Wave-driven autonomous surface vessel

Description

NTNU will acquire a new autonomous unmanned surface vessel as a research platform for marine research (physical and biological oceanography) and technology research (autonomy). Lot 1: NTNU will procure a new autonomous unmanned surface vessel as a research platform for marine research (physical and biological oceanography) and technology research (autonomy). There is a need for a vessel that uses renewable energy for propulsion and can operate autonomously, efficiently and safely in Norwegian waters (both open sea and along coasts/fjords) throughout the year and with assignments over several hundred kilometres and several weeks. The propulsion solutions available on the market (as listed above) are based on energy from solar, wind or waves. As a primary energy source, solar energy is not able to provide sufficient length and duration for the assignments, especially in the winter months when there is often bad weather with strong winds, strong currents, low temperatures and clouds that prevent the efficient harvesting of solar energy. Sails as the primary propulsion mechanism will not provide the necessary manoeuvrability e.g. when moving directly against the wind. . We therefore conclude that a vessel that primarily uses wave-driven propulsion is necessary.