Geodata provider Fugro has announced that the 12 meter Blue Essence Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), the Fugro Pegasus, has received a full navigation license from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Fugro said in its statement that this was the first registration of an over-the-horizon USV in the country, making the Fugro Blue Essence USV the first vessel of its class to meet the operational standards of multiple independent maritime authorities.
The Blue Essence vessel, built by Fugro partner SEA-KIT International, can be controlled from anywhere in the world and was designed to inspect underwater assets, the statement said.
The remote inspection solution incorporates the Blue Volta e-ROV, which extends the inspection portfolio up to 400 meters of water depth.
Blue Essence enables experts to deliver projects from Fugro’s land-based Remote Operations Centers (ROCs) safely out of harm’s way while experiencing a better work-life balance, Fugro noted. The company added that its advanced systems and array of geophysical sensors enable asset characterization surveys and underwater inspection sites, allowing the Fugro Blue Essence vessel to conduct operations safely and efficiently, reducing emissions by 95 percent compared to conventional ship operations.
“There were no existing regulations for unmanned vessels, so we formed a working group with the UAE authorities and local partners to facilitate the process. We are proud to have achieved the first registration of a USV in horizon in the country and we are confident that the vessel will support the UAE’s efforts to maintain its underwater infrastructure, while contributing to environmental protection and maritime security,” he said. Hannes Swiegers, director of remote operations for the Middle East and India at Fugro.
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