Seacat - risk minimization during inspection from the sea surface

Research Project, 2020 – 2021

Purpose and goal: Inspection and monitoring of marine facilities (eg ports, fish farms, wind farms) both above and below sea surface are an integral part of the facilities´ operations, and the focus on safety means that the need is increasing. However, working at sea near fixed objects entails great risks for personnel and therefore becomes expensive and weather-sensitive. With the Port of Gothenburg as the most important need owner, the Seacat project will complete a surface-going drone, which can perform inspections both above and below the surface in all weathers. Expected results and effects: The product Seacat will provide significantly increased opportunities to inspect and monitor marine facilities, such as ports, fish farms and wind farms. This will be possible with a minimal risk to staff. In addition, it provides opportunities for reduced costs and increased and changed ambitions. The project will productify an open and already demonstrated platform, as well as give parties in industry and academia knowledge about development and opportunities in this area. Approach and implementation: * Feedback, demonstration and dissemination of results Feedback between needs owners and constructors. Workshops and demonstrations of ongoing work, with increasing complexity and realism. * Productification: software and system integration Actuators, sensors, calculation nodes, navigation, connectivity, database, user interface. Stability, function test. * Platform with sensors and navigation systems Purchase, assembly and testing / demonstrations of equipment. Practical technical tests and modifications of the drone, and operational tests.