Partnership to Manufacture & Deploy Rapid Environmental Assessment Vessels

Canadian shipbuilder Hike Metal Products Limited has entered the uncrewed maritime systems market through a technology licensing agreement with HydroSurv to manufacture, market, and support the full portfolio of Rapid Environmental Assessment Vessel platforms across Canada and the United States.

Following the signing of the agreement, both companies are immediately initiating the first North American builds of the Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) platforms. The initiative combines Hike Metal’s established shipbuilding infrastructure with HydroSurv’s field-proven technology to provide locally manufactured and supported uncrewed vessel solutions for the region.

Founded in 1958 on the shores of Lake Erie, Hike Metal has evolved from supporting commercial fishing into a major Canadian custom shipbuilder with an extensive portfolio of commercial workboats, patrol vessels, research craft, search and rescue vessels, ferries, and hovercraft. The technology agreement allows the firm to extend its manufacturing expertise into the growing uncrewed sector, catering to commercial marine service operators, public and government agencies, and research organizations.

Stephen Ingram, President of Hike Metal Products Ltd., commented, “As one of Ontario, Canada’s leading boat and shipbuilding companies since 1958, we have strived to continually grow and develop our technology and strengths. As a custom manufacturer we have historically established an incredible portfolio, and world-class reputation. Our ongoing search for innovations and partnerships has resulted in our new and exciting relationship with HydroSurv entering into the market of Unmanned Vessels. Located on the shores of Lake Erie on the Great Lakes, we recognise the potential market for the application of these incredible vessels and look forward to a long and successful relationship with HydroSurv.”

Under the agreement, Hike Metal will offer USV platform solutions ranging from 2.5 to 6 meters in length to serve applications in hydrographic and geophysical survey, subsea asset inspection, oceanographic observation, and environmental monitoring. The portfolio includes the battery-electric REAV-28 designed for portable inland and sheltered water operations, the battery-hybrid REAV-47 suited for multi-day nearshore survey operations, and the REAV-60 focused on longer-endurance coastal operations requiring larger payloads such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and towed array systems.

The partnership aims to meet rising demand across Canada and the United States for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible marine data collection. Intended clients include police agencies, Ministries of Natural Resources, research organizations, hydrographic survey companies, and other government marine operators.

David Hull, Founder & CEO of HydroSurv, said, “As one of North America’s leading builders of commercial aluminium workboats, Hike Metal represents exactly the calibre of partner HydroSurv seeks to work with as we expand into the North American market. We firmly believe that local expertise, regional manufacturing capability and strong customer relationships are fundamental to building trust and delivering long-term success. Partnering with Hike enables us to combine HydroSurv’s highly-capable USV technology with Hike’s outstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship. It’s an exciting milestone for both organisations, and we look forward to working closely with Stephen and his team in the weeks ahead.”