Mammal protection during offshore projects

During the pilot, Jan De Nul will test the AI capacity and visual reach of Seiche’s second-generation HD thermal camera technology when it comes to detecting marine mammals.

“By joining forces with a well experienced technology solution partner as Seiche Ltd, we are convinced that we can re-invent the way of detecting and protecting marine mammals for the whole dredging and offshore construction business on projects worldwide,” said Inge Van Tomme, project manager of the KPI Department at Jan De Nul Group.

Pilot project

To this end, Seiche’s visual and thermal cameras have been installed on board the vessel Adhémar de Saint-Venant currently working on the offshore wind farm project Hollandse Kust in the Netherlands.

The combined visual and thermal cameras have been secured to high points on the vessel for an increased visual reach, will be fully tested over the coming two months.

This trial will allow Seiche Ltd to collect the necessary data for testing and fine-tuning the A.I. capacity of the automated detection function and the visual distances these cameras can cover.

“We are really excited to be working with Jan De Nul on the testing phase of our new camera systems – allowing us to really showcase the enhanced capabilities of the new devices. It is really great to see construction companies like Jan De Nul showing an active interest in developing such key tools for protecting the environment,” said Nicola Harris, associate director of environmental services at Seiche Ltd.

This test project idea came from a winning entry into Jan De Nul Group’s yearly Innovation Challenge which invites all Jan De Nul employees to work on his or her favourite innovation topic.

Based in the UK, Seiche Ltd specialises in the design, development and manufacture of underwater measurement and acoustic systems together with advanced visual detection systems.