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SEA.AI’s advanced optical situational awareness system, Watchkeeper, has been integrated into a new 12-meter Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), the USV12.
The USV12 is a collaborative development between VN Maritime and Havelsan, with support from Piloda Defence and VN Maritime Shipyard.
The naval platform can be configured for either crewed or fully autonomous operations and is based on the patented Rafnar ÖK Hull, offering high stability and safety in challenging sea conditions.
The USV is designed to serve in defense, maritime security, and search and rescue roles, delivering high-speed performance exceeding 40 knots, while maintaining stability and wave-impact reduction through its patented hull.
Watchkeeper, developed by SEA.AI, is a key component of the USV12’s autonomous and mission-ready capabilities. Drawing on experience providing advanced optical systems to commercial and government operators, Watchkeeper enables real-time detection and classification of objects that may be radar-invisible or non-cooperative. This includes small boats, fast-moving or low-profile floating hazards, and individuals in the water.
Fully integrated into the USV12’s mission and control architecture, the system enhances autonomous and crew-optional navigation in low-visibility, high-traffic, or GPS- and AIS-denied maritime environments.
It provides reliable object tracking and visual detection, even at night, offering real-time alerts for collision risks or perimeter breaches to support both navigation safety and mission-specific surveillance tasks.
Marcus Warrelmann, CEO of SEA.AI, stated, “This integration shows that optical AI is now a critical layer for autonomous naval operations. We’re proud to support our partners in delivering platforms that are both technically advanced and field ready.”
Orkun Özek, Chairman of VN Maritime, added, “With the USV12 project, our ambition is to bring together proven seakeeping performance with advanced autonomous capabilities. Our partnership with Havelsan demonstrates how our engineering can successfully merge innovation and operational reliability, offering a robust platform for both defense and search and rescue missions.”
Deniz Remzi Dumlu, Director of Naval Programs at Havelsan, also commented on the collaboration, saying, “By combining VN Maritime’s expertise in high-performance naval platforms with Havelsan’s integrated mission systems, we are creating a solution that will strengthen maritime security and enhance operational effectiveness for our partners.”
Donato Di Palo, CEO of Piloda Shipyard Division and Co-Founder of Piloda Group, concluded, “With the USV12 project, our goal is not only to address immediate operational needs in search and rescue, surveillance and military tasks, but also to deliver solutions that integrate automation, reliability and high operational standards.”
As autonomous vessels take on an expanding role across naval, maritime security, and search and rescue operations, optical and thermal vision systems are becoming critical to situational awareness and mission reliability.
SEA.AI’s Watchkeeper provides the real-time visual intelligence required to support safe and effective operations in complex maritime environments.
