Page 31: of Marine Technology Magazine (May 2020)

system allows the operator to make a tonomously for charging and data down- gains are possible for AUV operators secure connection to the vehicle prior load. At that depth, the surface sea state by adopting the latest LARS technology to triggering the release of the foat and has little effect on either the AUV or the and demanding capabilities which allow handling lines, minimizing the chance towed dock, drastically increasing the for continuous operation even in high of fouling. operational days available for survey. sea state.

ISE completed successful initial trials in If the launch and recovery limitations

Charging & Downloading Data spring 2019 and fnal docking trials will are resolved, the ship and its human

Eliminating or reducing the need to re- be conducted in fall of 2020. Once com- occupants will become the next limit- cover an AUVs is the next leap forward pleted, the towed dock combined with a ing factor in offshore operations, being in technology to improve their opera- LARS will allow for almost continuous prone to sea sickness and fatigue. Future tional effciency. Based on in-air refuel- operation through periods of bad weath- operators will likely be able to monitor ing systems for fghter jets, ISE is devel- er. autonomous survey vessels and their oping a towed underwater dock to allow AUVs from shore, while they happily charging and data transfer without need survey in conditions which would halt for recovery. manned vessel operations today. Conclusion

The dock is towed behind a ship or un- Launch and recovery should not be an Ultimately, fully autonomous opera- manned surface vessel and presents a sta- afterthought. It is clear that it is a criti- tions, including recharging, data down- ble docking target for the AUV at a depth cal link in the chain when it comes to load, and launch and recovery, will of ~30 metres. The AUV uses its optical having an effcient and productive AUV greatly increase AUV capabilities in the and acoustic tracking system to dock au- survey system. Signifcant effciency coming decades.

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