HiDef Merges with BioConsult

HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited has completed a merger with German environmental consultancy, BioConsult.

The partnership gives HiDef access to BioConsult’s pool of over thirty environment scientists, marine biologists, ornithologists and statisticians.

The link between BioConsult SH and HiDef was established in 2013, when BioConsult SH became the first European Licensee for HiDef’s bespoke digital aerial survey technology, extending the service to Denmark in 2014.

“BioConsult SH were a natural choice when we looked to create diversification in our offering, as they have done a fantastic job delivering our digital video proposition in Germany and Denmark,” Mark Robinson, Managing Director of HiDef, said.

”Like HiDef, they have provided valuable services to a large number of offshore projects in their home markets. Our businesses share the same values and we are both committed to providing quality outputs to customers.”

The merger creates a high-profile offshore wildlife survey consultancy and one which is able to provide greater focus to the core business areas across northern Europe, HiDef said.

“The timing of this merger is perfect, giving us complementary skills and access to one of Germany’s leading offshore wind consultancies,” Kit Hawkins, HiDef’s Commercial Director, said.

”Over the last two years, HiDef has developed a reputation for excellence, both in the survey sector and in delivering best-in-class reporting using cutting edge statistical techniques. Continuing to grow the business meant additional propositions needed to be introduced and we are delighted to be able to immediately offer BioConsult’s deep industry knowledge and skill set to our Clients.”

Savvy Technologies Limited, HiDef’s sister business and owner of the technology’s intellectual property, will focus on the research and development of the HiDef digital video camera system, as well as the collision avoidance system currently under development on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Georg Nehls, Managing Director of BioConsult SH, said: “Our intention is to broaden the services currently offered by introducing our full portfolio of environmental and consenting services for all kind of marine projects, with special focus on offshore wind and nature conservation. BioConsult’s strength is to provide science-based advice and to develop innovative solutions, for example in the field of underwater noise monitoring and mitigation. Our first task will be to speak to current customers and discover how we can introduce our other services.”