A New Era of Uncrewed Surface Vessels
The maritime industry is about to witness a revolution as the first unit of Zero USV’s groundbreaking autonomous fleet, the Oceanus12, has officially hit the water. This 12-meter-long uncrewed surface vessel (USV) is designed for long-distance, over-the-horizon operations, marking a significant leap in autonomous maritime technology. Built in the UK, the Oceanus12 is the first of its kind, with three sister vessels set to follow shortly.
After 18 months of meticulous design and engineering, the Oceanus12 was launched at Manor Marine in Portland, Dorset. It’s now undergoing commissioning and integration trials from Zero USV’s home port in Plymouth. The second vessel is expected to be completed by late March, with vessels three and four close behind. This fleet is poised to become the world’s first charter fleet of fully autonomous USVs, with an official naming ceremony planned for spring.
Versatility Meets Innovation
The Oceanus12 is not just a technological marvel—it’s a mission-agnostic powerhouse. Designed to tackle a wide range of tasks, from geophysical surveys and asset monitoring to border control and defense operations, this vessel is redefining what’s possible in maritime operations. Its twin hybrid-electric drive system ensures redundancy and efficiency, while its onboard fuel capacity allows for an impressive cruising range of over 2,500 nautical miles.
At the heart of the Oceanus12 is MarineAI’s Guardian software, a fully autonomous software stack that enables seamless, crewless operations. “We’ve created the world’s first complete solution,” says Zero USV Founder Matthew Ratsey. “Not just a cutting-edge 12m USV available for charter, but also full maintenance and support to ensure 24/7 operations with minimal downtime.”
Why This Matters for the Maritime Industry
The Oceanus12 isn’t just about cutting-edge technology—it’s about solving real-world challenges. By eliminating the need for onboard crews, Zero USV is reducing operational risks, lowering costs, and minimizing environmental impact. For industries like offshore energy, fisheries, and defense, this means greater flexibility, enhanced efficiency, and zero crew expenses.
The fleet will initially comprise over 12 vessels, including an Extra Long Range (XLR) version that stretches 13 meters and carries over 4,000 liters of fuel. Since announcing its charter business model a year ago, Zero USV has seen significant interest, with opportunities already lined up for the first two vessels. More details are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
