Fugro’s Blue Eclipse® USV Chosen for Groundbreaking Seabed Mapping Project
Fugro, a leading provider of geotechnical, survey, subsea, and geoscience services, has recently secured a significant milestone with the announcement of the first commercial contract for its Blue Eclipse® uncrewed surface vessel (USV). This groundbreaking project marks a historic moment as Norway’s MAREANO program will utilize USV technology for the first time to gather crucial seabed mapping data for the Norwegian Hydrographic Service.
The Blue Eclipse®, Fugro’s largest USV, will embark on a comprehensive survey of over 675 square kilometers in the challenging waters of the North Sea. With water depths ranging from 90 to 250 meters, the USV is equipped with state-of-the-art high-resolution multibeam echo sounders and sub-bottom profiler data acquisition systems to capture detailed datasets essential for understanding the seabed’s topography and geology.
One of the key advantages of the Blue Eclipse® is its exceptional fuel efficiency, consuming up to 90% less fuel compared to traditional survey vessels. Controlled from Fugro’s remote operations center in Aberdeen, the USV’s long endurance and real-time data transfer capabilities ensure efficient operations and minimize potential delays in the demanding North Sea environment, critical for the success of the MAREANO program.
Advanced Features of the Blue Eclipse®
The Blue Eclipse® represents the next generation of Fugro’s USVs, standing at an impressive 18 meters in length, significantly longer than its predecessors. Engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of the Central North Sea, the USV can operate in more challenging environments and boasts up to 20 days of estimated endurance.
Furthermore, the Blue Eclipse® may be accompanied by the Blue Amp® electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV), capable of inspection down to 500 meters, extendable to 1,000 meters when used in conjunction with the USV. With powerful capabilities including fast remote inspection and light intervention tasks, the eROV enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the survey operations.
Technical Specifications
Blue Eclipse®
- Length: 17.6m
- Beam: 3.5m
- Draft: 2.5m
- Endurance: 20 days
Blue Amp®
- Dimensions: 2070mm x 842mm x 1200mm
- Weight: 650kg in air (850kg max)
- Depth rating: 1000 MSW
- Thruster configuration: 4 vertical 180mm, 4 axial 250mm
- Performance: operational 3 knots linear inspection speed
With a cutting-edge sensor payload, advanced control software, and robust design, the Blue Eclipse® and Blue Amp® are at the forefront of unmanned survey technology, offering unparalleled capabilities for seabed mapping and exploration.
For more information on Fugro’s innovative USV technology and its applications in the maritime industry, visit their official website.
