Page 11 - FUGRO REPORT JANUARY 2024

1/26/24, 10:23 AM Highest level of UK coastguard approval for latest autonomous vessel to join Fugro's fleet - Offshore Energy
Fugro Vaquita has joined Fugro’s 12-meter Blue Essence USV fleet and has earned
Category 0 approval from the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), the highest
level of approval for autonomous vessels.

According to the Dutch company, it is now the largest USV to operate fully remotely,
with unrestricted access, to support marine projects further offshore while enhancing
safety and environmental performance.

Developed in partnership with SEA-KIT, Fugro Vaquita is the second of the
company’s Blue Essence USV fleet to operate in European waters. In 2023, Fugro
Orca completed multiple projects including several asset integrity and seabed
surveys.

At the end of 2023, Fugro announced it had reached a binding agreement for the

acquisition of the remaining shares in SEA-KIT.

Related Article

BUSINESS & FINANCE
Fugro brings its new USV generation to
Europe

over 2 years ago

Nick Simmons, Fugro’s Director of USV and Remote Working in Europe and Africa
said: “This is a ground-breaking milestone for the maritime sector as we strengthen
our capabilities to service assets further offshore. We are thrilled with the
development of our Blue Essence fleet as we commit to more remote operations and
progress towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2035.”

Fugro noted that the expansion of the Blue Essence fleet demonstrates its
commitment to leveraging technology for a safe and liveable world. Both USV and
the electrical remotely operated vehicle (eROV) will be remotely controlled from
Fugro’s network of remote operations centers (ROCs).

The Dutch company emphasized that this remote operation capability not only
removes personnel from potentially high-risk offshore environments but also

https://www.offshore-energy.biz/highest-level-of-uk-coastguard-approval-for-latest-autonomous-vessel-to-join-fugros-fleet/ 2/3