Van Oord has placed an order with Demcon Unmanned Systems for its second autonomous survey vessel.
The move comes after Van Oord deployed its first unmanned survey vessel VO:X Metiri last year at projects in the Netherlands.
According to the Dutch company, the idea for VO:X Metiri originated in its survey department and the objective was to obtain more measuring data for the client at lower cost and increase safety by eliminating an onboard operator and surveyor.
Demcon also participated in the development of the first vessel.
The electrical vessel is said to feature sustainable solutions, including zero emissions and low-noise engines, allowing it to collect data without disturbing local fauna.
“VO:X Metiri gives us a great deal of flexibility thanks to its small dimensions and is put to use multiple times a week. This helps us provide project crews and clients with relevant measuring data in an efficient way,” said Frank Reynhout , surveyor at Van Oord.
“We are now mainly using it in inland water, but are researching deployment in near-shore operations for the second vessel. This way, we will be able to support vessel crews as well.”