In a groundbreaking development for the subsea services industry, Scottish robotics company HonuWorx is set to deploy a fleet of 50 electric-powered remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to work on offshore energy assets, including wind farms.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for large, fossil fuel-guzzling surface ships traditionally used for subsea operations, significantly reducing costs, risks, and carbon emissions.
Founded in 2020, HonuWorx has developed an autonomous submarine named Loggerhead, which serves as a mothership for deploying worker robots to perform inspection, maintenance, and data collection tasks in remote locations. The all-electric system is controlled from shore via satellite communications and proprietary cloud-based software, enabling operators to monitor and manage activities worldwide.
The Loggerhead system’s success hinges on several fundamental engineering principles:
- Electric propulsion: Using electric power instead of fossil fuels, the ROVs can operate with a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact.
- Autonomous navigation: Advanced algorithms and sensors allow the mothership submarine to navigate independently, eliminating the need for human operators on board.
- Remote communication: Satellite communications and cloud-based software enable real-time monitoring and control of the ROVs from shore, reducing the need for offshore personnel.
- Modular design: The worker robots can be easily swapped out or updated to perform various tasks, increasing the system’s versatility and adaptability to different subsea environments.
- Energy efficiency: Optimized hydrodynamic design and efficient power management systems ensure the ROVs can operate for extended periods without recharging, maximizing their operational capabilities.
HonuWorx successfully demonstrated the Loggerhead system off the coast of Vancouver, Canada, in December 2023, with further field tests conducted over the past 10 months. The project was supported by energy giants TotalEnergies and Shell, alongside the Aberdeen-based Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC).
The company aims to have 10 Loggerhead systems in operation by 2030 and, in the longer term, expand to a fleet of 50 submersibles. By capturing 20% of the $3.2 billion global subsea inspection, repair, and maintenance market, HonuWorx seeks to revolutionize underwater work across industries such as offshore wind, oil and gas, and defence.
Greg Jones, subsea lead for TotalEnergies E&P UK, praised the Loggerhead system as “an example of the next stage of subsea autonomous systems” with the potential to “support decarbonization, improve safety, and lower costs for subsea inspection and maintenance.”
As the offshore wind industry continues to grow and the demand for cleaner, more efficient subsea operations increases, HonuWorx’s electric robotic submarine fleet could play a crucial role in shaping the future of underwater work. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enabling safer, more sustainable subsea activities, this innovative technology can accelerate the energy transition and support the growth of the global blue economy.
TLDR:
- HonuWorx is deploying a fleet of 50 electric-powered ROVs for subsea operations
- The Loggerhead system eliminates the need for fossil fuel-powered surface ships
- Autonomous navigation, remote control, and modular design enable efficient operations
- Successful demonstrations conducted with support from TotalEnergies and Shell
- HonuWorx aims to capture 20% of the $3.2 billion subsea services market by 2030
