Offshore staff
TOLLESBURY, UK – Fugro has ordered two 12-m (39-ft) SEA-KIT X class uncrewed surface vessels (USV).
The first USV is expected to be delivered to Fugro in Perth, Australia, in 4Q 2020 and will feature ROV and AUV launch-and-recovery systems and station-keeping capabilities. The vessel will be used to conduct ROV pipeline inspections in up to 400 m (1,312 ft) water depth on Australia’s North West Shelf.
Construction of the first vessel is under way at SEA-KIT’s bespoke facility in Tollesbury, Essex, where the fit-out of the hull and the integration of the onboard systems and sensors will take place.
The second USV, which will have a similar fit-out, is scheduled for delivery in Aberdeen in 1Q 2021.
The two new USVs are the first of multiple planned builds for Fugro as part of the partnership, with the schedule also including the design, build, and delivery of SEA-KIT’s 24-m (79-ft) Omega class USV in 2021.
The new USVs are expected to consume up to 95% less fuel than traditional, crewed vessels, supporting international ambitions for net zero global emissions in the marine industry, the companies said.
Ivar de Josselin de Jong, Director Remote Inspection at Fugro, said: “This order cements Fugro’s strategy to lead the development of remote and autonomous solutions, which is key to delivering a safer, more sustainable and more efficient approach to the construction and maintenance of marine assets…
“In addition to applications in the oil and gas industry, we specifically foresee an important role for our new remote inspection solution in the rapidly growing offshore wind sector.”
08/07/2020
