ECO Trawl Intelligent fishing using Autonomous Underwater Drones

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

ECO Trawls main objective is to develop a complete new Autonomous Underwater Drone (AUDs) trawling system and test on a trawler vessel in the harsh Conditions of the North Sea. The ECO Trawl system replaces the trawlers pull on the trawl net by powerful steerable drones that pull the trawl directly. The drones are electrically powered by an umbilical and controlled from the vessel ECO Trawl plans to place powerful electric thrusters where traditional trawls have their doors – that is, where the trawl net opens. The electric thrusters, or propellers, will be able to control the trawl’s course and depth in the water, and thereby navigate more accurately. Side and depth rudders will steer the drone, along with a control system collecting sensory data. The electric power, meanwhile, will be provided by a generator onboard the trawler. If successfully implemented, the ECO Trawl concept could provide a more efficient and environment-friendly trawl. Preliminary concept studies indicate it could increase reduce fuel consumption by over 30 per cent while being more selective and avoiding bycatch and seabed damage. The system will also increase catch volume from trawlers and lower greenhouse gas emissions.