Purchase of a SeaExplorer AUV

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg (The University) has a pending ocean research expedition in remote areas of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The research project is preparing several repeat expeditions (4-5 deployments) for deep diving science observations in the coastal and shelf edge areas. The project depends on two crucial elements; the first is a capability for multiple endurance deployments without requiring servicing of the vehicle, as that is the main source of leakage, and on-board processing of ADCP current data. For this project the University needs a technically sophisticated and robust autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).

The procurement object is one (1) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).

Förklaring:

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg (The University) has a pending ocean research expedition in remote areas of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The research project is preparing several repeat expeditions (4-5 deployments) for deep diving science observations in the coastal and shelf edge areas. The project depends on two crucial elements; the first is a capability for multiple endurance deployments without requiring servicing of the vehicle, as that is the main source of leakage, and on-board processing of ADCP current data. For this project the University needs a technically sophisticated and robust autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) specifically enabling/offering:

(i) field deployments without requiring on-site servicing or ballasting of the vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of leakage from opening the vehicle, and allowing rapid repeat deployments;

(ii) rechargeable batteries to allow rapid turnaround and repeat deployments without requiring service/opening of the vehicle;

(iii) robust hull design with no external moving parts and minimal wingspan to reduce maintenance requirements and risk of damage and entanglement;

(iv) propulsion system rated to 1 000 m, capable of efficient propulsion in both deep and shallow environments (100-1 000 m) with large density gradients (> 10 kg.m-3);

(v) open source data format and sensor communication protocol for integration of new sensors and development of adaptive sampling schemes;

(vi) integrated acoustic doppler current profiler allowing on-board processing and transmission of ADCP current estimation datasets in near-real time on a per dive basis, as well as a high-speed data connector for download of full datasets without needing to open/service the vehicle between deployments in remote locations.

The University has identified only one AUV on the market that meets all of the research project's crucial needs; the SeaExplorer AUV from Alseamar. Alseamar is the manufacturer but also the sole supplier for SeaExplorer AUV on the market. With reference to chapter 6, § 14 point 2 in the Swedish public procurement act (2016:1145) and to the above mentioned technical and sole supplier reasons, the University of Gothenburg intends to purchase one (1) SeaExplorer AUV from ALSEAMAR for the described research project.

Visma notice: https://opic.com/id/afztbobzgf