Fugro expands its USV fleet

Dutch offshore survey and geophysical consultants Fugro has signed a contract with Kooiman Engineering and Van Oossanen Naval Architects for the design of a new type of autonomous surface vessels (USVs).

The new type, called the Fugro Blue Prism™, will be engineered for survey operations in both coastal and offshore environments. It will combine a very low carbon footprint with high-quality data collection, weather resilience and endurance characteristics. To be available to clients in 2023, Fugro’s Blue Prism will acquire seabed data using hull mounted sensors, while also having the ability to tow multiple geophysical sensors.

Frank Koopman, Fugro’s Global Director Marine Site Characterisation, said: “Autonomous vessels play an important role in the future of the maritime survey sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering high quality data more efficiently. We chose to work with Kooiman Engineering and Van Oossanen Naval Architects because of their extensive track record in innovative ship design and hydrodynamics and we look forward to working with them on this exiting project as we are determined to grow our fleet of USVs for safer, more sustainable marine operations.”