An unmanned vessel from Fugro recently debuted in the port of Rotterdam. The vessel - called the Orca - is designed to inspect offshore structures. The Orca can launch a remote-controlled underwater robot.
The Orca and its steerable underwater robot are used to inspect offshore structures, to support construction work and to carry out hydrographic and geophysical surveys. During operations, control of the vessel and robot takes place via a satellite link from a control room ashore. Data transmission takes place in real-time.
The vessel is a so-called unmanned surface vehicle (USV). Its deployment offers several advantages. Because it is controlled from shore, Fugro uses fewer personnel in high-risk offshore environments. In addition, the company claims it reduces its carbon footprint by 95% compared to traditional survey methods. This by deploying cloud-based processing techniques and enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
Blue Essence
The Fugro Orca is part of the company's Blue Essence line. Blue Essence is 12 metres long and 2.2 metres wide, while its draft is 2.3 metres. Thanks to its modular design, Blue Essence is widely deployable. Thus, the vessel can be equipped with a variety of sensors and tools for inspection tasks and light-duty work.
The vessel is powered from electric directional thrust motors of 10 kW each. Using its built-in batteries, the Blue Essence can stay at sea for up to 17 days, depending on its activities. With safety in mind, the ship is equipped with, among other things, dual radar, an emergency anchor and a Collision Avoidance System. However, also consider a 360-degree camera, night vision goggles and loudspeaker.
Blue Volta eROV
The Blue Essence line is equipped with the Fugro Blue Volta eROV inspection robot. It is suitable for inspections at depths of up to 450 metres. The ROV is equipped with a high-definition camera and sensors to create high-quality images, for example of pipelines or subsea structures.
Harbour master René de Vries: "We welcome this special ship to our port. It is the first time from the port of Rotterdam that a remotely controlled unmanned vessel will go to the North Sea and carry out work by a vessel without the presence of crew on board and are proud that this pilot can be carried out safely thanks to the careful preparation of all parties involved. We expect that the development of digitalisation in shipping will further enhance the safety and accessibility of the port of Rotterdam. This pilot fits in with our ambition to test new technologies that can make our port even smarter, more efficient and better."
Erik-Jan Bijvank, group director Europe and Africa at Fugro says: "Fugro is a market leader in the deployment of USVs. Since 2020, Fugro has deployed its Blue Shadow USV fleet for medium to large-scale hydrographic surveys. Recently, Fugro's first Blue Essence conducted its first unmanned survey in the Indian Ocean. I am pleased that we now also have this latest generation of USVs available to our European clients. In the near future, Fugro will further expand its USV fleet for safer and sustainable services at sea."
Blue Shadow USV
The Blue Shadow USV referred to by Bijvank is a 9-metre-long and 1.77-metre-wide USV with a draft of 1.21 metres. It is designed for hydrographic and geophysical surveys for medium- to large-scale projects, both in nearshore and offshore environments. The design of the USV allows the vessel to 'drill through' waves. This makes the USV more resistant to weather conditions and high waves.
The vessel is designed for fully autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, or can be remotely controlled. For this purpose, the Blue Shadow is equipped with, among other things, a radar, a weather station and a 360-degree camera. An 80HP diesel engine is available to power the vessel. The ship's cruising speed is 8 knots.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
