How do you preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans?

By capturing data that can be converted into insights...

Saildrone is on the case — capturing precise seabead topography data in the Cayman Islands — with Kongsberg Discovery providing the technology to capture clean, accurate, high-density data.

EEZ does it – fast, efficient and sustainable mapping of Cayman Islands seafloor

Saildrone has deployed a state-of-the-art Surveyor USV on a unique mission to map 29,300 square nautical miles (100,530 sq km) of the Cayman Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Kongsberg Discovery is on board delivering in-depth insights, showcasing the range, quality and efficiency of EM304 and EM2040 multibeam echosounders.

Photo:All video courtesy of Saildrone

The waters surrounding the Cayman Islands are as fragile as they are stunning.

Understanding their biodiversity, seabed topography and resources are fundamental to preserving their unique beauty, helping islanders and visitors utilize and enjoy them for generations to come. Thankfully Saildrone is on the case, utilizing state-of-the-art hydroacoustic systems from Kongsberg Discovery.

Unconventional excellence

Saildrone, a world leader in Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) innovation, has deployed a 20-meter autonomous Surveyor to map around 80% of the British Overseas Territory’s EEZ in a mission expected to take approximately one year. Outfitted with Kongsberg Discovery’s EM304 MKII and EM2040 multibeam echosounders, alongside an array of metocean sensors, cameras, radar and machine learning technology, the eye-catching USV can work with unmatched speed, efficiency and results on the demanding task

Unlike traditional survey ships, which take years to build and require expert vessel crew, Saildrone’s Surveyor is an economical, rapidly deployed autonomous solution (reducing risk), with 97% less operational carbon emissions and extended operating windows. As such, it provides a unique and scalable answer to the complex challenge of seafloor mapping – only 26% of the ocean floor is mapped – especially when combined with truly world class payloads.

Unlocking value

“This is an essential mission to capture precise seabed topography data to understand and protect the Cayman Islands’ marine resources and ecosystems,” comments Brian Connon, Saildrone VP Ocean Mapping. “With high-resolution mapping we can unlock tremendous value for society here, giving them a solid platform for exploration, research, conservation and management, as well as more detailed charting and safer navigation.

“The quality of the results we’re looking for makes it imperative to marry the functionality and operability of the Surveyor USV with optimal mapping technology. Kongsberg Discovery’s multibeam echosounders set the standard in this regard, so we’re delighted to partner with the team on this vital project.”

– Brian Connon, Saildrone VP Ocean Mapping

Empowering knowledge

The Surveyor’s combination of an EM304 MKII and EM2040 give it the flexibility to comb the very deepest depths (down to 11,000m) for high-resolution, clean seabed mapping - logging data so clean that virtually no post-processing is required - while also providing crystal clear, rapid, wide-area results at shallower depths.

“We develop technology to solve challenges and deliver best-in-class results,” notes Øystein Aasbø, Vice President Underwater Mapping Sales at Kongsberg Discovery. “The ability of these two unique multibeam echosounders will enable Saildrone to acquire clean, accurate, high-density data, efficiently and reliably across this huge area, at both demanding depths and in challenging conditions.

“With detailed bathymetric data, and a better understanding of the islands’ incredible marine biodiversity, key stakeholders will be empowered to make more-informed, safer and economical decisions. This is crucial today and essential when looking to a more sustainable ocean future.”

“We develop technology to solve challenges and deliver best-in-class results. The ability of these two unique multibeam echosounders will enable Saildrone to acquire clean, accurate, high-density data, efficiently and reliably across this huge area, at both demanding depths and in challenging conditions.

– Øystein Aasbø, Vice President Underwater Mapping Sales at Kongsberg Discovery.

Far-reaching ambitions

Bathymetric data collected by the Surveyor USV will belong to the Cayman Islands’ government and be provided to the UK Hydrographic Office to process and update local nautical charts. The philanthropic mission has been independently funded by the London & Amsterdam Trust Company Limited.

The Cayman Islands’ EEZ is 380 times larger than the islands themselves, stretching out up to 200 nautical miles from the shoreline to encompass an area around half the size of the US state of Florida.