In a significant move towards safer and more sustainable marine operations, Fugro has announced the expansion of its Blue Essence® uncrewed surface vessel (USV) fleet. The latest addition, named Fugro Vaquita, now stands as the largest USV with Category 0 approval from the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), marking the highest level of endorsement for autonomous vessels.
Fugro’s commitment to advancing technology for a secure and environmentally conscious world is underscored by this expansion. The Blue Essence® fleet, comprising 12-meter vessels, is designed to operate fully remotely, providing unrestricted access to support marine projects situated further offshore. This not only enhances safety but also elevates environmental performance.
With both the USV and electrical remotely operated vehicle (eROV) under the command of Fugro’s global network of remote operations centres (ROCs), the company is pioneering remote-controlled maritime operations. This not only removes personnel from potentially high-risk offshore environments but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint, with the USV emitting up to 95% less than conventional support vessels.
Nick Simmons, Fugro’s Director of USV and Remote Working in Europe and Africa, expressed excitement, calling this development a groundbreaking milestone for the maritime sector. The expansion of the Blue Essence® fleet aligns with Fugro’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.
The Fugro Vaquita, developed in collaboration with SEA-KIT, is the second Blue Essence® USV operating in European waters. In 2023, Fugro Orca, the predecessor, successfully completed multiple projects, including asset integrity and seabed surveys for key clients.
This strategic move not only strengthens Fugro’s capabilities in servicing assets further offshore but also aligns with the global push towards sustainable practices in the maritime industry. The remote monitoring and control capabilities of the USV from anywhere in the world empower operators with faster decision-making and access to near real-time data, crucial for optimizing project schedules and ensuring safety.
As Fugro embraces the future of autonomous marine operations, the expansion of the Blue Essence® fleet marks a transformative step towards a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly maritime sector.
