New Jersey-based Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has been awarded a contract for the immediate delivery of one of of its unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to an undisclosed offshore construction company.
The award also includes providing a spare vehicle system that can be assembled on-site. The vehicle will provide survey services for an offshore dredging project in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The USV selected by the construction company uses an articulating suspension system to minimise structural loading. Its ultra-light and modular construction will allow it to operate under a range of sea conditions not possible with conventional vessels of similar size.
The craft can also be outfitted with various fixed or towed sensor solutions for surveys of marine infrastructure and for berth clearance and dredging among other applications.
OPT said the portability of the USV will allow for quick relocation of the entire system by air, sea, or land.