UiT – The Arctic University of Norway has agreed a deal with Maritime Robotics for the delivery of a Mariner USV, an autonomous vessel that will be used to support UiT’s research capabilities by operating in areas that might have been previously inaccessible to manned craft.
The USV will specifically be used to support and enhance the activities of the University’s research vessel FF Helmer Hansen along ice edges in the Arctic, Maritime Robotics said.
The Mariner Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) is a multi-purpose unmanned vehicle used for offshore and coastal applications. It is made of polyethelene and will fit into a standard 20 feet container for shipping.
The USV is equipped with a payload room and can be fitted with a variety of surface and sub-surface sensors such as EO/IR cameras, radars, oceanographic instruments, hydroacoustic positioning systems, echo sounders (single and multibeam) and sonar systems.
Sub-surface sensors can be mounted through a moon-pool in the mid area of the craft, and an elevator mechanism for sinking and lowering the sensor under the hull can also be installed.
The USV operator monitors the USV and its installed payloads from a Vehicle Control Station (VCS), which features electronic charts, as well as engine and navigation data. The operator can use the system to keep watch over the surrounding sea areas and monitor collision avoidance warnings based on AIS, radar and video information.
