The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 resumes after over 11 years, with the Malaysian government approving a new investigation using advanced technologies. Ocean Infinity will utilize its advanced offshore support vessel, Armada 7806, equipped with autonomous underwater vehicles and sophisticated sonar systems, to locate the wreckage in a search area the size of Sydney. The operation is expected to last up to 18 months, with significant advancements in robotics improving survey efficiency.
The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished in 2014, has been reignited by the Malaysian government, who approved new efforts to locate the aircraft’s debris. This renewed search follows the tragic disappearance of 239 individuals on board. Ocean Infinity, previously unsuccessful in its 2018 search, has devised a new proposal which has been accepted by Malaysia’s government, enabling them to recommence operations in the southern Indian Ocean, approximately 1,500 km west of Perth, using cutting-edge technology.
The designated search area for MH370 is extensive, comparable in size to Sydney, and was determined through collaboration with experts who analyzed various data sources, including recent debris footage and weather patterns. Ocean Infinity will utilize the advanced offshore support vessel Armada 7806, constructed by Vard in 2023, which is equipped with autonomous underwater vehicles capable of deep-sea operations.
The Armada 7806 will deploy innovative autonomous vehicles from Kongsberg, designed for depths of up to 6,000 meters and able to operate independently for about 100 hours. These vehicles are outfitted with sophisticated sonar technologies including sidescan, synthetic aperture, and multibeam sonar, essential for effective underwater mapping and object identification.
As sonar technologies deliver complementary data for exploration, additional camera systems on the vehicles will capture images of identified targets for further investigation. Only after detecting prospective targets will the vehicles execute missions closer to the seafloor to confirm findings, necessitating meticulous survey tracks to ensure thorough coverage.
Since the last search in 2018, Ocean Infinity has advanced its marine robotics and data collection techniques, significantly expanding coverage by deploying multiple vehicles concurrently. The gathered data will be meticulously analyzed and integrated to yield detailed maps of the targeted search zone.
The challenging surf and underwater conditions present notable obstacles for both the support vessel and the autonomous vehicles. The entire operation is projected to span up to 18 months, with optimal weather conditions anticipated between January and April.
Should Ocean Infinity locate the wreckage, a US$70 million payment will be issued by the Malaysian government, with subsequent efforts to recover the aircraft’s black boxes. Equipped with remotely operated vehicles, the Armada 7806 may assist in identifying the wreck site for further salvage attempts. However, failure to locate the aircraft will result in no payment and a return to the initial investigative phase.
In conclusion, the renewed search for MH370 represents a significant endeavor involving advanced technology and strategic collaboration. Ocean Infinity’s deployment of state-of-the-art equipment, including autonomous underwater vehicles and sophisticated sonar systems, aims to enhance the search efficiency. Despite the inherent challenges posed by the search conditions, the operation holds the potential to recover vital evidence regarding the flight’s fate, ultimately contributing to long-standing inquiries into its disappearance.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
