Gondan delivers autonomous USV Challenger
The 24m-long and 7.5m-wide USV Challenger has been designed to perform underwater inspection, maintenance and repair, mapping and survey work without the need for an onboard crew (Source: Gondan)
Spain’s Gondan Shipbuilders has delivered the first unmanned vessel to be built at its facilities. The USV Challenger has been developed in a joint venture project with Solstad Offshore, Østensjø Rederi and DeepOcean. It represents a key development in the future of shipbuilding, according to the partners.
The vessel, 24m long and 7.5m wide, has been designed by Salt Ship Design to carry out underwater inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and survey work with no crew. It has a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, an endurance at sea of 30 days, and an emissions profile that is over 90% less thatconventional vessels of this type.
It has a remotely operated vehicle launch and recovery system designed by DeepOcean that is fitted with a range of tools to carry out underwater tasks. The all-electric robot can operate at depths of up to 1,500m.
The vessel is now en route to DeepOcean’s plant in Killingøy, Haugesund. After final approval form the relevant authorities, it will be deployed on IMR work for DeepOcean.
