Orsted has unveiled its groundbreaking uncrewed surface vessel (USV), set to transform offshore metocean measurement campaigns. This innovative vessel has been meticulously designed and developed to gather crucial data, significantly reducing uncertainties in the projected annual energy production of new offshore wind farms.
Recognizing the immense potential of this technology, Orsted has patented the USV concept and has already initiated serial production based on the successful prototype. Named the Hugin USV, this state-of-the-art vessel boasts exceptional endurance, enabling continuous operation in the most unforgiving offshore conditions for up to a year at a time.
Equipped with an advanced built-in navigation system, the Hugin USV possesses the capability to autonomously transit from shore, offering varying degrees of autonomy. Furthermore, it can be effortlessly controlled both within line-of-sight range and remotely from a beyond-line-of-sight control center, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability.
Designed as a versatile sensor platform, the USV has the ability to collect extensive amounts of data on crucial factors such as wind conditions, seabed status, and biological and ecological measurements. The specific sensor instrumentation employed for each operation determines the precise nature of the data collected. These comprehensive measurements acquired by the USV play a pivotal role in Orsted's early-phase development activities, providing valuable insights before the construction of new wind farms.
Orsted's USV underwent meticulous design, development, construction, and testing as part of the company's innovation program, undertaken in collaboration with carefully selected industry partners. The Danish shipbuilder Tuco Marine Group was entrusted with the construction of the groundbreaking prototype, while the innovative Norwegian company Maritime Robotics delivered the cutting-edge control system.
The seamless cooperation between Orsted and these small, innovative companies, combining their specialized expertise in vessel construction and autonomous control systems, has facilitated the rapid development of the USV prototype. This collaborative effort has effectively accelerated the time-to-market of this groundbreaking vessel, revolutionizing offshore measurement operations.
