Jan De Nul and Maritime Robotics Unveil Vaquita 04 in Dubai
Maritime Robotics and Jan De Nul strengthen partnership with the launch of Vaquita 04 in Dubai. Vaquita 04, based on the innovative Otter USV, is now operational in Jebel Ali, Dubai, surveying for dredging and coastal development projects.
Maritime Robotics has strengthened its partnership with Jan De Nul by delivering an advanced Otter Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) to Dubai. The vessel, named Vaquita 04, is in Jebel Ali conducting hydrographic surveys for dredging and coastal development projects.
Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our partnership with Jan De Nul. Vaquita 04 exemplifies how advanced USV technology is transforming surveying efficiency and accuracy in the marine sector.
The Otter Vaquita 04 being prepared in Dubai. Photo: Jan De Nul
A rewarding experience
Working with Jan De Nul is always a rewarding experience. Their expertise in maritime technology and forward-thinking approach makes them an ideal partner in advancing the future of marine surveying.
Dubai is renowned for its ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Palm Jebel Ali, a massive artificial archipelago originally initiated in 2002 and relaunched in 2024. This development requires precise surveying to overcome construction challenges, particularly in shallow waters between the “palm leaves”, where traditional methods are less effective. Vaquita 04, a customized Otter USV, is specifically designed to meet these demands.
The Vaquita 04 in it's cradle in Dubai, getting ready for being deployed into the water. Photo: Jan De Nul
The Maritime Robotics Otter platform helps us reach survey areas where it is too dangerous to use a conventional survey vessel. By using Otter USVs we want to provide a safer and greener survey method for our personnel and the environment. The successes of the units on our projects worldwide have recently resulted in further investments with the purchase of the Vaquita 05 – 07. We look forward on our further collaboration with Maritime Robotics to keep on pushing the boundaries and explore the innovations in uncrewed surface vehicles.
Equipped with a multibeam echosounder and a winch SVP (Sound Velocity Profiler), the Vaquita 04 collects crucial bathymetric data for various applications, including dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling and sand placement. The data is used for analyzing the bathymetric situation before, during and after the works, enabling more accurate planning and execution while minimizing environmental impact.
Maritime Robotics
Maritime Robotics is a leading provider of advanced autonomous technology, enabling safe, sustainable and cost effective maritime operations and applications. Since 2005, Maritime Robotics has developed and delivered Autonomous Navigation Systems and Uncrewed Surface Vessels to customers worldwide, enhancing the operational capabilities for various maritime applications, including marine mapping and surveying, environmental monitoring, surveillance and inspection, and more.
Jan de Nul
Jan De Nul Group is a globally renowned company specializing in dredging, offshore construction, and environmental services. With over 90 years of experience, the company delivers innovative and sustainable solutions for marine infrastructure, land reclamation, and renewable energy projects. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Jan De Nul operates worldwide, offering expertise that combines cutting-edge technology with environmental care to meet complex challenges across industries.
Do you want to know more?
Vegard Evjen Hovstein
CEO & Founder, Maritime Robotics
T +47 934 32 641
LinkedIn @Vegard Hovstein
www.maritimerobotics.com
Nils Lowie
Survey Department, Jan De Nul
T +32 (0) 53 73 90 30
M +32 (0) 492 19 02 43
LinkedIn @Nils Lowie
www.jandenul.com