ZeroUSV accelerated Oceanus17 build as next generation USV takes shape
ZeroUSV is rapidly progressing the build of its next-generation uncrewed surface vessel, Oceanus17, with the USV set to be launched in July after just 14 weeks into construction
Oceanus17 has been designed for long-range, deep-water and over-the-horizon operations, combining increased payload capacity with modular mission integration.
The vessel features a 4-tonne payload capacity, enabling integration of complex and power-intensive mission systems. A 20ft ISO-compatible mission deck supports containerised payloads and rapid reconfiguration between roles, allowing a single platform to be deployed across multiple mission profiles.
A dedicated payload integration phase will follow ahead of significant tasking by the Royal Navy at the NATO led Exercise REPMUS in Portugal during the whole of the month of September.
Oceanus17 is being developed as a scalable, multi-role platform, supporting ISR, hydrography, subsea survey, environmental monitoring and maritime security operations. The design reflects increasing demand for persistent uncrewed capability in complex and remote maritime environments.
Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director, ZeroUSV, said: “Oceanus17 represent a spiral development of the highly successful Oceanus12 USV, andreflects a clear shift towards larger, more payload capable uncrewed platforms. With a 4-tonne payload and ISO-standard modularity, as well as over 30kW of power available for external payloads, it enables operators to integrate complex systems and reconfigure quickly for different missions. At ZeroUSV we believe the bleeding edge of USV development is the capability of the platform through the integration of mission relevant payloads whether for deployment for defence or commercial applications”..”
The programme builds on operational experience from ZeroUSV’s existing fleet, including Oceanus12, and supports the company’s strategy to expand its portfolio of long-range autonomous surface vessels.
Further technical detail on Oceanus17 will be shared during a ZeroUSV webinar on 15th May at 1.30pm.
To take part in the deep-dive webinar, sign up here: zerousv.com/webinars/oceanus17
Fugro partners with SSE for Berwick Bank Project
Fugro geotechnical survey to support Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm
Fugro has been awarded a major geotechnical survey contract by SSE for Berwick Bank B, part of the landmark Berwick Bank offshore wind project in the North Sea. Berwick Bank B is the second phase of Berwick Bank, which is targeting the delivery of 4.1 GW of offshore wind capacity across three phases. If built to its full capacity, Berwick Bank could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm, capable of generating enough clean electricity to power more than six million UK homes annually.
Located off Scotland’s east coast, Berwick Bank is a nationally significant development that could add up to £8.3bn to the UK economy, support over 9,000 jobs and strengthen long‑term energy security through reliable, homegrown power. In January, Berwick Bank B secured a long‑term Contract for Difference through the UK’s Allocation Round 7, a major milestone that underscores the project’s significance within the offshore wind market.
Building the foundations for a cleaner energy system
Fugro is carrying out a full geotechnical investigation to enable the design of fixed‑bottom turbines planned at the Berwick Bank B site. This area represents 1.4 GW of the overall 4.1 GW total capacity.
Fugro is drilling boreholes to depths of up to 50 metres below the seabed to collect high‑quality soil and rock samples. These samples will provide the Geo-data needed to design safe and efficient foundations for the turbines.
Advanced technology for challenging conditions
The work is being delivered by Fugro’s geotechnical vessels, Fugro Quest and Fugro Zenith, using specialist coring and conventional sampling techniques. These methods are well-suited to the site’s complex ground conditions and will help reduce construction risk.
“The commencement of a geotechnical investigation campaign to inform the final design of Berwick Bank B’s turbine foundations is an important milestone and demonstrates our commitment at SSE to disciplined and derisked project delivery. As we progress the project towards the final investment decision (FID), we are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Fugro and look forward to delivering a safe and successful geotechnical investigation programme at Berwick Bank B,“ said Gordon Rae, Geotechnical Package Manager for Berwick Bank at SSE Renewables.
“This award reflects the confidence SSE has in Fugro’s geotechnical expertise and builds on our established partnership supporting the Berwick Bank project,” said Remmelt de Jong, Fugro’s Director for Marine Site Characterisation in Europe and Africa. “Our advanced coring capabilities and strong offshore track record will support safe and efficient foundation design. We’re proud to continue working with SSE on one of the world’s most significant offshore wind developments.”
