ASV

Maritime Cluster annual conference 8 December

ASV, Citizen Science, People, Platform, SP SeaCat, Sweden / January 10, 2023

December 8 it is the time for the annual conference of Maritime Cluster of West Sweden. This year we highlight some of the most discussed sustainable trends right now: Offshore wind power, sailing cargo vessels and citizen science. SCOOT is co-hosting the event together with Region Västra Götaland, University of Gothenburg, Chalmers, RISE, SMTF, Ocean Data Factory Sweden and SSPA. The conference language is mainly Swedish. 

Preliminary Programme

08.30 – 09.00 Registration and coffee

Block I

09.00 – 10.00 Offshore wind power
• Overview and current status – including the permit process
• The state of technology in offshore wind power

10.00 – 10.30 Morning coffee

10.30 – 11.00 Offshore wind power (continued)
• The actor perspective – an actor on the international market
• The political perspective

11.00 – 12.00 Wind propulsion
• Overview and current status
• Technology overview of wind-assisted and wind-driven ships, with examples from ships in operation
• The supplier perspective of system solutions for wind propulsion
• An example of a concept for a wind-powered ship
• The cargo owner’s perspective on wind-powered ships

12.00 – 13.00 Mingle lunch

Block II

13.00 – 14.00 Maritime citizen science
• What is marine citizen science? Current examples from Ocean Data Factory Sweden.
• Test here and now! Deployment of an autonomous measuring sensor with the help of a surface-moving robot.
• Where does this lead? How do we build knowledge about the sea?
• What knowledge about the sea do we need?

14.30 – 15.00 Maritime Cluster in West Sweden: The future?
• Information, discussion and input from the participants about wishes for the cluster’s future development.

15.00 – 15.30 Afternoon coffee

SCOOT and Seacat at ‘Open Ship’ in Stockholm

ASV, Demo, People, Platform, R/V Skagerak, Research vessel, SP SeaCat / June 25, 2022

Nice weather and an even better crowd! What more can one ask for when it is ‘Open Ship’? University of Gothenburg’s research vessel R/V Skagerak joined the event in Stockholm 9 – 11 June. SCOOT was very happy that Skagerak’s ship manager Louise Newman invited us to show the experimental autonomous platform Seacat on the aft-deck. This highlights the importance the university places on innovation and of being in the technological forefront of ocean observations.

The event allowed visitors to see the state-of-the-art  in ocean observation methods and technologies. On 8 June the event prestarted with groups of high-school students, on 9 June came crown princess Victoria, on 10 June came a long row of specially invited guests and decision makers, and on 11 June the general public was invited (fully booked quite early).

In addition to R/V Skagerak the event featured two more of Sweden’s research vessels, namely R/V Svea (used extensively by SCOOT partner SMHI and by SLU Aqua) and S/V Ocean Surveyor (used by Geologiacl Survey of Sweden).

Seacat is mobilised onto R/V Skagerak in Gothenburg, prior to the departure for 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat is mobilised onto R/V Skagerak in Gothenburg, prior to the departure for 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022.
Three Swedish research vessels participated in 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022: R/V Skagerak (left), S/V Ocean Surveyor (right) and R/V Svea (back).
Three Swedish research vessels participated in 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022: R/V Skagerak (left), S/V Ocean Surveyor (right) and R/V Svea (back).
Crown princess Victoria visits 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022. At the aft deck of R/V Skagerak this small ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is shown.
Crown princess Victoria visits 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022. At the aft deck of R/V Skagerak this small ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is shown.
Specially invited guests are guided onboard R/V Skagerak during 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022. Visitors were shown autonomous platforms, including the Sailbuoy and the Seacat.
Specially invited guests are guided onboard R/V Skagerak during 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022. Visitors were shown autonomous platforms, including the Sailbuoy and the Seacat.
Visitors from the general public are guided onboard R/V Skagerak during 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022. Visitors were shown autonomous platforms, including the Sailbuoy and the Seacat.
Visitors from the general public are guided onboard R/V Skagerak during 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022. Visitors were shown autonomous platforms, including the Sailbuoy and the Seacat.
Seacat shown to visitors at the aft deck of R/V Skagerak during Open Sip in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat shown to visitors at the aft deck of R/V Skagerak during Open Sip in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat shown to visitors at the aft deck of R/V Skagerak during Open Sip in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat shown to visitors at the aft deck of R/V Skagerak during Open Sip in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat on display at the aft deck of R/V Skagerak during Open Sip in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat on display at the aft deck of R/V Skagerak during Open Sip in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat safely returns to Chalmers Revere Lab after 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022.
Seacat safely returns to Chalmers Revere Lab after 'Open Ship' in Stockholm in June 2022.
Previous
Next

