New Initiative Demonstrates Automated Deployment, Recovery & Recharging for USVs

HydroSurv has successfully demonstrated the potential of resident, zero-emission Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) operations within ports and harbors through the ROC + DOCK project, in collaboration with South Devon College, & BMT.

The ROC + DOCK project, funded by the Innovate UK Marine & Maritime Launchpad, has developed an integrated system to automate USV deployment, recovery, recharging, retasking, supervision and simulator-based training.

Automated USV Operations

This system aims to overcome a key barrier to scalable uncrewed operations by removing the need for manual intervention. By doing so, it enables the force-multiplication of resident USVs across multiple, geographically separated coastal sites, without the need for local on-water support.

At the core of the project is a solar-powered docking and replenishment station, an immersive Remote Operations Centre (ROC), and upgrades to South Devon College’s existing training vessel, the USV Dart. These components demonstrate an integrated end-to-end workflow that could change how short-range environmental monitoring, inspection, and surveillance missions are planned and executed, all from a centralized facility.

The ROC + DOCK system was deployed on the River Dart in early September 2025, where a remotely monitored docking station, equipped with an automated mooring latch, enabled the fully hands-off recovery and recharging of HydroSurv’s REAV-16 USV.

Simulator-Based Training

The deep integration between HydroSurv’s vessel control software and the BMT REMBRANDT simulator enabled the USV to be launched, navigated, and tasked through a control interface traditionally used for crewed vessel training. This capability allows operators to train in a virtual environment that precisely replicates the vessel’s handling characteristics before transitioning to live control.

The project supports the modernization of maritime training syllabuses and the technical evolution of uncrewed operations facilities, emphasizing improved human factors and situational awareness.

It addresses the skills and training challenge, which is particularly acute for emergent technologies such as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) operators. Through the REMBRANDT simulator and ROC facility, operators can gain experience in a safe synthetic environment before progressing to live missions, preparing them for real-world operations in challenging environments.

Demonstration Impact & Future Implications

The project culminated in a live demonstration day on 16 September at the South Devon College Marine Academy, where the system was showcased to Innovate UK and other stakeholders.

David Hull, Founder & CEO, HydroSurv, stated, “On-water data collection can achieve extraordinary productivity once vessels are set to work. The challenge lies in mobilising crew solely to launch, recover and replenish uncrewed vessels following short-duration voyages. ROC + DOCK addresses this challenge directly by enabling USVs to operate independently from a centralised hub, without the need to send a crew to the worksite. This approach not only reduces cost and decarbonises operations, but provides a blueprint for resident USV networks around the UK coastline.”

Chris Marshall added, “ROC + DOCK feels both highly successful and very promising. What stands out is the quality of collaboration between a commercial company and an academic institution not just as partners, but in a way that delivers real outcomes for both.

“South Devon College has taken its existing REMBRANDT system and, through this project, created a whole new line of activity for training and education in remote vessel operations. That’s unusual and valuable. It shows how technology can open opportunities, not take them away – making maritime operations safer, less physically demanding, and more accessible for the workforce of the future.”

The ROC + DOCK project has demonstrated that the centralized operation of zero-emission, small USVs is an emerging reality with the potential to reshape uncrewed marine data collection, inspection, and monitoring for years to come.

Paul Singer, Business and Qualification Development Coordinator, South Devon College Marine Academy, commented, “Applied, hands-on learning is central to our ethos, and ROC + DOCK exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to reduce risk, improve accessibility, and prepare the workforce for the evolving demands of autonomy in maritime industries.”