Design of a ROUV to Guide in Narrow Lanes

Navigating narrow waterways presents a significant challenge for vessels lacking advanced technologies. Grounding incidents in these channels can result in substantial economic losses, environmental damage, and disruptions to maritime schedules. By adopting advanced navigation technologies, enhancing training and procedures, and implementing effective channel management practices, the risk of grounding incidents can be significantly reduced, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of maritime traffic. A notable example is the Suez Canal, which witnessed 420 partial and complete groundings in 2022 alone, according to statistics compiled by the Suez Canal Global Navigation Company. This paper presents the design considerations for a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROUV) specifically intended for navigating narrow underwater passages. Safe and efficient exploration in such confined environments requires unique design elements. This paper discusses the challenges associated with operating in narrow lanes and proposes solutions through specific design choices. Above-water LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors can effectively detect partially submerged objects at depths of up to 2 m. This capability makes them valuable tools for underwater surveys and object identification in shallow water environments. The design of a propeller airfoil plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a scanning system that uses a laser beam. By carefully tailoring the airfoil's shape and characteristics, it is possible to minimize fluid disturbances around the propeller, thereby preventing disruptions to the laser beam and enhancing the overall efficiency of the scanning process. These solutions may include maneuverability features, sensor selection for precise navigation, and potential control strategies. The overall aim is to create a ROUV that can effectively navigate and perform tasks within challenging environments, thus expanding the capabilities of underwater exploration.