The Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation in Madeira Island, ARDITI, has recently acquired two underwater robotics vehicles from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) to enhance its marine research capabilities. These NOC Autosub Long Range (ALR) autonomous underwater vehicles will be used for ocean science research offshore Portugal and beyond, with one vehicle focused on oceanography and biogeochemistry of the water column and the other on seabed mapping.
The ALRs from NOC have the capability to collect unprecedented data, mapping up to 6,000m water depth over extended periods of time. This partnership with ARDITI marks a significant step in expanding the use of NOC’s ALRs internationally. The technology will help support research efforts in Madeira Island, which is strategically located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with deep waters close to shore, making it an ideal location for deep-sea exploration.
Rui Caldeira, Principal Scientist at ARDITI, highlighted the importance of leveraging NOC’s underwater vehicles for various applications, such as coastal monitoring, seabed mapping, and oceanographic data gathering. The ALRs are designed to be operated on a common operating system, making it easier for researchers to adapt and integrate different sensors for specific research needs.
The acquisition by ARDITI comes as NOC continues to build additional vehicles for its own fleet, with plans to have a total of eight ALRs in operation by the end of 2026. This partnership signifies a collaborative effort to advance marine research capabilities and promote technological innovation in ocean science.
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