Sea Machines expands European sales force

Frank Relou

Boston, Mass., headquartered Sea Machines Robotics has hired industry veteran Frank Relou to lead its European sales efforts, as European business development manager.

Sea Machines offers proven commercial-grade, wireless, remote vessel-control systems and autonomous navigation technology.

In his new role, Relou will work closely with workboat operators and boat-builders serving task-oriented sectors, such as aquaculture, hydrographic and UXO surveying, dredging and oil-spill response. He will also support the company’s advanced situational awareness technology trials currently being piloted on an A.P. Moller-Maersk containership that calls regularly in Rotterdam.

Relou is based in the Netherlands with responsibilities for Europe, Middle East and African regions.

“We welcome Frank to the team just as customer demand for our products in Europe is experiencing new growth,” said Don Black, Sea Machines’ Don Black, vice president, sales and marketing. “As former colleagues, I have seen first-hand the ability Frank has in connecting with customers and solving their challenges. We look forward to the impact he will make as Sea Machines strengthens its foothold in European markets.”

“This position fuels my passions for the commercial marine and technology industries,” said Relou. “I look forwarding to introducing my established network to Sea Machines’ innovative technologies.”

Relou began his nearly three-decades-long career in 1991 at Shipyard Grave BV, of the Netherlands. From there, he held roles of increasing responsibility at George Kniest Boat Equipment; Simrad; Navionics); New Madera RIBs B.V.; and Survitec Group, where he held his most recent position as a key account manager. He is fluent in Dutch, German and English.

has