DeepOcean, Solstad and Ostensjo Rederi JV launches first offshore USV

USV, a Norwegian company formed by three offshore industry companies DeepOcean, Solstad and Østensjø Rederi, has seen the launch of its first unmanned surface vessel at Spain's Astilleros Gondan.

The USV was designed to carry out underwater maintenance and inspection missions, is 24 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, and is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system with 500kWh batteries.

The vessel has a system of sensors, cameras and antennas on board that will allow it to carry out underwater inspection work such as the launch and recovery of underwater vehicles (ROVs) capable of diving to a depth of 2,000 metres.

The Norwegian company Remota will provide the onshore remote operations centre from where the operation of the vessel and the ROVs it deploys will be controlled.

"This new USV represents a significant technological advance that will enhance operational capabilities in maintenance and inspection work, offering high-performance solutions for missions in the marine environment and a reduction in C02 emissions of more than 90 per cent compared to other conventional vessels," said Gondan.