Longstanding collaboration supporting the energy transition
This new work builds on Fugro’s ongoing involvement at Berwick Bank, where the company has been delivering surveys since 2019. By providing accurate and reliable Geo‑data, Fugro continues to support the UK’s clean energy transition and the delivery of large‑scale offshore wind in increasingly complex marine environments.
This project was already incorporated into Fugro’s 12‑month backlog as of March 2026.
Teledyne Announces Additional Iceland Facility Expansion, Boosts AUV Output and UK Supplier Collaboration
Teledyne Marine has further expanded its Teledyne Gavia manufacturing facility in Iceland, increasing output of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) systems while strengthening collaboration with UK‑based suppliers.
Located at Vesturvör 29 in Kópavogur, the facility now occupies the full 5,200 m² building after Teledyne acquired the remaining space. The added floor space expands engineering, manufacturing, support, and operations to facilitate higher build rates and a smoother production flow.
The expansion supports growing demand for Gavia AUV systems in defense, security, and commercial markets and provides headroom to meet long‑term program needs.
“With this expanded facility, we can increase output while maintaining the quality, reliability, and performance standards our customers expect,” said Stefán Reynisson, Vice President and General Manager of Teledyne Gavia. “The additional space also lets us streamline operations and better support current programs as well as future demand.”
Teledyne Gavia is also expanding production with a network of UK‑based suppliers to increase volume, improve supply resilience, and meet regional sourcing expectations—especially for UK and European defense programs. This includes a strategic collaboration with M Subs and BMT, and the addition of UK based suppliers, for Teledyne AUVs. Teledyne Gavia also operates a dedicated service facility in Fareham and has a new support facility opening Q2 in Plymouth to support Royal Navy users.
The expansion reflects Teledyne Gavia’s long‑term investment in Iceland as a center of excellence for AUV design and manufacturing. Additional upgrades are planned to modernize the site, support workforce growth, and improve production readiness as demand for Gavia, Osprey and SeaRaptor AUV systems increases.
Forum Energy Technologie’s latest LARS model launches onto the market with a compact, all-in-one package
Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has unveiled its latest innovation in subsea handling equipment, the Model 6000 (M6000) Launch and Recovery System (LARS).
Part of FET’s Dynacon product line, the M6000 provides a compact, all-in-one solution for inspection and light work-class ROV operations. It integrates the A-frame, winch and hydraulic power unit into a single skid-mounted package, allowing for a single-point lift with no need for additional cabling or hose connections. This design streamlines mobilisation and demobilisation, significantly reducing vessel interface time and onboard footprint.
The first M6000 system, equipped with a Perry Super Mohawk ROV was delivered to a US-based client this year and is already in operational service. The system was manufactured and tested at FET’s US manufacturing facility in Bryan, Texas, allowing client interface and witnessing during the fabrication process.
Developed for deployment with inspection and small work-class ROVs such as FET’s Comanche and Super Mohawk, the system delivers optimal performance for inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), cable lay, and pipeline or structural inspections. Applications are versatile, ranging from wind farms and dam surveys to pre-survey and light construction tasks.
Key features include a gimbal docking head with swing and sway functionality, a compact footprint and pre-wired, plug-and-play electrical integration. Together, these developments enhance safety and efficiency by minimising setup time and maximising reliability in the field.
The M6000’s design is DNV-certified and incorporates the latest hydraulic and control technologies. With a safe working load of up to 5,200kg and umbilical capacity of 3,300m, it provides robust handling performance within a reduced footprint.
The model was brought into production in 2025 following successful field deployment with a client earlier this year.
Kevin Taylor, Vice President at FET Subsea, said: “The M6000 reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver more integrated solutions for subsea operators to maximise cost effectiveness. By combining all topside components in a single compact package, we’re helping customers mobilise faster and operate more efficiently. This is a system built with versatility and performance at the forefront.”
Built at FET’s US manufacturing facility in Bryan, Texas and supported by the company’s global network, the M6000 is now available to order.
MarineAI signs Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening defence sector ties
- The company is on track to achieve Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) status
- Commitment strengthens support for serving personnel, veterans and reservists
- Builds on MarineAI’s close ties to the defence and maritime sectors
Plymouth-based MarineAI has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces community.
Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
By signing, MarineAI commits to upholding these principles through its employment practices and wider engagement with the defence community.
