Remotely Controlled Vessel Makes Port Call in Historic Milestone

Reach Subsea has achieved a significant milestone in uncrewed marine technology after its vessel, Reach Remote 1, completed a historic maiden port call at the Port of Aberdeen.

This achievement marks a world first for a Norwegian flagged uncrewed vessel to call into a UK port while being remotely controlled from an operations centre in Norway. The operation follows official approval from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), permitting the vessel to operate in UK waters. Purpose-built for subsea operations, the vessel offers clients a fully uncrewed alternative to traditional crewed vessels.

The Port of Aberdeen played a pivotal role in making the port call possible. Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen, said, “Uncrewed vessels are a great example of innovation pushing the boundaries of the maritime industry. We were delighted to support the ‘RR1’ port call at short notice, thanks to a positive approach from the port team and close working with Reach Subsea to make it happen safely.”

With MCA approval secured and the first UK port call on record, Reach Subsea is positioned to offer North Sea operators an uncrewed subsea capability backed by proven technology, cross-border operational expertise, and a growing fleet. Alastair McKie, Managing Director of Reach Subsea UK, commented, “This is about more than one vessel arriving in port. It is proof that uncrewed, remotely operated subsea vessel operations are commercially real and operationally ready in UK waters right now. The North Sea has always rewarded those who can deliver – and Reach Remote 1 is delivering.”