Little Blue films in the big blue
The Tjärnö Marine Laboratory has acquired a smaller remotely operated vehicle. It is battery driven, reaches to 100 metres depth and is equipped with HD video camera, one-function manipulator, positioning system and side-scan sonar.
A smaller Remotely Operated Vehicle - ROV - has been purchased by the Tjärnö Laboratory. The model BlueROV is manufactured by Blue Robotics in USA. Compared to the two larger remotely operated vehicles at the Tjärnö Laboratory and the even larger on R/V Skagerak, this one is battery driven, has less powerful thrusters and shorter cable. On the other hand, it can be used from smaller boats, docks and piers.
- We believe ”Little Blue” will be flexible and durable to use in spite of its advanced technology, says Christin Appelqvist. The idea is it will be easier to work with inventories and documentation within research, education as well as activities for the general public. Work that previously demanded three qualified divers can now be performed by one ROV pilot.
Christin Appelqvist is project leader for the investment, coordinator for the use as well as pilot. The technicians Roger Johansson and Joel White have assembled the BlueROV, and will also act as pilots.
The cost for the complete system is 200,000 SEK. The investment was made possible thanks to a grant from University of Gothenburg's internal climate fund.
- By using ”Little Blue” for minor studies from small boats, docks and piers, our carbon dioxide emissions and effect on the climate will decrease. The ambition is also to reduce collection of algae and animals through bottom dredging. We can achieve this by increased use of mini-ROV for non-destructive documentation and visualization of marine biodiversity in real-time, says Christin Appelqvist.
Christin Appelqvist, Joel White and Roger Johansson are technicians and pilots for ”Little Blue” - the Tjärnö Laboratory's new, smaller remotely operated vehicle. Photo: Thore Hilmersson.