Enabling complex offshore robotics from a next gen USV
Uncrewed surface vessels are cutting cost, emissions and risk in marine operations, but many remain limited in capability. ACUA Ocean is pushing those boundaries with its PIONEER USV, built to perform in tougher environments. Recent trials showed how PIONEER extends operations below the surface, seamlessly linking surface and subsea domains through Sonardyne’s underwater positioning and communications technology.
The challenge
Offshore inspection, monitoring and survey work has long relied on large, crewed vessels, which come with high operating costs, significant carbon emissions and the inherent risk humans face in marine environments.
ACUA Ocean want to challenge the status quo and deliver subsea operations more safely, sustainably and at lower cost, using their PIONEER uncrewed surface vessel (USV).
Developed in Plymouth, PIONEER is a 14-m-long, 25-tonne vessel which uses a small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) design, providing high stability and allowing operations in up to Sea State 6—conditions that typically restrict smaller vessels and many USVs. .
It also has a hybrid power chain, providing robust operation with long endurance, including the ability to spend 50 days at sea.
ACUA Ocean says these features allow 30% greater operational availability than a traditional 40 m crewed vessel, while reducing emissions by 95% compared with traditional vessels, and removing personnel from harm’s way. It’s also already Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Workboat Code 3 and hydrogen certified.
