Woods Hole Group, Bourne, Mass., and Chance Maritime Technologies, Lafayette, La., have completed an uninterrupted, 38-day offshore ocean current monitoring mission using an uncrewed surface vessel (USV), marking what the companies say is a record for continuously cruising, diesel-powered USV operations without human intervention.
The FAST Eddy Loop Current survey was conducted roughly 200 nautical miles offshore in Gulf waters, where the USV transited more than 4,000 nautical miles nonstop. The mission was completed without refueling, support vessels, or any physical intervention, according to the companies.
The project paired Woods Hole Group’s automated FAST (Fast Autonomous Survey Technology) Eddy ocean current monitoring system with Chance Maritime’s 40' Chance MC40 USV. The system incorporated Teledyne 75 kHz and 300 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) and an additional payload developed by Chance Maritime to autonomously deploy Woods Hole Group FAR Horizon drifters at client-specified locations. During the deployment, the USV conducted real-time current monitoring while deploying eight drifter buoys.
Woods Hole Group said the FAST Eddy system is a self-contained, real-time ocean current monitoring platform designed to continuously collect, process, and transmit ocean current data via satellite modem. Data from the system is delivered to clients and Woods Hole Group analysts through the company’s Metocean Mapper data portal, providing around-the-clock access to current conditions.
The FAST Eddy system complements Woods Hole Group’s EddyWatch® service, which supports offshore operations in high-current regions by providing real-time current intelligence and early warning of eddy formation or intensification. EddyWatch integrates satellite-tracked drifting buoys, remote sensing, in-situ data, ocean forecast models, and expert analysis to improve operational safety and reduce downtime, the company said.
Throughout the 38-day mission, the Chance MC40 maintained an average speed of 4.5 knots, including operations in gale-force winds and seas exceeding 12'. Chance Maritime said the vessel’s diesel-powered propulsion system allows for continuous operation with high payload capacity, consistent speed, and full maneuverability, differentiating it from solar- or wind-dependent unmanned platforms.
Chance Maritime’s GAR software package supported autonomous operations, while a shoreside team of USV operators provided 24/7 overwatch, including live-streaming video, radar, AIS, and marine VHF radio monitoring.
“This mission marks a major success for Chance Maritime and is a huge testament to the experience and technical expertise of the entire Chance Maritime team,” said Stuart Chance, CEO of Chance Maritime Technologies. “Woods Hole Group has been fantastic to work with, and we look forward to many more successful operations.”
Rob Smith, vice president of Woods Hole Group’s Energy and Infrastructure Business Unit, said the deployment represents a long-term goal for the company.
“It has been a long-term objective of ours to offer a truly autonomous FAST Eddy system to our Clients. Chance Maritime have enabled us to achieve that goal by developing a rugged, long-endurance USV specifically designed to meet our needs. In addition, they provide an industry leading marine team that exceeds industry navigation, safety, and operability expectations.”
