Versatile Shallow Water Anchoring/ Securing Technology

We propose to develop a semi-autonomous anchoring system that will reduce the number of personnel required, reduce the number of bottom-condition-specific components, reduce the amount of training required to operate, and reduce the likelihood of errors. The solution will reliably enable the military to anchor a variety of structures in the near-shore environment and improve the current process by reducing risk and increasing deployment speed. This technology will provide the military with the ability to assess, decide, and deploy a floating structure with minimal personnel. We will leverage previous experience with multi-body seakeeping analysis tools, nonlinear mechanical system simulation tools, and ongoing efforts directly related to anchoring and mooring systems. Hydrodynamic modeling of characteristic components will provide inputs for requirements definition and sub-system design; a systematic approach will be used to identify technologies from directional drilling, mountaineering, and common anchors to be integrated in the anchoring system. A small ROV with a sensor suite capable of locating an appropriate anchoring site will be developed. An unmanned anchoring assembly will be designed to locate the intended anchor site and install the anchor. A suite of sensors will be developed to assist in determining the best location of the anchor points.