Marine data provider XOCEAN recently deployed five uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) near the Isles of Scilly to collect bathymetric data on behalf of the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The USVs scanned the seabed, identifying features such as depth, habitats, ridges, boulders and shipwrecks. This marked the UKHO’s inaugural use of an external organization for seabed data collection.
During the ADMIRALTY event at the London International Shipping Week 2023, discussions centred around the safety implications of autonomous technology for maritime navigation. As ships progress towards full autonomy, traditional methods may become obsolete, necessitating the development of machine-readable navigational solutions.
The UKHO and the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) community are actively exploring solutions using the S-100 data standard. High-resolution gridded bathymetry, integrating S-102 data, significantly enhances navigational accuracy. The UKHO previously supported the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, where S-100 data was successfully tested on an autonomous vessel, showcasing the pivotal role of AI-powered cameras and sensors.
