Chelsea Technologies

Chelsea Technologies is an expert designer and manufacturer of biological and chemical monitoring sensors and systems for surveying oceans, rivers, lakes and other aquatic environments. Combining engineering excellence with class-leading underwater technologies, the company develops accurate and reliable solutions that solve a wide range of real-world environmental challenges.

Part of Kraken Robotics, Chelsea Technologies is dedicated to transforming offshore and subsea data-gathering for a cleaner and smarter future.

Biological & Chemical Monitoring Sensors

FastBallast

Rapid onboard testing of treated ballast water for IMO D-2 compliance

FastBallast is a portable compliance monitoring device designed to rapidly assess treated ballast water for compliance with IMO D-2 regulations. The independently-certified system utilizes STAF (Single Turnover Active Fluorescence) technology to measure variable fluorescence from living phytoplankton cells, providing an accurate cell count within the regulated size range of 10 to 50 microns.

The IMO-approved system requires just ten minutes to provide a clear pass or fail result, including sample preparation and setup. This highly convenient solution enables vessel operators, port state authorities and service companies to identify potential compliance issues without waiting for laboratory analysis. FastBallast requires minimal training, can be operated by one person and is supplied in a portable backpack with a Galaxy A9 tablet-based user interface.

MicroSTAF

Fully autonomous phytoplankton productivity measurement for AUVs & uncrewed platforms

MicroSTAF is a compact Single Turnover Active Fluorometer designed to provide marine autonomous systems with an easy-to-deploy phytoplankton primary productivity assessment capability. The instrument can be pre-programmed for fully autonomous sample collection and the acquisition of FLCs (Fluorescence Light Curves) and PEPs (Photoactive Excitation Profiles), with powerful onboard analysis for laboratory-grade results at the edge.

Rated for operation at depths of up to 2000 meters, MicroSTAF reduces instrument size and power consumption by more than 70% while significantly expanding sample areas. Requiring less than 4 W of power, it can be integrated with AUVs, gliders and other autonomous platforms without impacting performance or endurance.

LabSTAF

In-situ assessment of phytoplankton primary productivity

LabSTAF is a next-generation Single Turnover Active Fluorometry system designed to evaluate phytoplankton primary productivity for applications such as environmental monitoring and commercial cultivation. With a high dynamic range, it measures variable fluorescence from living phytoplankton cells in conditions ranging from extremely oligotrophic conditions through to mesotrophic and some eutrophic environments.

The robust and portable system includes a solenoid valve unit, peristaltic pump and Windows-based RunSTAF software. Requiring minimal intervention, it can be used for manual experiments or highly automated unattended operation, providing real-time analysis and access to primary data. LabSTAF is suitable for research vessels and outdoor locations and provides an efficient method of scaling up in-situ productivity measurements.

LabSTAF HB

Phytoplankton productivity analysis for high-biomass applications

LabSTAF HB is the high-biomass version of Chelsea Technologies’ Single Turnover Active Fluorometry system for evaluating phytoplankton primary productivity.

Designed for applications such as industrial algae production, LabSTAF HB provides in-situ data for optimising harvests, assessing culture performance, identifying contamination, and monitoring pond cultures.

UviLux

Real-time in-situ detection of biological and chemical contaminants

The UviLux range of compact single-parameter fluorometers provides real-time in-situ detection of a wide range of organic and refined contaminants. They can be configured to monitor crude oil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, refined fuels, coloured dissolved organic matter, tryptophan-like fluorescence, biochemical oxygen demand and optical brightening agents.

Each sensor uses selected fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths to detect and quantify small changes or trace contamination events, with high sensitivity and excellent turbidity and ambient-light rejection. Offering low power consumption and minimal maintenance requirements, they are ideal for virtually any clean water and sanitation assurance requirements.

TriLux

Miniature three-in-one sensor for monitoring of chlorophyll, algal pigments and turbidity

TriLux is a miniature multi-parameter fluorometer that combines three sensors within a single compact instrument. Chlorophyll-a measurement is provided as standard, with model options for phycocyanin, phycoerythrin or turbidity for coastal, freshwater and marine deployments.

The versatile sensor can be integrated with CTD instruments, data buoys, monitoring stations, surface vehicles, AUVs and ROVs, requiring just one bulkhead connector, one cable, and one data port on the target system. Rated to a depth of 2000 meters, TriLux is ideal for monitoring, control and prevention of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), providing robust protection for coastal zones, marine protected areas and water intakes.

UniLux

Compact & highly sensitive single-parameter fluorometers for aquatic monitoring

The UniLux range of compact and highly sensitive miniature fluorometers offers cost-effective monitoring of algae, cyanobacteria, fluorescent dyes and turbidity, and is capable of measuring very small changes at low concentrations. The system-agnostic sensors can be integrated into a wide range of systems and platforms, including CTD tools, data buoys, monitoring stations, surface vehicles, AUVs and ROVs.

Real-time data can be accessed through the host platform or Chelsea Technologies’ Sensor Monitor software. With minimal maintenance requirements and a two-year calibration interval, UniLux sensors are ideal for long-term deployments in marine and freshwater environments.

Applications

Water Quality Monitoring

Chelsea Technologies’ sensors enable continuous monitoring of unexpected pollution events that may be missed by periodic manual sampling. UniLux, UviLux and TriLux are ideal for identifying risks such as algal blooms, wastewater contamination and sewage leaks, with applications including municipal water treatment, industrial effluent tracking, and offshore spill response.

More information: Water Quality Monitoring and Analysis

Aquaculture

Chelsea Technologies’ water quality sensors enable aquaculture professionals to monitor toxic algal blooms and organic pollution that may threaten fish stocks. The systems provide early warning of encroaching toxic bloom species and biological contaminants, helping operators distinguish between normal algal populations and increases in harmful cyanobacteria or dinoflagellates.

More information: Aquaculture Management

Maritime

Rapid onboard ballast water testing is crucial for commercial ship operators working to meet IMO D-2 requirements. FastBallast measures viable phytoplankton cells within the regulated 10 to 50-micron size range, helping operators identify borderline or non-compliant ballast water before discharge and enabling regulatory compliance while reducing the risk of port delays, failed audits and financial penalties.

More information: Maritime Operations

Ocean Science

Chelsea’s instruments provide the level of high-resolution data required for fast and continuous mapping of climate shifts, toxic algal blooms, and deep-sea contaminant plumes. The cutting-edge sensors are ideal for research into phytoplankton primary productivity and multispectral phytoplankton communities, as well as tracing of hydrocarbons and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM).

More information: Ocean Observation