A major Japanese industrial corporation has signed an agreement that will see the world’s first test of an autonomous underwater vehicle undertaken in Fort William. Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd (KHI) will test a prototype AUV equipped with a robot arm for subsea pipeline inspection.
The test, scheduled for October at the Underwater Centre in Fort William, will be the first of its kind in the world, according to Kawasaki. KHI has been developing leading-edge component technologies for AUVs with a focus on the growing demand for pipeline maintenance in off shore oil and gas Thelds. Local MSP Kate Forbes said: ‘Once again Fort William is making waves internationally. It is brilliant news that the Underwater Centre in Fort William will be the location of such innovative technology, in partnership with a major Japaneseflindustrial corporation.