group’s comprehensive Soil Description Workshop (BS5930). Guidance was given by several leading industry experts, and it was a great opportunity for them to refine their logging skills that they use on a day-to-day basis here at CMS GeoScience.
Work going on in our workshop
Here is our Geotechnical Equipment Operator, Benjamin Sales, giving our HPC Vibrocorer a new lick of paint, ready for the next job.