XOCEAN’s X-30 achieves ROUV Certification
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has certified XOCEAN’s X-30 Remotely Operated Uncrewed Vessel (ROUV) to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3), including the Annex 2 requirements for ROUVs.The certification makes X-30 one of the first uncrewed vessels to achieve full compliance with the updated WBC3 framework, with the Annex 2 ROUV requirements introduced in late 2023 to regulate the design and operation of ROUVs in UK waters.
ESA, UK Space Agency Back ACUA Ocean’s Subsea Inspection Robotics System
commercially driven innovation, where space capabilities catalyse growth, resilience, and national advantage beyond the space sector,” added Shuxiu Zhang, Head of Space Applications and Data at the UK Space Agency.The contract follows PIONEER’s recent certification under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 Annex 2, marking the world’s first approval for a remotely operated vessel.The deal is expected to accelerate the commercial deployment of nested robotic systems and strengthen ACUA Ocean’s position in maritime autonomy
ACUA Ocean Announces Build of Second Pioneer-Class USV
of payloads. ACUA Ocean is working with technology partners to develop a range of ROV payload and LARS designs. The announcement follows Lloyd’s Register (LR) issuing the UK’s first ever certification for a remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV) under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2 to USV Pioneer in August 2025
ACUA Ocean Hydrogen-Powered USV Completes 24-Hour Sea Trial
vessel's autonomous systems, stability and hydrogen performance were monitored around the clock, generating valuable data now being shared with research partners including the University of Southampton and Machl-UK.The achievement follows PIONEER's recent certification under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Workboat Code Edition 3 Annex 2, a world-first approval for a remotely operated, hydrogen-powered vessel.The maritime sector currently accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with industry drive to find viable zero-emission alternatives. By proving hydrogen'
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
February 2026
