Drones partner up for subsea asset checks

A team-up between boatbuilder/USV manufacturer Tuco Marine and maritime survey tech company EIVA aims to establish an all-in-one autonomous package for subsea asset inspections, matching a Tuco-built ProZero 8m Naval Intelligence USV to EIVA’s ViperFish remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV).

In practice, the USV would sail to an area of interest, towing and remotely launching the ViperFish. The ViperFish would be equipped with sensors and survey software, and would undertake high-resolution seabed imaging, with area coverage rates of 1.6km²/hr,  while using magnetic signals to monitor subsea assets, such as power cables.

Jonas Pedersen, MD of Tuco Marine, comments: “By combining…our ProZero with EIVA’s ROTV, it’s possible to monitor the conditions of critical subsea infrastructure much more thoroughly and frequently than with conventional set-ups.”

Launched in 2023, the ViperFish measures 3,200mm x 1,300mm x 620mm and is rated for depths descending to 200m. The ROTV is designed for surveys at 2-10knots, and has a reported target positioning accuracy of 1m. EIVA suggests that, when integrated with an USV, the ViperFish can also be used for mine countermeasures, rapid environmental assessment, surveillance and salvage missions.