More about 'Open Ship' in Stockholm 9 - 11 June, 2022

Seacat 2.0 – Autonomous inspection of marine installations

Acoustic, ASV, Blueview, Demo, GNSS, Innovation, Lidar, multibeam echo sounder, Optical, Platform, Sensors, SP SeaCat, video / January 3, 2022

Seacat has been with us from the start of SCOOT. It has been a nice platform for testing integration of sensors, actuators and software. Seacat also allows us to experiment with tasks for robots in the marine domain. In 2021 we have been looking at automation of inspection/supervision of marine installations. “We” means a broad group of actors (see logos below), where SCOOT has the coordinating role. Last month we recorded a short promotion video to summarize the work.

So, we have integrated a range of sensors above and below the sea-surface, and we have implemented precise navigation close to objects, including in autonomous mode. Now we need to work on the platform specifications: speed, weight, maneuvering, endurance. Then we will have a robot ready for operations in the toughest of environments, the splash zone and close to objects. That is a high risk area where we prefer not to put humans.
Robert Rylander Researcher

More about Seacat

Breaking: Ocean Infinity acquires SCOOT partner MMT

Acoustic, ASV, AUV, bathymetry, Data, Hugin, seabed, Sensors / March 10, 2021

Yesterday came the news that our partner MMT is being acquired by another major within ocean surveying: Ocean Initity, the pioneer in the use of simultaneously deploying fleets of marine robots. At SCOOT we are excited about the possibilities for synergies!

"I’m glad we have found new owner who want to develop MMT in the future and who also has a lot of interesting technology for us to explore. This will not change our engagement in SCOOT or other arrangements we have, e.g. with the University."
P-O Sverlinger
CEO, MMT

Ocean Infinity today operates a large fleet of AUVs, similar to our flagrobot AUV Ran (owned by UGOT, mananged by MMT). Ocean Infinity’s Armada Fleet represents a coming leap in the use of surface-going ocean robots.

Do we need to say that there has been many comments and ‘Wow!’ on Twitter and LinkedIn and other fora… Here is the press release on the matter (pdf):

Ocean Data conference spurs collaboration!

Animal platforms, ASV, AUV, Breakfast, Citizen Science, Data, Demo, Fishing vessels, Innovation, SeaExplorer, Ship of opprtunity, SP SeaCat, Tuna / December 21, 2021

September 29th at Nya Varvet and online

What a day… The conference Ocean Data for Ocean Health covered a lot of the themes SCOOT has been involved in the last two years. We hosted the event on September 29th at SCOOT’s space at Nya Varvet in Gothenburg, and we were happy to gather quite a number of old and new SCOOT people and partners.

The programme scratched on the surface of many urgent topics. SCOOT is committed to contribute to keeping up the momentum of this dynamic environment! (Just hosted breakfast meeting on sensors platforms of opportunity, see below.)

Especially intense for SCOOT was the final Block 4, demonstrating autonomous technology for collecting ocean data, see below.

Jessica just before start of conference.
Jessica just before start of conference.
Jessica kicks off conference.
Jessica kicks off conference.
From block 1, keynote by Robin teigland.
From block 1, keynote by Robin teigland.
Christian and Fredrik leading block 2.
Christian and Fredrik leading block 2.
Keynote speaker Jannes Gimsbury, block 3.
Keynote speaker Jannes Gimsbury, block 3.
Torsten talking to Robert Mertens, block 3.
Torsten talking to Robert Mertens, block 3.
Robots for ocean science, in the electronics workshop.
Robots for ocean science, in the electronics workshop.
Olle shows and tells in the electronics workshop.
Olle shows and tells in the electronics workshop.
Olle explains how diving glider Seaexplorer works.
Olle explains how diving glider Seaexplorer works.
Preparations for demo in the marina.
Preparations for demo in the marina.
Seacat in the marina.
Seacat in the marina.
Seacat approaching Green Pilot, Robert stands by.
Seacat approaching Green Pilot, Robert stands by.
Ola explains data collection with Green Pilot.
Ola explains data collection with Green Pilot.
Previous
Next

Block 4: Demonstration of ocean robots

Autonomous vehicles

VOTO‘s research coordinator Louise Biddle and oceanographic technician Olle Petersson explain how gliders on and below the seasurface monitors the ocean.

