DEMCON Unmanned Systems Conducts Inspection Tests During Wave Energy Converter Trial
DEMCON Unmanned Systems recently conducted inspection tests using one of its uncrewed vessels during a wave energy converter (WEC) trial led by The Hague-based Wave Energy Collective (Weco) off the coast of Scheveningen, the Netherlands.
The primary objective of the demonstration was to evaluate the integration of uncrewed and automated technologies in the inspection and maintenance of offshore renewable energy systems.
These tests mark a significant step towards the development of compact, electric, and uncrewed solutions for offshore operations, with the ultimate goal of reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
“This project is part of the Kansen voor West 3 subsidy program, which promotes innovation and sustainability in the region,” stated DEMCON Unmanned Systems.
The trial received support from a consortium comprising Holland Shipyards Group, Campusatsea, and Coastruction.
“Our goal is to explore how sustainable energy systems can be inspected and maintained uncrewed and automatically in the future. By establishing future-proof procedures, we aim to make the entire chain as sustainable as possible (compact, electric, uncrewed) while also operating as efficiently as possible (smaller equipment, lower operational costs),” shared DEMCON Unmanned Systems on social media.
In January, Wave Energy Collective (Weco) secured funding under the EKOO TSE Electricity 2024 program, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth’s Topsector Energiesubsidie initiative. This funding aims to advance a renewables-driven offshore charging solution for autonomous vessels.