Subsea specialist Sulmara has received funding from the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) to develop an over-the-horizon (OTH) uncrewed surface vessel (USV) capable of launching and recovering towed sensor packages. The project aims to create a platform meeting the UK MCA Workboat Code 3 standards for OTH operations in UK waters, further enhancing Sulmara’s Glasgow-based Remote Operations Centre (ROC).
In addition to designing the USV, Sulmara will develop a customer data portal for cloud-based access and mission tasking, improving the overall customer experience. Collaborating with technology partners such as Maritime Robotics and Lidan Marine, Sulmara will work towards commercial proof of concept demonstrations with industry partners like Harbour Energy, focusing on environmentally friendly data acquisition for offshore energy asset decommissioning.
The project represents Sulmara’s continued investment in USV technology, expanding the capabilities of remote vehicles for offshore data acquisition. By incorporating advanced geophysical sensors for dynamic towing, Sulmara aims to challenge conventional methods and accelerate decarbonization in the marine industry. Sulmara’s CTO, Andy Doggett, expressed confidence in the project’s potential to revolutionize offshore data acquisition practices.
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