by EH
In a milestone for marine exploration, the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS) successfully completed initial tests of a pioneering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in the Mediterranean waters off Sicily on May 28, 2024. This state-of-the-art submersible, capable of operating at depths of up to 3000 meters, is set to revolutionize underwater research with its high-resolution data collection capabilities.
The acquisition of this AUV, valued at over 4 million euros, marks a significant advancement for Italy’s oceanographic research community. “The autonomous system has operational capabilities similar to those of a research vessel but with substantially lower operating costs,” said Franco Coren, the project coordinator for IPANEMA, which facilitated the acquisition through funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
The AUV is equipped with advanced instruments for seabed mapping and a suite of environmental sensors, effectively transforming it into a fully autonomous underwater laboratory. The data collected during its missions will enable comprehensive studies ranging from volcanic system monitoring to the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
High-Tech Features and Capabilities
The AUV boasts a modular design, measuring five meters in length and capable of both autonomous and guided navigation. It operates at a maximum depth of 3000 meters and can sustain a maximum speed of 4 knots, with an operational autonomy of 24 hours at 3 knots when all sensors are active. Key features include high-resolution dual-frequency multibeam and side-scan sonar, and sensors for measuring CO2, O2, nitrates, and fluorescence. Future upgrades will add a sub-bottom profiler and a high-resolution camera.
Strategic Collaborations and Future Missions
In collaboration with the Milazzo Port Authority, OGS conducted a series of successful sea trials to validate the vehicle’s functionality and calibrate its sensors. The trials involved comprehensive data analysis sessions at OGS’s newly inaugurated laboratories in Milazzo.
“The test days went very well, showcasing the instrument’s full potential,” said Lorenzo Facchin, OGS’s lead technologist. “This AUV will significantly enhance our research capabilities, allowing for detailed monitoring of gas emissions, the study of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and detailed seabed morphology analysis.”
The introduction of this AUV positions OGS as the only research institution in Italy to possess such advanced underwater robotic technology, a distinction previously held exclusively by the Italian Navy. This addition to the ECCSEL NatLab-Italy laboratory infrastructure underscores OGS’s commitment to advancing marine science and supporting a broad spectrum of scientific and environmental research.
Environmental Protection and Research Synergy
The importance of the AUV extends beyond scientific research. “Environmental protection is one of the main institutional tasks entrusted to the Port Authorities – Coast Guard,” noted Lieutenant Commander Michele Rossano, Deputy Commander of the Milazzo Port Authority. “OGS shares these same goals, and we are pleased to collaborate on these initiatives.”
The AUV’s capabilities align with the broader objectives of the PON IPANEMA project, funded by the European Union, aimed at enhancing the ECCSEL NatLab-Italy in Panarea. This project, with a total funding of 8.8 million euros, aims to bolster research infrastructure and foster multidisciplinary studies in physical, chemical, biological, and geological sciences within the Mediterranean’s most active underwater hydrothermal system.
As OGS prepares for upcoming missions, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking research and environmental insights this innovative AUV will undoubtedly deliver.
