In early-2023, Fugro expanded their presence at Turnchapel Wharf by opening their first ROV Training Centre of Excellence which received International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) approval.
Since then, Fugro's work in ROV has expanded with the acquisition of SEA-KIT International, a long-standing partner in the development of hi-tech uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), and MCA approval for their 12m Blue Essence® USV.
The following article from BBC News examines how ROV and USV technology is being utilised in the maritime industry, showcasing Fugro and SEA-KIT in action using USV Vaquita to inspect a WWII wreck off Plymouth Sound.
Article written by Jonathan Amos, Rebecca Morelle and Alison Francis, published on Sunday 3rd March 2024 on BBC News, Science & Environment.
Photo: BBC/Kevin Church
Robot ships: Huge remote controlled vessels are setting sail
It sounds like science fiction. Ocean-going ships with no-one on board. But this vision of the future is coming - and sooner than you might think.
You can glimpse it in a Norwegian fjord where a huge, lime-green vessel is being put through its paces. At first glance, it seems like any other ship. Look closer, though, and you suddenly see all the hi-tech kit. Cameras, microphones, radars, GPS and all manner of satellite communications.
