VESSEL REVIEW | 3D-printed prototype for Dutch Ministry of Defence USV programme
The Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) has completed initial trials of the first working prototype under SeaRush, a Dutch Ministry of Defence (MOD) project to develop cost-effective unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that can be produced at scale using 3D printing.
MARIN conducted the first on-water tests of the prototype in the Rijnhaven in Wageningen in December 2025. The design progressed from concept to floating test platform in five months.
SeaRush was initiated by the Materiel and IT Command and is being developed with its innovation centre, MIND, with MARIN responsible for technical development and project management. Impacd Boats of Woudsend converted the conceptual design into a format suitable for printing and prepared the printing process with CEAD.
The hull was printed at the Dutch Boat Factory in Delft in less than a week and then outfitted in Woudsend.
Design innovations maximising space and limiting overall displacement
The prototype has a length of eight metres (26 feet).
MARIN SeaRush project leader Just Settels said that 3D printing’s advantage is that enables design to progress to production, “in a short time."
Printing allowed MARIN to replace conventional transverse framing with box-section frames running the full length of the hull. The institute said these permit lighter structures and changes to dimensions, and can also serve as cable ducts.
A preliminary feasibility model preceded the working vessel.
Single hull capable of accommodating various propulsion and sensor configurations
The MOD has described the craft as a testbed to develop communications, control from a distance, vessel hull design and integrated systems, with interchangeable engines and sensors. Radar and cameras are among the mission equipment under consideration for use on the platform.
Power for the USV is provided by a Honda outboard engine. Its connection to a control system from UltraFlex allows the engine to be operated externally.
The vessel supports MARIN's Knowone programme, which has developed software enabling USVs to sail in formation with a crewed vessel without additional operators.
MARIN and EagleScience are also developing an onboard architecture to transfer these applications directly from the institute's simulation environment.
Development leading to larger variants
Two follow-on 12-metre (39-foot) variants of the earlier eight-metre USV were printed and outfitted by Impacd Boats for the Maritime Uncrewed Sea Trials 2026.
Unlike the parent craft, each of the follow-on USVs uses a diesel inboard chosen for North Sea operations. The inboard configuration also guarantees reduced vulnerability compared to an outboard arrangement in addition to ensuring direct engine communication through an electronic control unit.
The SeaRush project is funded from innovation budgets. The MOD's project leader said scaling and procurement would follow if the Royal Netherlands Navy identifies a requirement for the vessels.
