The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center was abuzz with a global crowd on Thursday, marking the start of the 2025 Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) World Championship. Over 70 teams from 18 countries descended upon Alpena, Michigan, each bringing their unique underwater ROVs to compete in a series of challenges that mimic real-world maritime tasks.
This year’s competition is a testament to the growing international interest in marine technology and the Great Lakes’ role as a living laboratory for underwater innovation. Teams are tackling a mission that encompasses Great Lakes and ocean science, maritime history, invasive species identification, and renewable energy tasks. The challenges require ROVs to perform precise maneuvers in a marine technology training tank, all while being timed and judged on their efficiency and effectiveness.
Daniel Moffatt, Stewardship and Education Specialist for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, emphasized the real-world applications of the competition. “These students are getting a tangible taste of what a career in marine technology might look like,” he said. “They’re developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond their university years.”
One of the standout teams is TecXotic from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Dulce Bucio, a team member, shared their excitement and the journey behind their ROV, Penta. “This is our 10th anniversary, and Penta is the culmination of all our efforts, mistakes, and experiences,” Bucio said. Penta’s unique design, featuring eight thrusters and a 360-degree claw, showcases the team’s innovative approach to underwater robotics.
Meanwhile, Benedikt Salecker from the German team U.Stall highlighted the collaborative spirit of the competition. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about connecting with other teams and learning from each other,” Salecker said. This sentiment was echoed by many participants, who praised the supportive and inclusive community fostered by the MATE ROV Competition.
The event also provided a platform for local talent, with the Alpena High School Underwater Research Robotics (UR2) team showcasing their skills. The community’s enthusiasm was palpable, with spectators eagerly watching the underwater footage of the product demonstrations.
As the competition continues, it’s clear that the MATE ROV World Championship is more than just a contest; it’s a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and innovations. The exchange of knowledge and the spirit of camaraderie among the teams are likely to shape the future of marine technology. This event could very well inspire the next generation of marine scientists and engineers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in underwater exploration and conservation.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for later today, will cap off an intense and inspiring week. Holly Kriendler, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Oceaneering International, will deliver remarks, adding a touch of industry expertise to the event. As the teams await the results, the true winners are the students, who have gained invaluable experience and forged international connections that will last a lifetime.
The MATE ROV Competition is a reminder that the future of marine technology is bright and collaborative. As these young innovators continue to push the envelope, the maritime industry can expect to see even more groundbreaking developments in the years to come. The competition’s emphasis on real-world applications and teamwork is a blueprint for how the industry can tackle complex challenges and drive innovation forward.