Van Oord Acquires Second Autonomous Survey Vessel
Van Oord, a Dutch family-owned company with over 150 years of experience as an international marine contractor, is investing in innovative digital solutions that create value for its clients and take marine engineering to the next level. After a successful deployment of its first unmanned autonomous survey vessel last year, Van Oord ordered a second vessel.
Van Oord augments knowledge and experience with data-driven information and insights. This approach has generated several ideas from in-house departments for digital client solutions that have been piloted and/or scaled up, such as the VO:X Metiri, Van Oord’s first ASV. After a successful deployment of the vessel in projects in the Netherlands last year, Van Oord recently contracted Demcon Unmanned Systems for a second unmanned vessel.
Collaboration is Key
The idea for the VO:X Metiri originated in Van Oord’s survey department. The objective was to obtain more measuring data for the client at lower cost and to increase safety by eliminating an onboard operator and surveyor. Thanks to its small dimensions, VO:X Metiri can operate in places that a normal survey vessel cannot access. The vessel was developed by the Van Oord survey team in collaboration with high-end technology supplier Demcon.
Sustainable Solutions
In 2020, VO:X Metiri surveyed two areas, the River Rotte and the basin in the Spaanse polder for the A16 motorway project in Rotterdam. The electrical vessel features the very latest in sustainable solutions, including zero emissions and low-noise engines, allowing the vessel to collect data without disturbing local fauna.
The VO:X data programme is integrating digital technology into all areas of the business, fundamentally changing how it operates and is delivering value directly to clients.
