Tesla Offshore Orders Bluefin-21 AUV

Randall P. Bergeron, President and CEO of Tesla Offshore LLC, announced the purchase of a Bluefin-21 AUV from Bluefin Robotics of Quincy MA.

Bluefin Robotics develops, produces and operates Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and related technologies for defense, commercial and scientific customers worldwide.

This purchase coincides with Tesla’s intent to expand its presence in deepwater oil and gas field development, as well as positioning itself to pursue governmental, environmental and academic applications support. Tesla Offshore will operate their AUV on a global basis and, specifically, in the Gulf of Mexico where U.S. government regulatory agents are considering proposals that mandate archeological and shallow hazard survey data be acquired by AUV technologies. Assigned to spearhead the implementation of the technology are Tesla’s Nathaniel Usher, Director of Geoscience and George Loy, Innovative Solutions Manager.

The Tesla Bluefin-21 AUV is a modular system capable of carrying multiple sensors in a single payload section. It boasts a highly efficient power solution that enables extended operations at depths up to 4,500 meters. The innovative design includes swappable payload sections and battery modules for fast surface turnaround, as well as portability and flexibility to operate from various ships of opportunity worldwide.

The AUV’s sensor suite has been chosen to exceed the data quality and resolution requirements of today’s deepwater survey markets. These include a broadband multibeam echosounder, a chirp sub-bottom profiler, and a high definition digital camera. In addition, Tesla Offshore the system will feature a fully-integrated synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) produced by Raytheon Applied Signal Technology. The PROSAS Surveyor is expected to provide a decimetric imaging resolution across swath ranges up to 450 meters per side, which in turn can lead to increased survey efficiency at depth.

www.teslaoffshore.com