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Glider Yoko
Infrastructure Profile
Infrastructure Provider
Location
Oostende, Belgium
Organisation & Address
Flanders Marine Institute VLIZ (Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee) Marine Robotics Centre Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende Belgium
Link to Vessel/Infrastructure Schedules (if applicable)
NA
Normal Area of Operation
The area of operations will be dependent on the mother ship but will cover all the lighthouse areas of the project (Atlantic/Arctic, Baltic and North Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea).
Maximum Number of Days Available
2 x 30 days
Scientists’ Travel and Logistics (T&L) Budget Available
€ 4,000.00
Overview
Depth Rating
1000 m
Length
2 m + 1 m foldable antenna
Width
0.25 + 0.30 m (with wings)
Height (incl. draft for USV)
0.25 m
Weight in Air
60 kg
Total System Weight
60 kg
Payload
Oceanographic set-up:
• Pressure sensor
• CTD RBR Legato3
• ECO-puck FLBBCD – EXP for turbidity and chlorophyll A
• Dissolved oxygen sensor JFE Rinko AROD-FT
• Nortek AD2CP
Endurance (AUV, Gliders, USV)
Variable – Generally up to 25 days depending on sensor configuration
Scientific and Technical Specifications
General Information
A glider is a long-endurance autonomous vehicle, which continuously dives through the water column along a pre-defined path. The vehicle uses changes in buoyancy to propel itself through the water column and is very efficient, but slow moving: covering around ~5-6 km in one 1000 m dive.
The glider communicates with a shore-side after each completed dive to send a subset of the data collected during the dive.
Glider Yoko, an Alseamar SeaExplorer, is fitted with various oceanographic sensors and has a rechargeable battery pack.
The low-logistics nature of the vehicle allows it to be deployed by a single technician from almost any size ship.
Vessel Requirements (if applicable)
Deployment from RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat):
• Vehicle can be rested on the pontoons if special care is taken
• Minimal deck space: 2.2 m (minimal 2.2 m long)
• The freeboard needs to be low enough to be lowered by hand
RV (Research Vessel):
• Over-the-side crane or A-Frame with quick release
• Recovery: FRC or a workboat is needed
Thrusters
None
Cameras
None
Positioning (USBL, etc.)
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Instruments/Scientific Payload
Oceanographic set-up:
• Pressure sensor
• CTD RBR Legato3
• ECO-puck FLBBCD – EXP for turbidity and chlorophyll A
• Dissolved oxygen sensor JFE Rinko AROD-FT
• Nortek AD2CP
Optional Items
Trace metal set-up with collector cups
Manipulators
None
TMS (Tether Management System (ROV ONLY)), LARS details (if applicable)
None
The Glider Yoko will be deployed from the mother ship/workboat
Support offered to AQUARIUS users
Along with the vehicle, one field technician will be provided for the operation, deployment and recovery, general mobilization, and remote piloting support
Infrastructure Availability and Contact Details
Year 2025
1) Available in all the project’s lighthouse areas: Atlantic/Arctic, Baltic and North Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea
2) Available during the entire year
Year 2026
1) Available in all the project’s lighthouse areas: Atlantic/Arctic, Baltic and North Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea
2) Available during the entire year
Year 2027
1) Available in all the project’s lighthouse areas: Atlantic/Arctic, Baltic and North Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea
2) Available during the entire year
Contact email for applicants to discuss the initial feasibility of their work while they prepare their application
mrc[at]vliz.be (Contact person: Wieter Boone)
Certification and Clearance Requirements
Diplomatic clearances or permits required for area or type of activity
National legislation in the area of operations may require specific permits or reporting instructions
Additional training required
VLIZ provide specific familiarisation training to ensure users have a comprehensive understanding of the potential of marine robots, empowering them to effectively utilize these tools to fulfil their research objectives. The training will be provided and organized by the Infrastructure Operator, and can be arranged online or in classroom in preparation of the survey.