Saildrone sets sail on Cayman Islands ocean mapping project
Saildrone, a recognized innovator in ocean data collection through autonomous uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), has initiated an unprecedented mission to map 29,300 square nautical miles (100,530 sq km) of the Cayman Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using a 20-metre Saildrone Surveyor USV.
This mission is a significant step forward in ocean mapping, aiming to cover 80% of the Cayman Islands’ EEZ using cutting-edge autonomous technology. Accurate bathymetric mapping is essential for managing and protecting the natural resources within a nation’s EEZ, extending 200 nautical miles from its coastline.
Spanning an area 357 times larger than the islands themselves and roughly half the size of Florida, the Cayman Islands EEZ will benefit from this mission’s high-resolution bathymetric data. The information gathered will improve maritime navigation, support scientific research, enhance environmental conservation and aid in marine resource management.
Data-driven decision-making
Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly of the Cayman Islands highlighted the survey’s value, noting it will guide data-driven decisions that reinforce the Cayman Islands’ maritime policies and infrastructure. She expressed gratitude to those involved and anticipation of the survey’s findings.
Funded by the London & Amsterdam Trust Company Limited, a Cayman-based entity focused on leaving a lasting legacy, this mission will see Saildrone collect and deliver raw bathymetry data to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for processing and inclusion in updated nautical charts. Ownership of the data will reside with the Cayman Islands government.
The Saildrone Surveyor, outfitted with the latest multibeam echosounders, metocean sensors, radar, cameras and advanced machine learning, offers a swift and cost-effective alternative to traditional survey ships. With only 26% of the ocean mapped globally, Saildrone’s innovative approach addresses the pressing need for more comprehensive ocean mapping.
Surveying extensive regions
“Saildrone’s Surveyor class of USVs provides an available, economical, climate-friendly solution to mapping the world’s oceans,” said Brian Connon, Saildrone vice president ocean mapping. “The data gathered by this USV will provide valuable insights into the Cayman Islands’ underwater topography, aiding in the mapping and exploration of the country’s marine resources and ecosystems.”
The introduction of the Saildrone Surveyor in the Cayman Islands marks a transformative leap in bathymetric data collection. USVs equipped with advanced deep ocean mapping sonars now present a cost-effective and efficient solution for surveying extensive regions like EEZs. This innovative technology not only minimizes risks to human personnel but also drastically reduces carbon emissions.