Play Video
Next generation ocean observers!

Elsa and Jakob from the Science Club in Lysekil show their drifter Dynamene, built by Science Club and deployed in the morning, retrieving data live!

Play Video
Experimental platforms

Ola Benderius from Chalmers Revere lab and Robert Rylander from RISE Maritime research demontrate how knowledge from the automotive industry can be applied in the maritime domain. (Special appearance by flying drone from MMT Swden AB…)

Play Video

October 21st, breakfast webinar on tuna and fishing vessels

We were 6 persons having our morning coffee at Nya Varvet and another 6 joining the video meeting. Picking up from Sept 29th, we talked at some length about opportunities (and challenges) around data from tagged animals and from sensors mounted on fishing gear/vessels. Take home messages:

  • These data have huge potential to fill serious gaps in existing ocean monitoring programmes, where other and autonomous methods struggle. These gaps include shelf and coastal seas and marginal ice zones.
  • The cost-benefit relation is very good!
  • The infrastructure for collecting and distributing these data is rapidly expanding and maturing.
  • Challenges include subsurface communication and integration into existing monitoring data flows.

Recording from the meeting.

Ocean robots: Expanding fleet and expanding competence pool

ASV, AUV, Platform, Sailbuoy, SeaExplorer / July 9, 2020

A new player has joined the ocean science community in Sweden: VOTO – Voice Of The Ocean. SCOOT is of course delighted that VOTO is a strong believer in automated methods of observations. VOTO has already a fleet of six ocean robots: 4 diving SeaExplorers by Alsemar and 2 surface going Sailbuoys by Offshore Sensing. SCOOT’s director Seb Swart and his team joined VOTO’s SeaExplorer course, read their report!

We will definitely hear more about VOTO and their ocean robots and the data they gather… 

SCOOT’s sailing robot gets new acoustic sensor for ocean currents, and a new sail

Aanderaa DCP, Acoustic, ASV, Platform, Sailbuoy, SB Kringla, Sensors / May 20, 2020

The image above shows our autonomous surface vessel SB Kringla being retrieved after the first of two magnificent field seasons. Now she will be upgraded with both an acoustic sensor for measuring currents and an alternative “high wind” sail.

The new sensor will be a Doppler Current Profiler by Aanderaa AS, measuring from the surface down to 30 -50 meters (depending on conditions). SCOOT is proud to be an early adopter of this sensor on an autonomous platform. Measuring the currents in the ocean surface layer can for example tell interesting things about air-sea interaction and the transfer of wind energy to the ocean, especially together with surface wind data, which SB Kringla is already measuring. The new sail is slightly smaller and more optimised for the high wind conditions in the Southern Ocean. Sails are easily switched between deployments. The upgrade (sensor and sail) will be done by Sailbuoy’s manufacturer, Offshore Sensing AS in Norway.

Doppler Current Profiler from Aanderaa AS

The Doppler Current Profiler will be used, among other applications, to further enhance our understanding of the role of vertical shear mixing in the S Ocean, which was hypothesised in a recent publication in Geophysical Research Letters, using data from SB Kringla: “Submesoscale Fronts in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone and Their Response to Wind Forcing”. 

SB Kringla is the first Sailbuoy to be deployed on the Southern hemisphere. SCOOT’s director Sebastiaan Swart often refers to her as “the cute one”, which does not imply that she is spared in any way! Kringla has repeatedly earned battle scars and proven herself as an ultra robust platform in the harshest conditions of the Southern Ocean (see posts from first season and second season). Data from SB Kringla (and the diving Seaglider robots) can be viewed at the website of the project Robotic Observations and Modelling of the Marginal Ice Zone.

The upper video shows a snapshot of SB Kringla during first operator training in Gothenburg. The lower video shows a Sailbuoy battling a storm on the North Sea.

