USV Gobelijn

An Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), also known as an uncrewed or unmanned surface vessel, is a watercraft that operates on the sea's surface without an onboard crew, either autonomously or via remote control. USVs are vital for marine exploration, enabling access to hard-to-reach ocean areas and enhancing scientific research and operational efficiency.

The USV Gobelijn, developed by VLIZ and based on the Mariner X model from Maritime Robotics, is designed to transform glider deployment and recovery in oceanographic research. As a Long-Range USV equipped with a specialized system for launching and retrieving other robots (LARS), Gobelijn offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional methods that depend on large research vessels. This cutting-edge USV significantly lowers operational costs and carbon emissions, particularly in remote offshore and high-latitude regions where data collection has traditionally been challenging. By improving the efficiency and flexibility of oceanographic research, Gobelijn enables continuous, high-quality data collection, helping to close the data gaps that have hindered understanding of these critical marine environments.

Outfitted with advanced scientific instruments and sensors, the USV Gobelijn is equipped to study the carbon cycle and other physical and biological parameters in seawater. Pilots can remotely control the USV Gobelijn from a shore-based control center, allowing it to conduct scientific measurements at sea for extended periods, ranging from days to weeks. This capability enables long-term observation of marine phenomena, such as monitoring across multiple tidal cycles. With its considerable autonomy, speed, and range, the USV Gobelijn enhances VLIZ's operational capabilities.

As one of the first USVs capable of operating in both the North Sea and the open ocean, Gobelijn is set to lead the way in expanding marine observation, research, and innovation with fewer personnel and a smaller carbon footprint. This vessel could usher in a paradigm shift in ocean observation, a crucial step toward understanding the marine system and fostering the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.

Technical details:

  • Physical Dimensions
    • Length: 9 m
    • Width: 2.5 m
    • Height: 3 m
    • Draught: 0.6 m
    • Weight: 5000 kg (Dry weight)
  • Scientific Payload
    • CTD: AML
    • Weather Station: Airmar 200WX
    • INS: PHINS Surface
    • VM ADCP: Nortek VM500Hz
    • Echosounder: Teledyne Odom, Reson TC2122
    • Underway Sensor Lab: SubCTech
  • Communications
    • 4G
    • Starlink
    • MBR 144 and 179, LOS
    • Iridium VesseLINK satellite
    • Iridium SBD (backup)
  • Operational Characteristics
    • Endurance: Up to 25 days
    • Max speed: 12+ kts
    • Propulsion:
      • Primary: Yanmar 4LV230 with HamiltonJet HJX29 Jet
      • Redundant: Twin Torqeedo Cruise10.0 with 11.2kW battery bank
    • Customizable Payload: 2 moonpools and modular back deck
    • Situational awareness: 360° camera, FLIR M300C, Radar, Lidar, AIS, VHFoIP, depth sounder, SeaCapture® software
    • Stabilization: Seakeeper 2

All features of this robot can be found in the USV Gobelin specification sheet.

USV Gobelijn
USV Gobelijn
USV Gobelijn