Bibby HydroMap have partnered with iXblue to bring “DriX”, a new autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV), to the European market

25.02.2018


Bibby HydroMap, one of the leading providers of hydrographic and geophysical surveys in the UK and Northern Europe, have partnered with iXblue to bring “DriX”, a new autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV), to the European market.

Specifically designed with a revolutionary hull shape optimized for both coastal and offshore missions, and manufactured using state of the art composite materials, DriX operates with the utmost stability, guaranteeing the best possible results, with excellent and unmatched performance offshore. In a step change for autonomous survey, DriX offers up to 7 days of data acquisition endurance at speeds of up to 14 knots. Multiple navigation options are also available ranging from full autonomy, to autopilot, remote supervisor action, a “follow-me” function and a “hovering” mode, all COLREG compliant.

Bibby HydroMap are excited to make this investment and become the first adopter of DriX in the UK, having worked closely with iXblue for a number of years.

iXblue, a global provider of innovative solutions and services for navigation, positioning and imaging, have developed DriX over the past 12 months to revolutionise the hydrographic survey market.

Guillaume Edeline, Business Development Manager at iXblue says; “For us at iXblue, teaming up with Bibby HydroMap seemed only natural given the number of values both companies share. We are more than happy to have this trusted partner committing to this new approach to the hydrographic survey market, and we are very much looking forward to their operational feedback and technical guidance.”

Initially mobilised with a dual-head Teledyne RESON SeaBat T50 integrated multibeam echosounder system to give the highest quality hydrographic data, DriX will be available to Bibby HydroMap’s existing and new customers from June 2018, and will offer increased production and productivity during survey data acquisition.

DriX will be used to supplement existing survey capability across projects undertaken by Bibby HydroMap, and performance information will form part of the continued development of the asset.
“DriX is at the forefront of industry innovation,” said Tom Davenport, Operations Manager at Bibby HydroMap. “We are proud to be able to offer this revolutionary survey platform to our customers, and we are confident that it will help shape the future in methodologies of survey data collection.”

About Bibby HydroMap
Bibby HydroMap provide a wide range of hydrographic, geophysical and ROV survey services to clients from a range of industries. Since 1997, they have worked closely with clients from the oil and gas, offshore renewables, submarine cables, ports and harbours, aggregates and utilities industries to provide efficient and cost-effective survey services. A fleet of advanced, custom-build vessels ranging from 8m - 27.5m are permanently mobilised for work throughout northern Europe, with regular charter options available for larger surveys.

About iXblue
iXblue is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative solutions devoted to navigation, positioning and underwater imaging, as well as shipbuilding and photonics. Using its unique in-house technology, the company offers turnkey solutions to its Civil and Defense customers to carry out their sea, land and space operations with optimum efficiency and reliability. Employing a workforce of 600 people worldwide, iXblue conducts its business with over 35 countries.

For further information, please contact: michael.king@bibbyhydromap.com

Location: UK









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