The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Ocean Exploration division has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with Fugro, a global leader in geotechnical and survey services. This partnership focuses on enhancing the use of uncrewed systems for deep ocean mapping and characterization. The collaboration aims to improve the efficiency and reach of NOAA’s ocean exploration initiatives by leveraging Fugro’s technological expertise alongside NOAA’s scientific knowledge.
This strategic alliance centers on the utilization of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), autonomous undersea vehicles, and electric remotely operated vehicles. These advancements are expected to make ocean exploration more cost-effective and accessible to scientists across the United States. According to William Mowitt, acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration, “This strategic partnership will help us accelerate the scope, pace, and precision of ocean mapping and characterization.”
Transforming Ocean Exploration
The agreement outlines several key objectives aimed at enhancing remote ocean exploration missions. One of the primary goals is to create tools that allow scientists to control underwater robots in real-time from distant locations. Additionally, the partnership plans to design new sensors that will facilitate environmental baseline studies and critical minerals observation.
Fugro’s Céline Gerson, group director for the Americas and president of Fugro USA, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We’re entering an exciting new era of deep ocean mapping, one where data can be collected and delivered without a single person at sea.” She noted that their over 25-year collaboration with NOAA has laid the groundwork for such advancements, moving from remote survey operations on crewed vessels to fully remote, cloud-connected systems.
The organizations will collaborate on various technologies, including ships, USVs, underwater devices, and data transmission buoys. They aim to improve remote mission control, develop cloud-based workflows, and enhance real-time data delivery through high-bandwidth communications. Joint technical workshops will be organized to launch mutually beneficial projects, including demonstrations of digital workflows and new sensor technologies.
Unlocking the Ocean’s Potential
Fugro’s extensive experience in uncrewed vehicles and remote management makes them a valuable partner for NOAA as they explore poorly known areas of the deep ocean. This CRADA is part of NOAA’s broader mission to unlock the mysteries of the deep ocean and enable sustainable marine resource use through partnerships and technological advancements.
As the demand for ocean resources and information continues to grow, this collaboration represents a significant step forward in ocean science. By harnessing innovative technologies and methodologies, NOAA and Fugro aim to expand the frontiers of ocean exploration, providing vital insights into the ocean’s health and the resources it offers. Through this partnership, both organizations are committed to advancing scientific discovery and fostering a greater understanding of the deep ocean’s complexities.
