Unmanned Surface Vehicles
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The first of Kongsberg Maritime’s 24-meter unmanned surface vessel (USV), the REACH REMOTE 1, has been successfully delivered.
This vessel represents a significant achievement, made possible through a partnership involving Kongsberg Maritime, REACH SUBSEA ASA, Massterly, and Trosvik Maritime.
Designed to transform offshore activities, REACH REMOTE 1 is equipped with state-of-the-art KONGSBERG systems. Its handover followed an extensive program of sea trials, supervised by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority to meet stringent safety and operational standards.
Bjørg Mathisen Døving, VP Reach Remote of REACH SUBSEA, said, “Reach Remote is an extraordinary journey, bringing together the unique expertise of Kongsberg Maritime, Reach Subsea, and Massterly shaping the future of uncrewed offshore operations. We are thrilled to see the Reach Remote 1 set sail and prepared for its first mission.”
The vessel’s first assignment will involve subsea surveys near Haugesund, Norway, but its versatility promises applications across a wide range of offshore tasks. A second vessel, REACH REMOTE 2, is now preparing to undergo sea trials. During testing, the USV was controlled and monitored from a temporary, mobile Remote Operations Centre (ROC) aboard the support ship Avant, which accompanied it for several days. Once operational, the Unmanned Surface Vessel will be managed remotely from Massterly’s land-based ROC in Horten, Norway. Massterly is a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen.
A key innovation of the REACH REMOTE design is its ability to operate entirely without onboard personnel, enabling remote control via the ROC. This remote operation model offers significant advantages, including reduced operational costs, improved safety, and lower emissions compared to traditional crewed vessels.
To ensure top-tier safety and dependability, Kongsberg Maritime integrated proven technology into the vessel’s design. The team collaborated closely with DNV and the Norwegian Maritime Authority to address the regulatory complexities unique to uncrewed vessels.
The introduction of remote and autonomous functionalities will follow a phased approach, gradually expanding as the technology advances.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, added, “What began as a visionary idea has now become a tangible reality. The REACH REMOTE 1USV is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of maritime technology. We are proud to have partnered with REACH SUBSEA, Massterly and Trosvik Maritime on this pioneering project. As the world transitions towards more sustainable and efficient operations, this pioneering class of vessel is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of offshore activities.”
