Sonardyne Appoints Global Business Manager for Oceanography

Subsea technology company Sonardyne International Ltd. UK, has appointed of Geraint West as its new Global Business Manager for Oceanography. Geraint joins Sonardyne with immediate effect and brings with him extensive experience gained over 32 years with the Royal Navy, Fugro and most recently, the National Oceanography Center (NOC). 

West’s early career as a hydrographic surveyor included a posting to the U.S. Naval Oceanography Office, and culminated as Charge Surveyor in the ice patrol ship, HMS Endurance.  He then moved to Fugro as Project Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers airborne laser hydrographic survey system. At NOC, Geraint held a variety of positions, initially managing operational and technical support to the seagoing research program, and then as Director of National Marine Facilities, with strategic leadership for the U.K. marine science community’s large research infrastructure, specialist facilities and data center.  

During his 14 years with NOC, Geraint oversaw the introduction of the U.K.’s new multipurpose oceanographic research ships, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook, as well as the establishment of its Marine Autonomous and Robotics Systems group. He has also worked extensively with the international oceanographic community, including two years as Chair of the International Research Ship Operators group.