Coastal & Offshore ASV (Autonomous Surface Vehicle)

Project Description

As Ireland aims for 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 37GW by 2050, protecting marine habitats and understanding potential displacement effects become vital. Good scientific data is essential to support science around the rollout of offshore wind and to support the development of the industry in Ireland. Climate change further complicates matters, impacting ocean habitats and wildlife. This proposal seeks a coastal and offshore autonomous surface vehicle with a 2500 NM range to expand Ireland's marine science capabilities, address data gaps, and enhance understanding of ocean habitats. This advanced infrastructure, combined with CRIS payloads, offers a unique asset for the research community and industry. It positions Ireland as a leader in offshore wind and climate change research.

As evidenced through supporting letters, this Infrastructure will encourage partnerships across academic institutions in Ireland, including supporting IoTs and Technological Universities (ATU, SETU, DIAS), Northern Ireland, industry and the EU.