Fugro has signed a contract with Kooiman Engineering and Van Oossanen Naval Architects to work on its next generation of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), to be called ‘Blue Prism’.
Specifically engineered for operations in both coastal and offshore environments, the Blue Prism design will combine an ultra-low carbon footprint with wide ranging data collection capabilities.
Available to clients in 2023, the vessels will be able to acquire bathymetry and sub-bottom data using hull mounted sensors, linked with the company’s own data management software, whilst also having the ability to tow multiple geophysical sensors.
Capable of beyond line-of-sight operations, Fugro says it will be the first low carbon autonomous vessel to combine these vessel characteristics and sensors.
“Autonomous vessels play an important role in the future of the maritime survey sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering high quality data more efficiently,” Frank Koopman, Fugro’s Global Director Marine Site Characterisation.
“We chose to work with Kooiman Engineering and Van Oossanen Naval Architects because of their extensive track record in innovative ship design and hydrodynamics and we look forward to working with them on this exciting project as we are determined to grow our fleet of USVs for safer, more sustainable marine operations.”
