By Business & Finance 
Launched in 2018 with Enterprise Ireland, the Elevation Award recognises fast-growing Irish companies with substantial potential for global expansion.
XOCEAN was established in 2017 and currently has 240 employees with offices in Ireland and globally.
James Ives, CEO, heads the company, which is widely regarded as a leading provider of carbon-neutral ocean data.
We spoke with him about the work and strategies that led to XOCEAN winning the Elevation Award at last year’s Business & Finance Awards.
“We are an ocean data business and we supply data to many of the world’s largest energy companies to support their offshore renewable developments but we do it with a difference. Rather than using conventional vessels, we use robotics systems that we have deployed throughout the world.”
The company operates the world’s largest fleet of survey class uncrewed surface vessels and they are building a 31st at time of interview. These USVs can remain offshore for extended periods, harvesting large volumes of ocean data.
“Our mission is to deliver that supports the sustainable development of the ocean. Our largest markets are supporting clean energy so that’s offshore wine and carbon capture and storage.”
The team has deep expertise in technology development, operations and data analytics and Ives said the company also supports government agencies around the globe. Their office locations include the UK, the US, Canada, Norway and Australia.
“Our operators and data analysts remain safely located onshore, connected to the vessels over a satellite link. This smarter and highly scalable approach to ocean data delivery is safer, cost-effective and ultra-low impact.”
Business & Finance Awards 2025
This year’s awards are taking place on Thursday 11th December at the Convention Centre, Dublin. To make a submission, please see here.
For more information on the awards, please contact Brian.kearns@businessandfinance.com
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