ROAM-MIZ successfully deploys a fleet of autonomous technology to observe small-scale processes in the Antarctic sea ice

ASV, Drifter buoy, Sailbuoy, SB Kringla, Seaglider, SG Semla, Southern Ocean, SWIFT / April 7, 2020

Louise Biddle summarizes the Austral winter-spring season for this robotics heavy project:

The ROAM-MIZ (Robotic Observations And Modelling in the Marginal Ice Zone) project aims to capture high resolution observations of how the upper ocean near and under sea ice responds to sea ice growth or melt. The team, led by SCOOT’s director Sebastiaan Swart at the University of Gothenburg, deployed multiple platforms in, and at the edge of, the marginal ice zone in austral winter and spring 2019. Using the South African icebreaker, the SA Agulhas II, as a deployment platform, three profiling ocean gliders (Seagliders), a surface glider (Offshore Sensing Sailbuoy), multiple wave-recording surface floats (SWIFT buoys) and two ice-moored buoys were deployed between 56-60°S. Between the 10 platforms, over 370 days of data were collected from this remote and under-sampled region of the Southern Ocean, with the longest continuous time-series of over 130 days.

The challenges that the deployment team and platforms faced included rapid freezing up of sensors in temperatures that dropped to minus 20°C (before wind chill), rough seas and rapid movement of sea ice floes. With support from collaborators around the world including CSIR (South Africa), CalTech (USA) and University of East Anglia (UK), this project has demonstrated that autonomous instrumentation holds the capability to explore and monitor some of the most inaccessible oceans on Earth. Data is now being processed by the team based at the University of Gothenburg, with the “live data” viewable on roammiz.com and the first paper recently published in Geophysical Research Letters. Projects update can be followed on @PolarGliders .

Project website:
www.roammiz.com

Paper: Swart, S.,  du Plessis, M. D.,  Thompson, A. F.,  Biddle, L. C.,  Giddy, I.,  Linders, T., et al. ( 2020). Submesoscale fronts in the
Antarctic marginal ice zone and their response to wind forcing. Geophysical Research Letters,  47, e2019GL086649.
 https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL086649

Twitter: @PolarGliders

  • Seaglider deployment from SA Agulhas II
  • Sailbouy in the Southern Ocean
  • Sea ice work in the Southern Ocean, with SA Agulhas II
  • SWIFT buoy in the Southern Ocean
  • Work with Seaglider on deck of SA Agulhas II, master student Hanna Rosenthal and PhD student Isabelle Giddy.
  • SA Agulhas II in the ice in the Southern Ocean

Saildrone visits Gothenburg

ASV, Saildrone, Workshop / April 7, 2020

The Saildrone is one of the most advanced autonomous ocean surface platforms. SCOOT is very pleased to announce that they are visiting us in Gothenburg. They will give an open presentation on October 1st. Welcome!

DATE: Tuesday 01 October 2019, 12:15 pm
LOCATION: Carl Skottsbergs Gata 22B
SPEAKERS: Sebastien de Halleux, COO, Liz Douglas, International Partnerships

Working with a variety of institutions and governments globally, Saildrone designs and manufactures wind and solar powered unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) which make cost-effective ocean data collection possible at scale and in near real-time. Saildrone USVs carry a full suite of ocean and meteorological sensors, with the option to include other instruments for research such as air-sea fluxes, biomass, bathymetry, and carbon and . Saildrones have been successfully deployed for months in challenging regions of the global oceans.

In this workshop, Sebastien and Liz will detail Saildrone’s capabilities and report on recent missions in the Southern Ocean, the North Sea, the Atlantic, and upcoming missions in the Mediterranean. Typical investigations in these regions include measuring air-sea fluxes and how they may be impacting global energy, hydrological, and carbon cycles. Sebastien and Liz will give a live demo of the Mission Portal, followed by an open discussion regarding in-situ observation needs and challenges from participants.

SCOOT goes all in

ASV, AUV, Demo, Hugin, Innovation, Ran, Sailbuoy, SB Kringla, Seaglider, SG Semla, SP SeaCat, SunChallenger, Workshop / July 13, 2019

Do you want to learn and test what/where/how autonomous platforms can measure in the ocean. Do you already have experience and want to meet other experts? This is the workshop for you! More info about available resources and schedule here.

SCOOT’s fleet of autonomous vessels and robots will be available, together with support vessels, technicians and experts. Specifically this includes SCOOT’s flagrobot, the AUV Ran. SCOOT is proud of the coverage Ran’s achievements has got in media, e.g. in Roling Stone,  Public Radio International and Swedish public service television. 

Our host for this workshop is Institute of Marine Research, belonging to Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

Please contact us if you interested in participating!