Jan De Nul acquires Maritime Robotics’ USV Vaquita 04 for operations in Dubai

Jan De Nul acquires Maritime Robotics’ USV Vaquita 04 for operations in Dubai

Maritime Robotics and Jan De Nul strengthen partnership with the launch of Vaquita 04 USV in Dubai. Vaquita 04, based on the innovative Otter USV, is now operational in Jebel Ali, Dubai, surveying for dredging and coastal development projects.

? “Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our partnership with Jan De Nul. Vaquita 04 exemplifies how advanced USV technology is transforming surveying efficiency and accuracy in the marine sector.” – Sebastian Minfjord, Service Manager at Maritime Robotics.

? “Working with Jan De Nul is always a rewarding experience. Their expertise in maritime technology and forward-thinking approach makes them an ideal partner in advancing the future of marine surveying.” – Ingebrigt Stamnes Reinsborg, Service Engineer at Maritime Robotics.

Dubai is renowned for its ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Palm Jebel Ali, a massive artificial archipelago originally initiated in 2002 and relaunched in 2024. This development requires precise surveying to overcome construction challenges, particularly in shallow waters between the “palm leaves”, where traditional methods are less effective. Vaquita 04, a customized Otter USV, is specifically designed to meet these demands.

? “The Maritime Robotics Otter platform helps us reach survey areas where it is too dangerous to use a conventional survey vessel. By using Otter USVs we want to provide a safer and greener survey method for our personnel and the environment. The successes of the units on our projects worldwide have recently resulted in further investments with the purchase of the Vaquita 05 – 07. We look forward on our further collaboration with Maritime Robotics to keep on pushing the boundaries and explore the innovations in uncrewed surface vehicles.” – Nils Lowie, Senior Engineer Technical Survey Jan De Nul Group.

Equipped with a multibeam echosounder and a winch SVP (Sound Velocity Profiler), the Vaquita 04 collects bathymetric data for various applications, including dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling and sand placement. The data is used for analyzing the bathymetric situation before, during and after the works, enabling more accurate planning and execution while minimizing environmental impact.

?? Source: Maritime Robotics