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Unmanned ocean mapping has come under the spotlight, with Irish startup XOCEAN leading the charge; their small, battery-powered ships, equipped with sensors, can collect ocean data and beam it to experts ashore via satellite. XOCEAN claims these vessels emit 1,000 times fewer carbon emissions than traditional research ships, saving costs while keeping researchers safe.
Established in 2017, XOCEAN's drones have been used worldwide, completing over 30,000 hours at sea and participating in over 100 projects. They've served industries like oil and gas for pipeline inspections, fisheries for acoustic data collection, environmental research, and monitoring, and offshore renewable energy projects, particularly wind energy farms.
Since 2020, XOCEAN's staff has grown from 20 to 112. They've secured €8 million in funding and have expanded operations to Ireland, the UK, and Canada. Plans for a further Asian-Pacific expansion and a fleet expansion of 40 vessels by the end of 2023 are underway.
XOCEAN's ships are widely used in the wind energy sector. Companies like Ørsted, a clean energy giant, and BP (British Petroleum) have hired XOCEAN for marine surveys. Key stakeholders recognize the shift towards renewable energy - an expectation supported by the OECD's prediction of a $3 trillion marine economy by 2030, with growth in offshore wind energy, seafood processing, and shipbuilding & repair.
James Ives, XOCEAN's founder and CEO, believes the company sees increasing demand from the offshore wind industry. XOCEAN has already worked with Ørsted on virtually inspecting one of the world's largest wind parks, and BP recently commissioned the company to survey the Irish Sea for two offshore wind farm leases.
"We're witnessing the dramatic transformation of energy markets transitioning towards a more sustainable future," said Ives.
Redefining ocean science and business
XOCEAN is not alone in capitalizing on this booming market. Companies like L3Harris, whose autonomous vessels are already in use by the U.S. Navy, Saildrone, which gathers oceanographic data across the Arctic to the equator, and Ocean Infinity are transforming oceanic technologies.
Yet, regulatory hurdles remain. In the UK, for instance, regulations are focused on having people on board, but autonomous systems necessitate new licensing procedures to ensure operational safety and security. Licensing requirements dictate that developers must prove their autonomous systems adhere to similar safety standards as manned vessels, including handling potential collisions and reaction protocols in case of technical errors or operational delays.
"We need to make sure plans, processes, and equipment ensure the ship is safe and won't harm others should anything go wrong," Katrina Kemp, an expert in autonomous technology at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, emphasized.
Manned ships can only stay at sea for two weeks before a crew change is required, limiting the on-site data collection time. However, unmanned vessels can stay at sea for forty days. XOCEAN's Ives expects an increase in data collection efforts as the use of autonomous vessels becomes more prevalent.
Environmental concerns, too, are addressed, as unmanned ships reduce the carbon footprint of ocean exploration. While conventional research vessels can emit thousands of tons of CO2, the unmanned ships produced by companies such as XOCEAN emit just a fraction of that amount.
In light of these shifts, the future of ocean data collection and analysis is becoming increasingly unmanned. With expanding regulatory frameworks and public sector adoption, the market for uncrewed oceanic technologies is set to soar, offering unprecedented opportunities for data-driven ocean management.
Enrichment Data:
Recent trends and benefits associated with unmanned ocean mapping showcased by companies like XOCEAN, L3Harris, and Saildrone include:
Trends
- Efficient Data Collection:
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Autonomous vessels can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint when surveying the ocean, as proven by XOCEAN's 1,000-times less CO2 emissions than conventional research ships.
- Emerging Technologies:
- AI and Machine Learning: Integration of AI and machine learning algorithms in unmanned submersibles and surface vessels makes them capable of navigating complex underwater environments autonomously and making real-time decisions based on sensor data.
- Universal Software Platforms:
- Platform-Agnostic Software: Developments in software, such as Amorphous from L3Harris, enable the seamless management of large fleets of unmanned systems across diverse domains, ensuring cohesive operation between various platforms.
- Leaderless Swarm Approaches:
- Swarm Management Software: This concept, as exemplified by L3Harris's Amorphous software, allows an entire fleet of unmanned vehicles to work in harmony with each other, assigning tasks and deconflicting missions based on the requirements and capabilities of each vehicle.
- Energy-efficient Designs:
- Eco-conscious ROVs: New designs for remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) prioritize energy efficiency, lowering their environmental impact and aligning with sustainable practices in ROV-dependent industries.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Ocean Mapping:
- Detailed Bathymetric Mapping: Unmanned vessels play a key role in surveying expansive areas of the seafloor, providing detailed and accurate bathymetric maps, which are instrumental in maritime navigation and infrastructure planning.
- Environmental Conservation and Research:
- Scientific Research and Monitoring: Unmanned ocean mapping vessels offer support for scientific research and environmental conservation efforts in regions worldwide, such as the Cayman Islands' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
- Habitat Mapping and Infrastructure Inspection:
- Ecosystem Studies and Restoration Projects: Autonomous submersibles support habitat mapping and infrastructural inspection initiatives, facilitating restoration projects and understanding coastal ecosystems.
- Economic Growth:
- Data-driven Decisions: Accurate bathymetric maps are crucial in exploring, identifying, and conserving ocean resources. This data allows governments to make informed decisions regarding maritime infrastructure and policies, thereby fostering economic growth.
- Industry Applications:
- Offshore Infrastructure Installation: Unmanned ocean mapping vessels are instrumental in constructing offshore infrastructure components such as fiber optic cables, pipelines, drilling platforms, and wind turbines, which are vital for the growth of various marine industries.
- Underwater Archaeology and Aquaculture:
- Preservation of History and Sustainable Aquaculture: Unmanned submersibles find application in underwater archaeology and aquaculture, showcasing their versatility in marine applications and contributing to the sustainable growth of ocean-related industries.
In summary, the trend towards unmanned ocean mapping and surveying is driven by technological advancements and the need for comprehensive ocean data collection. Companies like XOCEAN, L3Harris, and Saildrone are revolutionizing the field by adhering to trends and addressing environmental concerns, ultimately paving the way for sustainable and efficient oceanic research.
