ACUA Ocean Launches Pioneer USV
UK-based autonomous unmanned surface vessel (USV) developer ACUA Ocean has completed the test launch of the USV Pioneer from its base at Turnchapel Wharf in U.K.'s Plymouth, ahead of sea trials planned for March 2025.ACUA Ocean’s Pioneer-class program began in 2022 through funding from the UK Department of Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition with initial concepts and designs developed by naval architect John Kecsmar of Ad Hoc Marine Design, a global leader in small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) vessel design.The launch is a major milestone for the Pioneer-class since
Funding Granted for "World’s First" Vessel Charging Station within Offshore Wind Farm
A renewable energy technology consortium has secured £1.5 million funding to what they say is "the world’s first offshore charging station within a UK wind farm."The funding was awarded as part of the UK's Department for Transport and Innovate UK’s £60 million Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) grant.Project leaders Oasis Marine, who specialize in marine charging solutions, have partnered with power electronics and rapid charging specialist Turbo Power Systems and, Verlume, an intelligent energy management and storage technologies specialist, and the
MTR100: For USVs and AUVs, is it a Hydrogen Future?
trialing – hydrogen as an option.SEA-KITThe Maxlimer hydrogen configuration. Image courtesy SEA-KIT InternationalTwo UK firms, SEA-KIT and ACUA Ocean are working on hydrogen power systems for their USVs. SEA-KIT, through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition funded by the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT), is working on installing a PCB (printed circuit board) based hydrogen fuel cell, engineered by Bramble Energy, on its 12 m-long demonstration vessel Maxlimer USV. It’s aiming for a demonstration by the end of the year, says Commercial Manager David Ball.Currently, SEA-KIT
UK MCA Contract Award to PDMS
to provide a new integrated system to incorporate seafarer management and approved doctor records, delivering process efficiency improvements and enhanced customer services, in line with the MCA's Digital Strategy. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport. Its responsibilities include UK ship registration and seafarer certification and it is widely recognised for its operational and technical ability. This investment in cutting edge digital technology is strategically aligned with the IMO's recent recommendations to reduce
Odyssey Recovers 1.8 Million Ounces of Silver From Shipwreck
to a secure facility in the United Kingdom. Including the silver recovered in 2012, Odyssey has now recovered 2,792 silver ingots from SS Gairsoppa or more than 99% of the insured silver reported to be aboard the Gairsoppa when she sank. Under the terms of Odyssey's contract with the U.K. Department for Transport, which follows standard commercial practices, Odyssey will retain 80% of the net salved value of the cargo. The contract was awarded to Odyssey following a competitive tender process. Sources, including Lloyd's record of War Losses, indicate additional uninsured government-owned
February 2025
