Offshore windfarm inspections go fully remote

The USV, together with Blue Volta, an electrical remotely operated vehicle (eROV), were remotely launched and recovered from Fugro’s remote operations centre, to assess the stability and safety of the wind turbines at Aberdeen windfarm.

“This is a landmark moment for offshore operations and demonstrates how remote technologies are bringing significant benefits to the offshore wind industry,” said Nick Simmons, Fugro’s USV and remote working director for Europe and Africa.

”Our USVs can be operated from our global network of ROCs, allowing us to deliver faster and more sustainable inspection and geophysical services from onshore locations, which are also much safer for crew than the offshore environment.”

Fostering innovation

The inspection at the windfarm was jointly funded by the windfarm operator, Vattenfall, and Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.

This partnership is giving innovators in the offshore wind supply chain the opportunity to test and prove technologies in real-world conditions to support innovation in operations and maintenance.

A detailed map of the seabed was also created using data gathered from a deepwater multibeam echosounder sensor mounted on the hull of the vessel.

The acquired Geo-data was accessed in real-time, allowing Vattenfall to make quick decisions about their asset maintenance programme.

Blue Essence forms part of Fugro’s wider strategy towards more uncrewed operations for greater agility, safety and sustainability. 

The vessel can spend up to two weeks executing inspection activities at sea without refuelling resulting in a 95% reduction in carbon emissions, compared to conventional ROV support vessels.

It’s the first USV to receive approval from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to operate fully remotely with an eROV and undertake surveys in UK waters.