Fugro and SEA KIT International have entered a strategic partnership to develop a new range of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) that can deploy remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for marine asset inspections.
The first USVs will be launched before the end of this year, while a larger USV model will be ready for delivery in 2021.
According to the new partnership, the new range of USVs will consume up to 95 % less fuel than traditional vessels.
The companies stated that, with this move, they would accelerate the development and use of uncrewed vessels, remotely operated from Fugro’s remote operations centres (ROCs).
Fugro has built seven ROCs. Two new ROCs in Aberdeen, Scotland, and Leidschendam, the Netherlands, were opened in 2019.
“By the end of 2020, Fugro will be the first company in the world to provide offshore subsea inspections via USVs and ROVs that are operated from onshore ROCs,” the company said.
Ben Simpson , Managing Director of SEA-KIT International, said: “Together we can push for better sustainability in the marine industry and lead the way for others to follow.”