As a business operating at the intersection of maritime innovation and defence, MarineAI recognises the unique value that service personnel, reservists and veterans bring. Their experience in high-pressure, complex operational environments aligns closely with the company’s work in advanced maritime autonomy and technology.
The company is also progressing towards achieving Bronze status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising organisations that demonstrate tangible support for the Armed Forces community and align with the Covenant’s principles.
Oliver Thompson, Technical Director at MarineAI, said: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a natural step for MarineAI. We work closely with the defence and maritime sectors, and we see first-hand the expertise, leadership and resilience that service personnel and veterans bring.
“Formalising our commitment ensures we continue to support fair employment practices and play an active role in the wider defence community.”
Headquartered in Plymouth, a city with a long-standing connection to the Royal Navy and wider Armed Forces, MarineAI is well positioned to contribute meaningfully to this national commitment.
Global seabed mapping reaches new milestone as five million square kilometres added in a year
The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project today announces that 28.7% of the world’s ocean floor has now been mapped, with almost five million square kilometres of data added over the past year.
The 2026 figure was announced by Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, at the Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), currently underway in Monaco.
Bringing together delegations from 104 Member States, alongside observers from international organisations, maritime authorities and industry, the triennial Assembly provides an opportunity to review global progress in hydrography and set priorities for the years ahead. The announcement also reflects a long-standing connection as the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) was initiated in 1903 by Prince Albert I of Monaco – a pioneering oceanographer who recognised the need for a coordinated global effort to map the planet’s seafloor.
Established in 2017, Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO, which seeks to accelerate the complete mapping of the world’s ocean, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. The Project is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint programme of the IHO and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.
The latest update represents approximately 104 million square kilometres of mapped seabed – an area equivalent to more than two-thirds of the Earth’s land surface. Over the past year alone, a further five million square kilometres of data have been incorporated into the GEBCO Grid.
This progress reflects ongoing contributions from a growing and increasingly diverse global community. A total of 220 organisations have now contributed, including 15 new contributors over the past year, with first-time data contributions from countries including Malaysia, Morocco, Papua New Guinea and Saudi Arabia, among others.
Commenting on the announcement, Seabed 2030 Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips said: “This update reflects what the global community can achieve when data is shared openly and collaboratively. Seabed 2030 exists to help bring those contributions together, and we are seeing that collective effort translate into meaningful results. We are grateful to The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO for their ongoing support, which enables us to accelerate progress towards a complete map of the ocean floor.”
Announcing the update, Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, said: “The progress reflected in the 2026 Grid demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained international collaboration. At The Nippon Foundation, we are committed to supporting people and organisations working to deepen our understanding of the ocean, and to strengthening the connections between them – helping to ensure that knowledge of the seabed can be built upon and passed on to future generations.”
Evert Flier, GEBCO Chair, added: “The GEBCO Grid is a global, collaborative dataset that brings together bathymetric data from a wide range of sources into a consistent and authoritative reference. This is the work of hundreds of people from around the world, working behind the scenes and forming an ever-growing GEBCO community. With each update, it provides an increasingly robust foundation for ocean science and related applications – and today’s announcement reflects the steady progress being made in building a more complete picture of the ocean floor.”
The 2026 update includes significant regional increases in mapped coverage. The ROPME Sea Area more than tripled in coverage, increasing from approximately 6.4% to 20.5%. Coverage also increased across the Eastern Atlantic, North Indian Ocean, Meso American and Caribbean Sea, and North Sea regions. At the national level, substantial increases were recorded within several Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
Further highlights from the past year include the incorporation of a wide range of new and previously unshared datasets, including:
- Significant contributions from major data repositories, including NOAA-NCEI and PANGAEA
- Expanded coastal mapping through datasets such as the Global Coastal SDB Dataset from Copernicus/EOMAP, adding new coverage in areas not represented in previous Grid releases
- Notable satellite-derived bathymetry from the Greenwater Foundation, in partnership with TCarta and Caladan Oceanic
- Additional bathymetric data from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), expanding coverage in the North Pacific
- Deep-water mapping data from NOAA-led Seascape Alaska campaigns
- Multibeam survey data contributed by the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Brazilian Navy
- Multibeam data around the Comoros, contributed by the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), marking a new contributing organisation
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid, supporting ocean science, policy and informed decision-making.
