Seacat - risk minimization during inspection from the sea surface
Reference number | |
Coordinator | Göteborgs universitet - Institutionen för Marina Vetenskaper |
Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 551 405 |
Project duration | December 2020 - May 2022 |
Status | Completed |
Venture | Drones |
Call | Drones for a safer society |
Important results from the project
The marine environment is demanding and most difficult is the splash zone, near the surface and near solid objects. Detailed inspection and monitoring of marine facilities (both above and below the surface!) involves challenges and considerable risks. The number of marine facilities is increasing, and at the same time the requirements for inspections are increasing. The objective of the project is a surface-going drone that can perform inspections of marine installations (ports, fish farms and wind farms) both above and below the surface in all weathers.
Expected long term effects
We are refining the Seacat surface drone with a focus on the inspection of marine facilities, e.g. ports. Projektet Seacat is based on the participation of stakeholders representing various actors in ports and the offshore sector. The project focuses on giving Seacat - improved maneuverability and increased speed, - an updated port operator interface, - more sensors for inspection over and below the surface. We have succeeded in demonstrating the system in an operational environment. Demonstration under demanding conditions remains.
Approach and implementation
The project has been carried out in two technical activities: - Productisation: software and system integration. - Platform with sensors and navigation system. In addition, the project has carried out activities for feedback, demonstration and dissemination of results. The implementation has been successful, but it has also been marked by the fact that the project time has coincided with the pandemic, which has made both the physical work in the workshop and physical tests and demonstrations in a real environment more difficult.