Voyis has confirmed that it has been selected as project leader for the Autonomous Remote Offshore Wind Inspection, Navigation and Deployment (AROWIND) Project, which has been initiated by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to develop a USV (uncrewed surface vessel)-based subsea inspection solution for offshore windfarms.
The AROWIND Project will provide a prevailing ocean sector concept that is autonomous and remotely operates subsea surveys. This ocean solution presents an opportunity for Canadian companies to commercialize a remote and autonomous inspection solution for offshore wind inspection that reduces vessel costs and number of personnel on-board.
Voyis is leading the project, providing overall project management and coordination while partnering with Canadian companies Deep Trekker and HydroSurv Unmanned Survey Inc., and international partners EVIA, Sonardyne, and Saipem. Voyis’s technical role will be developing the core optical sensor products and algorithms required for the solution, using its proven engineering experience in opto-mechanical sensor design, vehicle integration, and algorithm design.
The AROWIND project will rely on Voyis’ compact Insight Laser Scanner and imaging systems for ROV (remotely operated vehicle) horizontal inspection scopes, as well as stereo camera and visual positioning payload, in partnership with EIVA, for ROV vertical inspection and navigation. Voyis is also developing optical payloads that will integrate with Saipem and Deep Trekker’s vehicle platforms.
This project aims to define a new standard for offshore windfarm inspection methodology using remote and resident deployment solutions. By consolidating this solution in Canada, diverse local supply chains will grow in tandem with the offshore wind market over the next decade, solidifying Canadian manufacturing jobs in a changing economic environment.