For more detailed information on The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, please visit: Home — Seabed 2030
Kongsberg Maritime wins simulator contract with the French Naval Academy in Lanvéoc
Kongsberg Maritime, a global marine technology company providing innovative and reliable technology solutions for all marine industry sectors, has been awarded a contract by the French Navy (Ministère des Armées et des anciens combattants) to deliver advanced ship bridge simulation systems to the French Naval Academy, École Navale, located in Lanvéoc near Brest, France.
The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process in which Kongsberg Maritime achieved the highest overall evaluation score. The new simulation systems will support the academy’s longstanding mission of educating and training naval cadets and officers. With more than 200 years of history, École Navale is widely recognised as one of the world’s most prestigious naval education institutions.
The delivery, scheduled for October 2026, will include four fully equipped K-Sim Navigation high-fidelity ship bridge simulators. Each simulator will feature integrated radar systems and a 270-degree visual environment using high-end projection technology to enable realistic and immersive team training scenarios.
The project also includes integration of Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality 3D visualisation, two hybrid bridges designed for multi-purpose training, as well as desktop simulators configured for ECDIS training in a classroom environment. In addition, Kongsberg Maritime will develop several customised warship models and sailing areas tailored to the operational requirements and training objectives of the French Navy.
Commandant Gabriel, French Navy, comments: “This simulator investment will replace our previous training system, and we are pleased that Kongsberg Maritime met our expectations for a high-end training solution. The new simulators will provide access to high-quality simulation technology with advanced navy functionality enabling highly realistic and effective training for our cadets and officers.”
“Approximately 30 years ago, we delivered simulators to the French Navy for the first time. We are therefore very pleased to confirm our relationship and continue supporting the high-quality training of their cadets and officers,” says Are Føllesdal Tjønn, Managing Director - Simulation at Kongsberg Maritime. “With this investment, the French Naval Academy will join a global community of leading naval academies that rely on Kongsberg Maritime simulation technology for immersive training and education.”
With this delivery, Kongsberg Maritime further strengthens its long-standing position as a trusted partner to navies worldwide. The solution delivered to École Navale combines high-fidelity simulation, advanced visualisation technologies, and tailored naval functionality to support safe, effective, and future-ready training.
The new simulators will enable the French Naval Academy to train cadets and officers in complex operational scenarios, enhance team performance, and prepare crews for real-world missions in an increasingly demanding maritime environment.
Unique Group Expands Global Subsea Mechanical Division with Multi-Million Dollar Investment
Unique Group, global leader in subsea technologies and engineering, has announced a multi-million-dollar investment to expand its Subsea Mechanical division globally, strengthening its capabilities across subsea decommissioning, installation and construction projects.
The investment reflects the company’s continued evolution from its origins in survey rental to a broader subsea technology and engineering provider. The expanded mechanical portfolio supports an integrated delivery model combining survey, excavation, buoyancy, cutting, lifting and recovery services within a single framework.
A key element of the division’s capability is the proprietary Uni-FlowX Controlled Mass Flow Excavation (CMFE) system. The system enables non-contact trenching, de-burial and controlled asset exposure, supporting both construction and late-life decommissioning scopes where seabed preparation is required prior to cutting or recovery.
The mechanical solution asset base has been expanded to include hydraulic subsea shears for controlled severance, high performance diamond wire saws, twin recovery grabs for heavy lift retrieval, mattress recovery tools and advanced back deck support equipment. Supporting systems such as hydraulic power units, spoolers and engineered buoyancy solutions further enhance the company’s ability to execute integrated offshore removal campaigns.
Unique Group has also established strategic partnerships with RenOcean, broadening access to precision cutting technologies within its mechanical offering while maintaining full engineering oversight and delivery control.
Unique Group’s mechanical capability is supported by a global workforce of more than 650 professionals, including over 200 in house engineers, providing structural analysis, lift calculations, Pre-FEED and FEED engineering studies, vessel interface design and bespoke tooling development. This engineering capability enables mechanical systems to be designed and delivered as coordinated, project-specific solutions. The company delivers bespoke engineering solutions backed by global manufacturing and assembly facilities across key energy regions and provides experienced offshore personnel to support project execution from mobilisation through completion.
