Survey operations conducted by an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) are taking place in Dundalk Bay this week.
The remotely piloted X-09 — from Greenore-based Xocean — was scheduled to launch from Clogherhead, Co Louth today, Tuesday 25 January, for the weeklong survey.
It will be engaged in survey activities supporting environmental research in the area. The survey will utilise multibeam echosounder to characterise the seabed across the site.
The USV sends real-time images and situational awareness data over satellite to a team of operators keeping watch and controlling the vessel remotely 24/7.
A Radio Navigation Warning will be in place during operations, and the USV has been made conspicuous to other marine traffic via its yellow superstructure, AIS, navigation lights and sound signal, and active radar reflector.
Coordinates and maps of the survey area are included in Marine Notice No 05 of 2022, attached below.
All other vessels operating within this area are requested to avoid contact with the USV and be aware of the operational area during this period.
