innovative fisheries Research Conducted by Exail’s DriX USV

Exail’s DriX Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) has successfully executed a groundbreaking fisheries research survey aimed at evaluating the effects on fish biomass and stock levels before, during, and after the establishment of wind farms.

Advanced Technology for Extensive Data Collection

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the seapix-R 3D high-resolution multibeam echosounder, two Kongsberg EK80 single beam echosounders, and a Nortek Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), the DriX USV conducted its survey in the waters off Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. This initiative was carried out in partnership with the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Research Science Center (NEFSC), alongside collaboration from NOAA USxOC, Kongsberg, and Nortek.

Autonomous Operations and Real-Time Data Transmission

Operating continuously in a supervised autonomous mode, the DriX USV navigated over 5,000 kilometers of designated routes, maintaining a safe distance of 20 meters from wind farm monopiles while effectively detecting and avoiding obstacles such as vessels, fishing nets, and buoys.Throughout the mission, the vessel transmitted data in real-time to a Remote Operation Center (ROC) located at the University of Rhode Island’s Inner Space Center in Narragansett, RI, as well as to Exail’s Maritime Autonomy hub in La Ciotat, France.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

“We extend our gratitude to NOAA fisheries Northeast Fisheries Research Science Center for their confidence in Exail’s USV and its sensors. We take pride in delivering precise scientific data, from biomass detection in the water column to detailed sand displacement bathymetry,” stated Shayan Haque, Business development Manager at Exail.

Collaboration for Safe Operations

Exail meticulously coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast new England, wind farm developers, and local maritime operators to ensure the safe autonomous operation of the DriX in busy navigation channels and complex wind farm construction zones.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

Thanks to its efficient design, the DriX USV executed its mission with minimal environmental impact, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional survey vessels. This advancement underscores exail’s commitment to environmentally responsible operations.