Spain-based shipbuilder GONDAN has reported that the launch of its first unmanned vessel took place on February 25 at the GONDAN shipyard in Figueras, Castropol.
The vessel launched is an advanced uncrewed surface vessel (USV) being built for USV A/S, a Norwegian company formed by three companies in the offshore sector DeepOcean, Solstad and Østensjø Rederi.
The USV vessel, designed by Norway’s Salt Ship Design to carry out underwater maintenance and inspection missions, is 24 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, whilst it is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system with 500 kWh batteries.
The vessel has a system of sensors, cameras and antennas on board that will allow it to carry out underwater inspection work such as the launch and recovery of underwater vehicles (WROV) capable of diving to a depth of 2000 meters in a completely remote way.
The Norwegian company Remota A/S, which specializes in remote operations and semi-autonomous maritime services for the offshore and marine industries, will provide the onshore Remote Operations Center (ROC), from where the operation of the vessel and the submarines it deploys will be controlled.
“This new built USV represents a significant technological advance that will enhance operational capabilities in maintenance and inspection work, offering high-performance solutions for missions in the marine environment and a reduction in C02 emissions of more than 90% compared to other conventional vessels,” GONDAN said in its release.
