On January 17, 2025, Kongsberg Maritime announced the delivery of the Reach Remote 1, a 79-foot unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed for offshore operations. This innovative vessel was developed in collaboration with Reach Subsea ASA, Massterly, and Trosvik Maritime, and underwent thorough sea trials supervised by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority.
Initially, the Reach Remote 1 will be utilized for underwater surveys near Haugesund, Norway. Kongsberg Maritime, serving as the prime contractor, managed various aspects of the project, including vessel design, shipyard delivery, supply chain management, systems integration, and commissioning. During its sea trials, the USV was monitored and controlled remotely from a temporary Remote Operations Centre (ROC) located on the support vessel Avant.
Once operational, the supervision of the Reach Remote 1 will shift to a land-based ROC in Horten, Norway, operated by Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen. This shift highlights Kongsberg’s commitment to advancing remote maritime operations.
The company emphasized that operating without a crew brings significant advantages in terms of cost, safety, and reduced emissions when compared to traditional crewed vessels. To ensure compliance with regulatory standards for unmanned operations, Kongsberg actively collaborated with both DNV and the Norwegian Maritime Authority. This partnership was essential in navigating the complexities involved in introducing such a pioneering vessel into the maritime sector.
Moreover, Kongsberg plans to introduce remote and autonomous functionalities incrementally, allowing for gradual integration of advanced technology as it matures. This thoughtful approach reflects a commitment to a safe and effective transition to unmanned operations in offshore environments.
In addition to Reach Remote 1, Kongsberg Maritime announced plans for a second vessel, Reach Remote 2, which is expected to commence sea trials shortly. These developments underline Kongsberg’s leadership in the maritime industry and its innovative strides toward enhancing operational efficiency in offshore activities through unmanned vessels.
Ultimately, the deployment of the Reach Remote 1 and the forthcoming Reach Remote 2 represents a significant advancement in maritime technology, aiming to increase safety, reduce environmental impact, and enhance operational capabilities in offshore environments. As the industry leans toward automation, Kongsberg is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of maritime operations.
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