Geo-data specialist Fugro and SEA-KIT, a provider of hi-tech technologies to maritime and research industries, will collaborate to develop a new range of agile and compact uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) capable of deploying ROVs and AUVs for marine asset inspections.
Fugro says that the USVs are being developed alongside its range of USVs for hydrographic data acquisition. The first USVs are expected to be launched before the end of 2020, and a larger USV model is being designed for delivery in 2021.
AUV
AUV
Newly launched marine tech and data company Armada to add 15 marine robots to Ocean Infinity's current fleet of AUVs
Ocean Infinity has announced the launch of Armada, which it describes as a “new pioneering marine technology and data company.”
With a focus on combining technology and sustainability, Armada will initially add 15 bespoke designed marine robots to Ocean Infinity’s current fleet of AUVs.
“We are very excited to be launching Armada, which perfectly complements the other service offerings in the Ocean Infinity Group,” says Dan Hook, managing director for Armada.
“The pioneering technology makes our operations world leading in terms of environmental sustainability and safety, whilst still achieving the very highest levels of data quality and value for our clients.”
Huntington Ingalls Industries acquires marine robotics developer Hydroid Inc.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has announced that it will acquire Hydroid Inc., which will expand its capabilities in the “strategically important and rapidly growing” autonomous and unmanned maritime systems market, the company says.
A provider of advanced marine robotics to the defense and maritime markets, and a U.S. based indirect subsidiary, wholly owned by Kongsberg Maritime, Hydroid will become part of HII’s Technical Solutions division.
Sonardyne acquires 2G Robotics
Sonardyne International Ltd. has acquired 2G Robotics Inc., which specializes in underwater imaging and inspection.
Joining Sonardyne’s group of companies, 2G Robotics will remain an independent business and brand, and continue to serve its customer base in unmanned and autonomous underwater vehicles, as well as remotely operated vehicles.
“2G Robotics has a dedicated research team and well developed product and service lines, with scope for growth,” says John Ramsden, Sonardyne’s managing director.
Royal Australian Navy, Defence Science and Technology Group showcase AUVs during Summerfest event
During the inaugural ‘Summerfest’ event at HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay in Dec. 2019, the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Group showcased new capability in the use of AUVs.
During the event, 32 AUV experts from Navy, Defence Science and Technology (DST), industry and academia came together to share knowledge and potential answers to common challenges in the growing AUV environment.
Navy engineers also had the opportunity to mark the progress made in AUV applied research and operations throughout 2019.
Sonardyne-led team demonstrates benefits of USVs/AUVs for long-endurance underwater navigation missions
A joint project led by Sonardyne International Ltd., with partners the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and L3Harris, has set “new standards in long-endurance underwater navigation and automated subsea positioning,” according to the entities.
One of the main goals of the two-year, £1.4 million Precise Positioning for Persistent Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (P3AUV) project was to integrate existing and emerging technologies to deliver a “step-change” in unmanned platform endurance and navigational precision.
The project also sought to use USVs to increase the use of autonomy in offshore survey positioning operations, which ultimately reduces risk to personnel, environmental impact and operating costs.
Fugro completes first deepwater AUV site survey for Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd
Geo-data specialist Fugro has announced that in August, it successfully completed the first deepwater AUV site survey for Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP).
The survey was completed using a dedicated geophysical survey vessel called the Fugro Equator and the Fugro ES-V AUV in water depths of 600 meters. There were no HSSE incidents during the operations.
According to Fugro, the survey results will be crucial for planning a safe drilling program, as they provide engineering and design studies with key inputs for pipeline routing and subsea structures in future deepwater field developments.
Ocean Infinity tests battery technology for AUVs
Following 18 months of research, development and trials, Ocean Infinity has tested new, advanced battery technology for AUVs.
Ocean Infinity says that its new 6000 meter pressure tolerant batteries provide the company’s HUGIN AUVs with greater endurance and efficiency, allowing missions to be conducted across a period of more than four days without having to change the battery.
In combination with Ocean Infinity’s multi-AUV operation, the technology also increases the possible survey range to nearly 700 kilometers per AUV, providing the industry with a “revolutionary survey platform offering,” according to the company.
Hydroid integrating Seaglider AUV Division into its organization
Kongsberg Maritime subsidiary Hydroid Inc. has announced the integration of the Seaglider AUV Division into its organization.
Seaglider is being transferred from Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc. (KUTI), which will allow Hydroid to utilize complementary technologies and markets across the REMUS and Seaglider product lines.
With the integration of Seaglider into Hydroid, the range of technical solutions and program management support that can be offered to customers also increases.
Blue Ocean Monitoring to support its global survey operations with newly purchased AUV
To help support its global survey operations, Blue Ocean Monitoring Ltd. has purchased a new L3Harris Technologies Iver3 AUV.
Capable of operating up to 200 meters, the Iver3 AUV delivers extremely accurate survey data, while significantly reducing project cost, time and risk. The AUV is small enough and light enough to be deployed by a single user from small work vessels or directly from shore.
“The Iver3 AUV is a powerful addition to the expanding range of innovative technology we operate, and the services we can provide,” says Keith Wallace, chief commercial officer of Blue Ocean Monitoring.
