Six autonomous, self-propelled robotic crafts that collects ocean meteorological and natural resources data, were deployed in the Barents Sea on 1 July.
The crafts collect a wide range of information such as wave height, current speed and direction, temperature, wind speed and direction. On board sensors also investigate areas to determine if hydrocarbons are coming from natural seeps, in areas that have been identified from satellite images.
The craft is called a ‘Wave Glider’ and has a shape that is almost like a surfboard with dimensions of 1 by 3m. It uses ocean waves and solar energy for propulsion and navigation. It is equipped with an AIS transponder that will autonomously adapt to marine traffic in the area. The crafts are monitored from onshore.
They were deployed in early July and will follow preconfigured routes in the eastern Barents Sea at a speed of about 1 knot, and will conclude the data gathering mission in early September.
Data is sent wirelessly to the shore by means of communication equipment on board. The activity is a part of a ConocoPhillips program to evaluate collection of data on the natural environment. If the 2015 pilot is successful, data collection may continue for the next three to five years and possibly be open for industry participation.
"Each craft collects a wide range of information that is valuable for an offshore exploration and production environment," says Roy Leadholm, manager, new exploration ventures.
ConocoPhillips has previously conducted similar assignments in the Gulf of Mexico, the Chukchi Sea (Alaska) and the Baffin Bay in Greenland.
Image:Wave Glider/Liquid Robotics
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