“This investment strengthens our ability to deliver integrated mechanical spreads at scale,” said Karl Dale, Vice President – Subsea Mechanical, Unique Group. “There is an increasing demand for coordinated solutions that reduce interface complexity. Our focus is on engineering-led delivery and accountable project support.”
With 18 global locations, Unique Group combines regional manufacturing, assembly and mobilisation capability with consistent international engineering standards across major energy markets.
The expansion reinforces Unique Group’s commitment to delivering engineered, lifecycle-focused subsea solutions that reduce risk, simplify execution and support the offshore industry’s evolving project demands.
OMS Group to deploy Exail’s DriX O-16 to support global subsea cable installation
OMS Group and Exail today announced the acquisition of a second Exail DriX O-16 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), accelerating OMS Group’s deployment of autonomous survey capabilities to support the growing demand for subsea cable infrastructure worldwide.
The first DriX O-16, purchased last year and to be named USV Elite, is scheduled to be launched in mid-2026. Together, the two vessels will support subsea cable installation campaigns globally, performing seabed surveys, route verification, and monitoring for critical telecommunications cable infrastructure.
With an operational endurance of up to 30 days and a range of approximately 3,500 nautical miles, the DriX O-16 is designed to support long-duration survey missions with minimal reliance on crewed vessels. The platform also accommodates advanced survey sensors, including the Kongsberg EM124
multibeam echo sounder, enabling precise, high-resolution seabed mapping required for large-scale subsea infrastructure projects.
Ronnie Lim, Group Chief Executive Officer of OMS Group, said, "As global demand for subsea digital infrastructure continues to grow, advanced survey capability has become increasingly important. The deployment of the DriX O-16 strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality seabed data with greater safety, lower emissions, and improved operational resilience, particularly for long-duration and remote offshore missions."
The DriX O-16 will be integrated into OMS Group’s expanding survey ecosystem, alongside the planned deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and the establishment of a Remote Operation Centre (ROC) in Singapore, enabling remote supervision, real-time data validation, and coordinated multi-vehicle operations.
For Exail, the contract confirms the relevance of its DriX Uncrewed Surface Vessel portfolio in supporting high-value offshore infrastructure development.
Olivier Cervantes, VP Maritime Autonomy Systems, Exail, said, "The subsea cable market is expanding rapidly, driven by global connectivity needs. Our DriX O-16, equipped with an EM124 multibeam echo sounder, provides cable-laying operators with the endurance and seabed coverage required to support complex installation campaigns. The use of USVs can reduce the survey carbon footprint by up to 99%, decrease human exposure at sea, and offer greater operational flexibility while maintaining high data quality."
Kraken Robotics Demonstrates KATFISH Autonomous Launch and Recovery from SEFINE USV
Kraken Robotics Inc. (“Kraken” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) announces the successful integration and demonstration of it's KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar and autonomous launch and recovery system (LARS) from SEFINE’s RD-22 unmanned surface vessel (USV) in coordination with SEFINE SISAM (Strategic Unmanned Systems Research Center). The demonstration took place in Q1 2026 off the coast of İstanbul, Türkiye.
“Recent developments underscore the importance of safeguarding critical maritime transit routes and underwater infrastructure, and autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities like KATFISH can play an important role in helping navies efficiently detect and classify mine-like objects,” said Bernard Mills, Executive Vice President, Defence at Kraken Robotics. “By combining SEFINE’s multi-role USV with Kraken’s cutting-edge KATFISH and USV LARS, navies can deploy advanced technologies faster and more efficiently, strengthening defence and maritime security in increasingly complex environments.”
The demonstration focused on rapid detection and classification of mine-like objects and critical underwater infrastructure and was attended by several navies and government organizations. KATFISH delivered 3 cm x 3 cm resolution data at a range of 200 meters per side which was live streamed to a command center onshore, enabling real-time classification of contacts by operators with SEFINE SISAM’s mission planning software. The same KATFISH and USV LARS were demonstrated from a UK Royal Navy in-service 11-meter ARCIMS USV in November 2025. These joint integrations mark a major step forward in delivering agile, modular, and cost-effective mine countermeasure capabilities for modern naval operations. A video of the demonstration can be viewed at https://youtu.be/JIXapiCCeSA.
