March 26, 2010 -- HR Wallingford is pleased to announce that, as of 23 March 2010, it acquired 100 per cent of the equity of SeaZone Solutions Limited (SeaZone) from the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO). Combining the two companies establishes a truly world-class player in the provision of marine information to organisations involved in engineering, marine and coastal management, offshore energy and environmental protection.

HR Wallingford, based in Oxfordshire, UK, provides world-leading analysis, advice and support in engineering and environmental hydraulics, and the management of water and the water environment. Established for over sixty years, the company is recognised internationally in supporting both governments and private organisations to manage floods, water and the maritime environment. HR Wallingford’s business includes numerical and physical modelling, numerical analysis and a range of associated consultancy services.

‘We are delighted to announce the acquisition of SeaZone’ said Dr Jane Smallman, Managing Director of HR Wallingford. ‘The businesses are clearly complementary. Together we have a fantastic opportunity to develop a world-leading marine information service, resulting in obvious benefits for all our customers. SeaZone has a bright future as part of the HR Wallingford Group.’

SeaZone was established in response to a market need for digital mapping and has built an established customer base within the private and public sectors in the UK and increasingly overseas. SeaZone’s business includes a range of geographic information products, software and services. SeaZone HydroSpatial has become the de facto standard for digital marine reference information for use within a range of applications including marine spatial planning, environmental protection, socio-economic development, risk management and mitigation.

‘Over the past six years SeaZone has gone from strength to strength both in the provision of marine geographic data and in services underpinned by definitive marine reference information’, said Dr Mike Osborne, founder of SeaZone. ‘Owing to the considerable international presence of HR Wallingford, the union will undoubtedly present more opportunities for SeaZone in both the UK and in overseas markets.’

SeaZone, with its existing team, will operate as a separate entity within HR Wallingford Group.

About SeaZone Solutions Limited

SeaZone is a world leader in the field of marine geographic information solutions, including its innovative data product, SeaZone HydroSpatial, the first ‘off the shelf’ authoritative digital marine map.

SeaZone’s knowledge of marine science, data acquisition and use, with expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) and data management, provides customers with innovative solutions that address their data access, processing and management needs.

Over 750 organisations across the oil and gas, renewable energy, conservation and public sectors use SeaZone data, software and services to help support decision making in the Marine Environment and Coastal Zone.

Contact
Alison Smith, Marketing Manager, SeaZone 
Tel: +44 (0) 870 013 0607, 
Email:  Alison.smith@SeaZone.com, 
Web:  www.SeaZone.com