Surface Hydrographic Drone Acquired for Advanced Marine Surveys

The Shom (French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service) has confirmed the acquisition of the DriX H-8 surface hydrographic drone from developer Exail. 

The DriX H-8 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) will be deployed for diverse hydrographic tasks, including seabed topography, wreck detection, and seabed composition analysis. It will also play a key role in preliminary studies for offshore wind farm development. 

The collected data will enhance understanding of the marine environment while expanding intervention capabilities over increasingly extensive areas, including deep-sea regions. The DriX H-8 is positioned as a strategic asset for faster, better-informed decision-making.

This acquisition reportedly marks a strategic milestone in the modernization of the Shom’s capabilities, addressing the growing demand for reliable and certified marine data for both civilian and military purposes.

The DriX H-8

Designed to operate 24/7, the DriX H-8 delivers highly accurate hydrographic surveys through innovative engineering that minimizes disturbances and optimizes data quality, even in challenging conditions.

These capabilities were validated during trials conducted by Shom aboard the hydro-oceanographic vessel (BHO) Beautemps-Beaupré off the French coast of Brest in 2020 and in the Gulf of Lion in 2023. 

During these trials, the DriX H-8 demonstrated its effectiveness in demanding maritime environments, confirming its ability to deliver reliable data and outperform traditional hydrographic survey vessels.

Pierre-Louis Roudaut, Sales Manager for France at Exail, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, “We are proud to see the first DriX H-8 sold in France playing a central role in Shom’s strategic missions. This order reflects confidence in French technological excellence and our ability to support Shom in modernizing its hydrographic resources to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”

Laurent Kerléguer, General Manager of the Shom, added, “Because it will mark a major step in the transformation of our hydrographic data acquisition resources, the DriX H-8 manufactured by the French company Exail is about to enter the long and brilliant history of the Shom.”

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