Lloyd’s Register and Fugro Streamline Certification Process for Autonomous USVs

Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Fugro have entered into a block fee agreement to enhance the certification and maintenance process for Fugro’s autonomous uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This strategic collaboration aims to simplify the certification process, expedite deployment, and ensure ongoing compliance with LR’s Code for Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS).

Background

The partnership between LR and Fugro dates back to 2021 when LR certified Fugro’s first Blue Essence vessel, Fugro Maali. This marked the first certification of an uncrewed system by LR and the issuance of LR’s UMS Certificate. Since then, LR has been actively involved in certifying four additional Fugro vessels, with more vessels currently under construction.

Efficient Certification Framework

The new agreement establishes a more efficient framework for certification, moving away from a vessel-by-vessel approach to a consolidated block fee structure. This streamlined process reduces administrative complexities and ensures that Fugro’s fleet remains compliant with global safety and operational standards.

Operational Impact

Fugro’s LR-certified USVs are operational in various regions such as the U.K., U.A.E., Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands, conducting tasks like offshore energy inspections, subsea cable surveys, and environmental monitoring. The block fee arrangement with LR enables Fugro to uphold its fleet efficiently under LR’s UMS Code, ensuring operational readiness and compliance.

Industry Recognition

Matthew Palmer, Global Nuclear and Naval Submarines Segment Director at LR, highlighted the significance of this collaboration by stating, “By implementing a block fee structure, we are enabling Fugro to maintain its fleet efficiently under LR’s UMS Code, ensuring operational availability and compliance. This is yet another industry first for Fugro.”

Jeffrey Tuckerman, Regulatory Compliance Officer at SEA-KIT, a Fugro company, emphasized the importance of the block fee arrangement in managing Fugro’s expanding fleet. This streamlined approach allows Fugro to uphold its fleet to the highest safety and compliance standards, ensuring clients receive reliable data from USV operations.

Overall, the partnership between LR and Fugro signifies a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and safety in the operation of autonomous USVs. This collaboration sets a new standard in the industry for streamlined certification processes and operational excellence.