Sea Project launched the uncrewed boat Orkan-2 in Arkhangelsk on Monday, September 14, ahead of its first cargo voyage to the remote settlement of Pertominsk.
The vessel has completed technical trials and can carry up to 400 kilograms over a published range of 600 kilometers. Its departure for Pertominsk is planned within days of the launch, according to regional reports.
The cargo will include diesel fuel for the settlement’s generator, equipment and supplies for Kenozersky National Park, books for the local school and coloring books provided by Russian Post for the kindergarten.
A conventional crewed boat will accompany Orkan-2 during the passage, providing control and safety support while the uncrewed vessel operates in northern conditions.
Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsybulsky said the voyage would test whether uncrewed boats could support communities where conventional cargo deliveries are difficult.
“These tests are checking how uncrewed technologies can operate in real northern conditions,” Tsybulsky said. “Pertominsk is one of the settlements where cargo deliveries are difficult, and in the future such voyages could become a reliable connection with the regional centre. If the experiment is successful, we will be able to talk about regular uncrewed logistics for hard-to-reach areas of Pomorye.”
Sea Project designed the Orkan platform for remote, autonomous and mixed control. Its published functions include following a programmed route, holding position, changing course to avoid detected obstacles and transmitting operational data to a shore-based console.
The company identifies cargo transport among the platform’s intended roles, alongside hydrographic surveys, water-area patrols and environmental monitoring. The design can also carry radar, lidar, sonar and other survey or observation equipment.
Orkan-2 is the third Sea Project boat developed for Arctic service. The company’s earlier uncrewed boat Briz completed an experimental passage of about 280 kilometers from Arkhangelsk to the Solovetsky Islands in 21 hours, carrying equipment for regional energy company Arkhoblenergo. It operated mainly in automatic mode while specialists monitored its systems remotely.
Another boat, Orkan, was transferred to Northern Arctic Federal University on February 10, 2026. The university began trials on the Northern Dvina in June and plans to use the vessel for autonomous-navigation research, seabed mapping, hydrological measurements and control-system testing.