Gliders for Research, Ocean Observation and Management Infrastructure and Innovation (GROOM II) was a three-year long European Union HORIZON 2020 Project under the Developing New World-Class Research Infrastructures Programme. GROOM II was involved in a number of fields of science including the natural sciences, computer and information sciences, artificial intelligence, data science and big data. The project defined the overall organization of an infrastructure dedicated to ocean research and innovation and maritime services supporting Blue Growth.
In general, research is becoming increasingly significant for the blue economy and sea ecology. As such, underwater and surface drones have risen in importance. Ocean gliders, in particular, have become essential vehicles to carry scientific payloads for most environmental observations from the surface down to 6,000 meters.
Ocean gliders
An ocean glider is an autonomous underwater vehicle used for ocean science to collect ocean data. Uniquely suited for collecting data in remote locations, these agile unmanned durable drones operate safely and at relatively low cost. Users can equip them with a wide variety of sensors to monitor temperature, salinity, currents and other ocean conditions.
History
Above all, ocean gliders have major advantages such as being mobile, steerable, persistent and usable in large numbers and at relatively low costs. However, the distributed infrastructure required to exploit these assets must be able to meet different demands. These demands come from different sectors of society — research communities, public bodies and industry. Their respective needs are just as varied requiring customized payloads and operations.
As the predecessor to GROOM II, the GROOM-FP7 design study considered the complex hardware and information technology characteristics of such a distributed European infrastructure. This design study analyzed ways to optimize access to glider resources from the perspective of research. Additionally, the study examined the needs of the Global and (future) European Ocean Observing System (GOOS & EOOS).
Since then, several “gliderports” have developed, which have fostered a corresponding innovative industrial glider sector in Europe.
Building on its predecessor, GROOM II delivered the decision basis for an advanced Marine Research Infrastructure (MRI). This MRI will promote scientific excellence, foster innovation, support the blue economy, build industrial and public partnerships, and work towards helping achieve the common research and innovation mission for future Europe.
This infrastructure will be a positive step against today’s fragmented European landscape, aiding connections and synergies for the completion of GOOS and EOOS.
CSCS tasks & deliverables
Cyprus Subsea led a couple of Tasks:
- T5.2Environmental Services for Industries (water quality management, offshore energy, mining, maritime support)
- T6.5Hardware, maintenance (including sensors calibration), deployment and recovery techniques
In addition, Cyprus Subsea was responsible for Deliverables:
- D5.1Glider services for public and private needs
- D6.3Best Practices for Operations, Maintenance and Fault Reporting
Project partners
GROOM II project partners included:
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)France
- Helmholtz Zentrum für Ozeanforschung KielGermany
- Universitetet i BergenNorway
- National Oceanography CentreUnited Kingdom
- Marine InstituteIreland
- Hellenic Centre for Marine ResearchGreece
- Consorcio para el Diseño, Construcción, Equipamiento y Explotación de la Plataforma Oceánica de CanariasSpain
- Toulon Var TechnologiesFrance
- Universidade do PortoPortugal
- Ilmatieteen LaitosFinland
- Göteborgs UniversitetSweden
- Ecorys Nederland BVNetherlands
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 “Developing New World-Class Research Infrastructures Programme” under grant agreement No 951842.
Interested in collaborating?
Get in touch to discuss research partnerships with Cyprus Subsea.