Robosys Automation Aims to Streamline Offshore Wind Environmental Data Collection
with automated ballasting.Robosys Automation will additionally deliver a new capability to operate multiple USVs being operated from a single remote operations center.ACUA’s Pioneer USV has the endurance and power required for the demands of offshore data collection and meets the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Workboat Code 3 for operating beyond port and closed water environments in the UK.Through these technological advancements, Project ORACLES will enable the launch and recovery of multiple environmental sensor payloads which will facilitate comprehensive and cohesive datasets, improving
UK Receives First ROUV Certification; PIONEER Becomes First Vessel to Achieve Compliance
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has issued the UK’s first certification for a remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV) under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2, with hydrogen-powered PIONEER from ACUA Ocean becoming the first vessel to achieve compliance.Introduced by the MCA in December 2023, the WBC3 requirements set out safety and operational standards for ROUVs operating in UK waters. LR was the first certifying authority to be authorised by the MCA to issue certificates under Annex 2 and now becomes the first to complete a full certificatio
LR Authorized to Certify Remotely Operated and Unmanned Vessels
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has become the first Certifying Authority to receive authorization from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to certify remotely operated and unmanned vessels (ROUVs) under the Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2. Under the WBC3 framework, remotely operated and unmanned vessels below 24 meters in length must comply with comprehensive safety and operational requirements and obtain certification through an approved Certifying Authority to operate in UK waters. Alongside LR’s own Unmanned Marine Systems Code, this new authorization enables LR to
ACUA Ocean Launches Pioneer USV
deploying sensor and system payloads.Following the successful launch, the USV Pioneer now enters a three-month period of sea trials and crucial regulatory checks ahead of demonstrations in March 2025.As part of the sea trials, ACUA Ocean will be working alongside Lloyd’s Register for Maritime and Coastguard Agency Workboat Code approvals.“This launch marks another major milestone in the journey for USV Pioneer and is testament to the team both at ACUA Ocean and the dozens of partners and subcontractors who have spent the last nine months delivering on this pioneering, world-first, vessel
SEA-KIT Awarded ZEVI Funding to Build Hydrogen-fueled USV
monitoring and sampling equipment. The vessel will also be able to launch and recover aerial drones for surveying, surveillance, search and rescue. ZEPHR will use two hydrogen fuel cell systems for redundancy.The vessel’s design will be reviewed with Lloyd’s Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to satisfy regulatory and compliance requirements and to obtain approvals for continuous operations. ZEPHR will be built at SEA-KIT’s recently expanded production facility in Tollesbury, Essex in the U.K
Fugro's USV with eROV Wins UK Maritime Agency Approval
Fugro’s Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessel (USV), has received approval from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to operate as the first USV with an electrical remotely operated vehicle (eROV) in UK waters.The MCA is the government body that regulates vessels in the UK ensuring they meet technical, safety and environmental requirements of the region. "Fugro sees this as a breakthrough development as USVs play a vital role in the future of the maritime sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering data more efficiently," Fugro said."With
XOCEAN Acquires 4D Ocean
follows the news of XOCEAN’s successful €7.9 million funding round earlier this month.XOCEAN, which uses marine robotics known as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to collect ocean data, has recently delivered projects for clients including BP, Equinor, PX Group and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The services provided by XOCEAN include mapping the seabed, inspecting subsea structures and monitoring the environment.Currently XOCEAN has USVs in operation in the UK, Azerbaijan, Trinidad and Canada with plans to build an additional 22 USVs over the next 12 months and recruit an additional
XOCEAN Secures $8.7 mln in Funding
scaling plans and was fully subscribed by existing shareholders.XOCEAN is transforming the way ocean data is collected using marine robotics known as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). The company has recently delivered projects for clients including BP, Equinor, PX Group and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The services provided by XOCEAN include mapping the seabed, inspecting subsea structures and monitoring the environment.XOCEAN’s Chief Financial Officer Karen May said “It is a really exciting time for the business as we scale. This new investment allows us to accelerate
XOCEAN Attracts Funds for Global Growth
Officer, Karen May, said, “It is a really exciting time for the business as we scale. This new investment allows us to accelerate our growth with expansion into new markets internationally.”Having delivered projects for clients including BP, Equinor, PX Group and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Irish-based XOCEAN currently has USVs in operation in the UK, Azerbaijan, Trinidad and Canada, with plans to build an additional 22 USVs over the next 12 months and recruit an additional 140 employees to service the market demand.James Ives, CEO, XOCEAN, said, “We are experiencing
February 2025
