UK Centre for Seabed Mapping Scientists Collaborate on Survey of the UK’s South-West Coastline
sector. By combining their skills and capabilities in a single survey, the team aim to secure data to deliver the UK government’s commitments and make advances in how our seabed is mapped, understood and managed.Eleven UK CSM member organizations are involved: the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA); the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO); British Geological Survey (BGS); Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas); Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), The Crown Estate; Historic England; Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); Agri-Food and Biosciences
UK Backs Development of 145-ft Uncrewed Offshore Support Vessel
and emissions reduction, alongside hydrogen, ammonia and diesel variants.Building on ACUA’s 14-metre Pioneer-class USV, the new platform incorporates a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design to reduce motions in high sea states. Pioneer became the first uncrewed surface vessel to receive UK MCA Workboat Code 3 approval this year, providing key operational data for the larger MROS design.The 43-metre vessel will offer DP1 station keeping, a 2,500-nautical-mile range, endurance of more than 20 days and sprint speeds above 20 knots. It is designed for roles such as offshore logistics, surveillance
Witherbys Sign Licensing Agreement to Release Official MCA, ILO eBooks on Witherby Connect
Witherby Publishing Group has announced a new licensing agreement with The Stationery Office (TSO), enabling the release of authorized digital editions of respected MCA and ILO maritime titles through Witherby Connect. This partnership further strengthens Witherbys’ position as the preferred digital content provider in the global maritime industry.The suite includes two cornerstone statutory publications—the ‘Ship Captain’s Medical Guide, 24th Edition’ and the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP) for Merchant Seafarers, 2025’. Both are required on board
At the Helm of the UKHO
methods," she said. "Our recent work with XOCEAN, a company specializing in Uncrewed Surface Vessels, demonstrated the possibilities for more efficient, less intrusive autonomous surveying methods. As part of the Civil Hydrography Programme, administered by the Martime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), XOCEAN’s USVs were able to gather high-quality bathymetric data of the seafloor, all while being operated remotely by an onshore team."XOCEAN USV at sea. Credit: XOCEANAI is also poised to transform the maritime industry in the coming years. "For the UKHO, AI presents an opportunity
ACUA Ocean Announces Build of Second Pioneer-Class USV
. 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
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
Sulmara Gets NZTC Funding Push for More Green USV Tech
has secured funding from the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) to develop an over-the-horizon (OTH) uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with the ability to launch and recover towed sensor packages.The project will deliver a platform designed and certified to the standard set out in the recently released UK MCA Workboat Code 3 and will be certified to work OTH in UK waters.This project will also further the development of Sulmara’s Glasgow-based Remote Operations Centre (ROC) that regularly conducts OTH projects across the world.In conjunction with designing and delivering a USV solution, Sulmara will
Solent Guardian to Host Tech Demos by aae, Klein @ Ocean Business
or as a permanent installation, providing major advantages in accuracy and performance, as well as time and cost savings.Briggs Marine’s five ‘Guardian’ class’ survey vessels are the ideal platforms for carrying out a wide range of nearshore and coastal survey activities. Coded to MCA Category 2 and capable of carrying up to 12 passengers, the vessels can be mobilised anywhere in the UK or further afield if necessary. Vessels are available for short or long term charter and are well proven for delivery of hydrographic, environmental, geophysical and oceanographic surveys
February 2026
