Offshore staff
IJMUIDEN, the Netherlands — RC Dock has delivered its first fully classed offshore uncrewed surface vessel (USV), which is designed for inspection, maintenance, repair and survey operations.
The client is Middle East-based Sovereign Global Solutions.
The 25-t, 12-m catamaran underwent trials in the North Sea last winter, with CO2 emissions more than 90% lower than from conventional offshore vessels, the company claims. It is designed to provide a stable and safe platform for offshore wind farm inspections and multi-sensor deployment with a 5-t payload capacity.
According to RC Dock, the design of the twin hull facilitates straightforward and low-cost mobilization as both hulls can fit within standard shipping containers, and transportation becomes both efficient and environmentally friendly.
The USV has an in-house developed launch and recovery system and a towed sensor management system for inspection and work class ROVS and remotely operated towed vehicles, enabling real-time, over-the-horizon remote-operated underwater inspections and repairs.
Its surface and subsea imagery sensors are designed to provide observation and monitoring of marine assets. Integration with AI-supported classification and 3D image technology allows the vessel to identify and model above- and underwater objects.
The 100% biofuel and hybrid propulsion system provides for carbon-neutral operations for more than 30 days, with a 10-knot transit speed and a 7-knot survey speed. According to the company, this is unprecedented for decarbonizing of operation and maintenance vessel operations for offshore wind farms.
Master and qualified watchkeepers monitor the USV 24/7 from a control center onshore.
Further USVs on order should be delivered later this year, with a larger 23-m version set to debut in 2024.
08.07.2023
