At the Offshore Wind Australia Conference 2024, BMT, a global leader in environmental sciences, maritime engineering, and asset management, unveiled The Deep Blue Project. This visionary initiative redefines the future of autonomous maritime technologies by enabling real-time, high-quality environmental data collection. Partnering with Ocius Technology, BMT is exploring the transformative potential of Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) to advance the marine industry and help improve environmental monitoring standards.
A New Direction in Maritime Autonomy
BMT’s launch of The Deep Blue Project builds on concepts like the "satellites of the sea," the project envisions a network of independent systems conducting continuous environmental monitoring. In collaboration with Ocius, a technical trial has been initiated in the Gippsland region, deploying the Bluebottle, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) equipped with advanced sensors.
Key features of the Bluebottle include:
Multi-beam echo sounder for seabed mapping.
High-resolution cameras for detailed visual analysis.
Robust data links for real-time streaming.
These capabilities allow the USV to autonomously collect data on seabed structures, water quality, and marine wildlife, providing stakeholders with transparent and actionable insights. As Graeme Nayler, BMT’s Regional Business Director, explains:
"The Deep Blue Project embodies our vision of making essential maritime data accessible, affordable, and informative."
Using MAS for Smarter Environmental Monitoring
At the heart of this project lies its utilization of Maritime Autonomous Systems, revolutionizing environmental data capture and management. The MAS platform enables:
Real-time insights for commercial and conservation applications.
Cost-effective solutions that reduce traditional monitoring expenses.
Scalable operations, adaptable to various maritime needs.
How This Applies Across Different Sectors
The data collected by The Deep Blue Project aims to benefit industries spanning commercial, defense, and environmental conservation. Applications include:
Habitat mapping to assess biodiversity.
Metocean modeling for offshore wind energy planning.
Regulatory compliance monitoring to ensure environmental stewardship.
By streamlining environmental monitoring processes, the project demonstrates how autonomous systems can drastically reduce both time and costs for operations like offshore energy development and fisheries management.
The Strategic Path Towards Global Impact
What is the plan to see this grow around the world? The Deep Blue Project follows a three-phase strategy:
Technical Trial – Validates autonomous systems and integrates advanced analytics for real-world application.
Commercialization – Develops specialized data solutions tailored to stakeholder needs.
Global Expansion – Establishes worldwide market coverage through partnerships and funding.
This phased approach secures long-term scalability and positions the project as a global leader in maritime data innovation.
By fostering collaboration across governments, industries, and research institutions, BMT aims to make environmental monitoring a shared and universally accessible resource.
Providing Solutions with Seismic Asia Pacific
Partnering with Seismic Asia Pacific, BMT integrates the Ping DSP 3DSS-iDX Integrated Sonar System into the project.
A key feature of the system is its ability to provide simultaneous real-time 3D imagery, offering geometrically accurate views of complex seabed features, such as pipelines and shipwrecks. This significantly enhances the capabilities of traditional 2D sidescan sonar by delivering better insights and more actionable data.
Pioneering the Future of Maritime Data
To learn more about The Deep Blue Project and Seismic Asia Pacific’s contributions, visit BMT’s website for further insights. Furthermore, reach out to the team here at Seismic Asia Pacific to explore the power of Ping DSP 3D Sidescan Sonar. Available for both Sale and Rental.