Fugro is set to soon deploy its autonomous uncrewed surface vessel (USV) Fugro Vaquita at the Beatrice offshore wind farm, the 588 MW Scottish offshore wind farm that has been in operation since 2019.

The USV, which Fugro took delivery of at the beginning of this year, will conduct a non-intrusive uncrewed survey campaign at several wind locations.

According to a Notice to Mariners from the project, the vessel will conduct surveys at 34 wind turbine locations at the Beatrice array site.

Operations are due to commence on 13 August and take around 18 days, subject to weather conditions.

Developed in partnership with SEA-KIT, Fugro Vaquita is Fugro’s second 12-metre Blue Essence USV to operate in European waters. 

The USV joined the Dutch company’s fleet in January 2024 and has earned Category 0 approval from the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), the highest level of approval for autonomous vessels.

According to Fugro, it is now the largest USV to operate fully remotely, with unrestricted access, to support marine projects further offshore.

Source: offshore-energy.biz