Gondan jumps on board with USVs

Designed by Salt for underwater maintenance and inspection missions, the 24m x 7.5m vessel runs on a diesel-electric system with 500kWh batteries, Gondan says.

The vessel, C506 USV Challenger, will be delivered to a company that has been named ‘USV A/S’ and formed by the three Norwegian firms DeepOcean, Solstad and Østensjø Rederi.

It is the first USV by the shipbuilder, which says it can do underwater work such as the launch and recovery of underwater vehicles that can dive to 2,000 metres – completely remotely, ie by being operated onshore at the Remote Operations Centre provided by Norwegian firm Remota.

“This new 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,” says Gondan.