In a bold stride towards greener maritime practices, Fugro has snagged a contract from the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS) to bolster the 2025 MAREANO seabed mapping program. This isn’t just another day at the office; it’s a game-changer. For the first time ever, MAREANO is ditching traditional methods and embracing uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology. Fugro’s new 18-meter Blue Eclipse USV is set to take the helm, steering the initiative into uncharted waters of sustainability and efficiency.
The Blue Eclipse, Fugro’s fleet flagship, is no slouch. It’s tasked with surveying a whopping 675 km2 region in the North Sea, where depths range from a mere 90 to a chilling 250 meters. Packed with state-of-the-art high-resolution, high-density multibeam echo sounders and sub-bottom data acquisition systems, this USV is set to gather a treasure trove of data. We’re talking bathymetry, water column data, acoustic backscatter data, and sub-bottom profiler data—all crucial for understanding the seabed’s topography and geology.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The Blue Eclipse won’t be navigating these treacherous waters alone. It’ll be remotely controlled from Fugro’s operations center in Aberdeen, ensuring long endurance and real-time data transfer. This isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about doing it efficiently, reducing delays, and minimizing the carbon footprint. In the challenging North Sea environment, these factors are make-or-break.
Fugro’s no stranger to the MAREANO program, having been a steadfast supporter since 2006. They’ve already acquired over 147,000 km2 of data, so they know the drill. But this time, they’re upping the ante with the Blue Eclipse. “The MAREANO program wants to accelerate the shift towards lower carbon emissions in seabed mapping. Use of USVs is one way to achieve this goal. Experiences from this year’s seabed mapping with USV technology will give us direction for opportunities in future surveys,” said Helge Welde, Chief Engineer at the Norwegian Mapping Authority, Hydrographic Service.
Nick Simmons, Fugro’s USV Services Director, echoed the sentiment, “This award marks a significant milestone for Fugro and the commercial debut of our advanced Blue Eclipse USV. The NHS’s decision, following a thorough evaluation process, highlights our technical capabilities, operational strategy, and commitment to knowledge sharing. We are confident that the Blue Eclipse and our expert team will deliver high-quality results for this important environmental mapping program.”
So, what’s the big deal? This news isn’t just about a contract won or a new toy in Fugro’s arsenal. It’s a testament to the maritime industry’s shift towards sustainability. It’s a challenge to the status quo, a spark to ignite debate, and a trendsetter for future developments. If this works, expect to see more USVs plying the seas, collecting data, and reducing carbon footprints. It’s not just about mapping the seabed anymore; it’s about doing it responsibly. And that, my friends, is a wave worth riding.
