The PLOCAN test-site’s waters host this week operational tests by the Belgian institution Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) of a SeaExplorer underwater glider equipped with a novel prototype sensor system for measuring essential ocean variables. The main objective of the activity is to carry out a complete validation of the functionality of the underwater glider systems by performing continuous dives for several days in real operational scenarios at depths greater than 800 m. To this end, PLOCAN’s VIMAS facility (Underwater Vehicles, Instruments and Machines) provides technical and logistic capabilities, in order to undertake the activity in a timely manner, in accordance with VLIZ requirements.
VLIZ responds to a scientific institution addressed to marine and coastal research in Belgium, with a multidisciplinary approach that ranges from biology to marine technology. In the specific field of robotics and ocean observation, VLIZ plays a key role in the development of innovative technologies to monitor marine ecosystems. This includes the use of autonomous ocean vehicles (AUVs, gliders, USV, etc.), remote sensing systems, smart buoys and coastal observation platforms, which allow real-time data to be collected on physical, chemical and biological parameters of the sea. In addition to its research work, VLIZ acts as a coordination and integration center for marine data in Belgium, enabling open access to information collected through digital tools and interoperable databases. Their efforts contribute significantly to the understanding of climate change, ocean health, and the sustainability of marine resources. In collaboration with universities, government agencies and international networks, VLIZ promotes evidence-based research to support more effective marine policies and responsible environmental management.
Through activities such as the one described, PLOCAN strengthens its leadership position and strategic role as unique scientific-technical infrastructure (ICTS) at the service of the development and validation of advanced ocean technologies, providing access to unique leading facilities for researchers, companies and administrations, which in turn allows accelerating technological innovation in the marine environment, promoting projects in areas such as marine renewable energies, underwater robotics, environmental monitoring and automation of ocean-observation, thus reinforcing the competitiveness of Spanish R&D&i in the marine environment.
Within the context of the Canary Islands Blue-Economy Strategy, PLOCAN represents a key tool to diversify the regional economy in a sustainable way, promoting synergies between science, technology and industry. At the national level, its recognition as ICTS contributes significantly to the science and innovation policies of the Spanish State, aligning with the objectives of sustainability, energy transition and digitalization. Thanks to its open and collaborative vocation, PLOCAN enhances the attraction of investments, talent and international projects, consolidating its role as a reference node in the marine-technological ecosystem of both the Canary Islands and the country as a whole, directly aligned with the EU domain.
