- Category: Members News
- 2024-09-24
Ensuring the safety and integrity of port infrastructure is of paramount importance to ensure smooth port operations. Fugro introduced an innovative approach to port surveys using an uncrewed surface vessel that can effectively support port authorities to monitor and maintain safe seabed depths and quay wall integrity. This technology improves safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability in maritime operations.
Use case description
Fugro is a Dutch multinational public company headquartered in the Netherlands. The company, a global leader in Geo-data solutions, created Blue Essence®, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that conducts remote underwater surveys, inspecting subsea assets up to 400 metres of depth.
During operations, the vessel is controlled from an onshore remote operations centre (ROC) via a satellite connection. Thanks to the embedded GNSS system, the vessel is able to record the precise position of each of its measurements and it can be used for the inspection of offshore assets, construction support services, and hydrographic and geophysical surveys with no need for personnel onboard.
Fugro’s Blue Essence® can spend up to two weeks executing inspection activities at sea without refuelling, resulting in a 95% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional remotely-operated support vessels.
After its launch in 2021, one of Fugro’s USVs became the first UAE-flagged unmanned vehicle to operate in UAE’s inland waters in 2022. It was used to carry out a comprehensive seabed and quay wall survey for one of UAE’s major ports. The client required a solution that would minimise disruption to daily port operations while ensuring thorough and accurate survey results.
Challenges addressed by the space-based service
Port authorities must regularly survey their facilities to ensure the safe passage of deep draft vessels and to verify the structural integrity of quay walls. Historically, these surveys have been carried out by divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) deployed from large vessels. These conventional methods present several challenges, including risks for divers and the disruption of port operations caused by the passage of large survey vessels.
Fugro’s Blue Essence® uncrewed surface vessel (USV) addresses these challenges head-on. The Blue Essence® USV operates autonomously, significantly reducing the need for large, crewed vessels and eliminating the risks associated with diver-based surveys. This innovative technology allows clients to maintain normal port operations during the surveying ensuring both safety and efficiency.
Benefits of the space-based service
The benefits of using Fugro’s Blue Essence® USV for port surveys are numerous:
- Operational Efficiency: Provides accurate, reliable data for port maintenance.
- Minimised disruption: Autonomous operation allows port activities to continue uninterrupted.
- Enhanced Safety: Eliminates the need for divers, reducing personnel risks.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 95% as compared to conventional survey vessels.
Implementation Timeline
From the 13th to the 18th of January 2023, Fugro deployed the Blue Essence® USV in one of the UAE’s major ports, successfully completing a seabed and quay wall survey and demonstrating the benefits of this technology.
Intended users
- Port authorities
- Offshore energy and asset operators
- Maritime operators
- Hydrographic authorities
Conclusion
Fugro’s Blue Essence® unmanned surface vessel (USV) sets a new standard in harbour surveying, offering a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable solution that ensures infrastructure integrity, while minimising disruptions to operations and reducing the environmental impact of surveys.
