ADIPEC: Fugro, AD Ports Pen Deal for Remote & Autonomous Tech Use in Middle East

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

During the ADIPEC exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Dutch firm Fugro and UAE's AD Ports Group signed an agreement that sets out combined goals to utilize remote and autonomous technologies in the region. 

The agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group and Mark Heine – Fugro CEO.

The companies said that the would create a platform to implement remote and autonomous technology, and to create guidelines that will ensure the UAE is prepared to welcome, and benefit from, the use of latest industry advancements.

The companies have been working together since March 2022 ahead of the arrival of the region’s first USV, the Fugro Pegasus. The USV recently arrived in the UAE and will be stationed at Al Mirfa Port, Abu Dhabi.

Captain Mohamed Al Yahyaei, Chief Harbour Master, AD Ports Group said: “AD Ports Group is committed to innovating and improving its services, deploying advanced technologies and automation across our operations to drive improvements and greater efficiency. Through strategic collaborations, AD Ports Group brought the world’s first fully unmanned autonomous commercial marine tugs, as well as the Middle East’s first terminal with an autonomous port truck system, to the UAE. By signing this new agreement with Fugro, we are expanding the range of remote and autonomous technologies available for the maritime sector, as we strive to build a safer, more sustainable and more impactful future.”

 Fugro Pegasus; the region’s first USV that was recently welcomed into the UAE and will be stationed at Al Mirfa Port, Abu Dhabi. Credit: AD Ports

"The agreement addresses strategic pillars that Fugro and AD Ports Group will tackle together to make Fugro’s USV technologies a successful addition to the region. These pillars include jointly developing procedures for the use and implementation of USVs in accordance with the requirements of the UAE, to establish an approved remote and autonomous testing site for USVs, to create an industry compliant training program for Emirati Nationals and international mariners, covering the operation of USVs or Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)," the companies said.

David Washbrook, Director, Marine Asset Integrity Middle East and India, Fugro said: “The introduction of our USV technology marks an exciting moment for the maritime industry in the region. The support we have received from AD Ports Group has played a large role in making this a reality and we are proud to call Al Mirfa Port the new home of Fugro Pegasus.

According to the companies, automation and the use of remote technologies in the maritime sector can allow vessels and vehicles to operate more efficiently, with greater operational safety, and reduce operational costs. In the case of offshore vessels, automation enables vessels to operate safely in adverse weather conditions. Since 75-96 precent of marine casualties typically result from human error, increased use of automation in the maritime sector also has the potential to increase safety and reduce accidents."

Categories: Technology Energy Middle East Vehicle News Industry News Activity Events Autonomy USV

Related Stories

MCDermott Gets Pipelines and Cables Job at Qatar's Giant Gas Field

First Oil Starts Flowing at CNOOC’s South China Sea Field

Shelf Drilling to Consolidate Jack-Up Fleet and Resolve Funding Gaps via Triangular Merger

Korea's Hanhwa Sets Out Plan for Full Takeover of Singapore's Dyna-Mac

Allseas Hooks $180M Pipeline Installation Job Offshore Philippines

New Partner Joins Timor-Leste Offshore Gas Development

"World's Most Powerful Floating Wind Turbine" Sets Sail

Equinor Picks SHI as Preferred Supplier for Korean 750 MW Floating Wind Project

ExxonMobil Selling Malaysia Oil and Gas Assets to Petronas

CIMC to Supply Hulls for Two FPSOs Being Built by Seatrium for Petrobras

Current News

Valeura Energy Consolidates Thai Oil and Gas Assets

TotalEnergies Inks 15-Year LNG Supply Deal with China’s Sinopec

Shelf Drilling Secures $200M Contract Extensions with Chevron for Thailand Ops

Floating Wind and the Taming of Subsea Spaghetti

Impending Shortage of Jackups within Ageing Asia Pacific Fleet

Equinor Tries Again for a Japan Offshore Wind Lease

Yinson Production Concludes Minority Stake Sale in FPSO Anna Nery

Sunda Energy Pushes Back Chuditch-2 Appraisal Well Drilling Date

CNOOC Starts Production at Another Oil Field in South China Sea

ABS Takes Charge of Digital Twin Project for Petrobras’ FPSOs

Subscribe for AOG Digital E‑News

AOG Digital E-News is the subsea industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email three times per week

https://accounts.newwavemedia.com