Astilleros GONDAN, a leading Spanish shipyard, celebrated the successful launching of its first Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The advanced USV, designed for USV A/S, a Norwegian consortium formed by DeepOcean, Solstad, and Østensjø Rederi, represents a significant milestone in autonomous maritime technology.
The 24-meter-long and 7.5-meter-wide vessel, designed by Salt Ship Design, is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and 500 kWh batteries, enabling efficient and sustainable operations. The USV is designed to perform underwater maintenance and inspection missions, including the deployment and recovery of Work-Class Remotely Operated Vehicles (WROVs) capable of operating at depths of up to 2,000 meters.
The vessel is equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and antennas, allowing it to conduct underwater inspection tasks completely remotely. Remota A/S, a Norwegian company specialising in remote operations and semi-autonomous maritime services, will provide the Remote Operations Centre (ROC) on land, from where the vessel and its subsea systems will be controlled.
This new Unmanned Surface Vessel 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% compared to other conventional vessels.
ABOUT USV A/S
USV A/S is a joint venture company established by DeepOcean, Solstad Offshore and Østensjø whose main purpose is to invest and own unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The company’s first USV will be ready for operations in 2025.
ABOUT DEEPOCEAN
DeepOcean is a world-leading ocean services provider, enabling energy transition and sustainable use of ocean resources, offering survey, engineering, project management, installation, maintenance, and recycling services for oil and gas, offshore renewables, deep sea minerals, and other ocean services.
Across the global offices, DeepOcean is a trusted independent solutions provider with highly skilled industry experts, using world-class fit-for-purpose tools and technology to drive cost-efficient and safe operations. The company delivers innovative engineering solutions focusing on remote and unmanned operations and digitally-enabled services while continuously striving to lower the carbon footprint.
ABOUT ØSTENSJØ GROUP
Østensjø is a leading provider of integrated offshore services. The privately owned group owns and operates vessels within offshore wind, towage services, offshore oil and gas and offshore accommodation. Østensjø is an international company, headquartered in Haugesund.
The group also provides crewing services to offshore shipping companies through Mercator Crewing and zero emission technology based on LOHC through Hydrogenious LOHC Maritime AS.
ABOUT SOLSTAD OFFSHORE ASA
Solstad Offshore is a world-leading owner and operator of high-end offshore vessels across segments offering maritime excellence to the global offshore energy markets. The company’s vision is to deliver industry-leading sustainable operations.
Solstad Offshore employs approximately 3,000 highly skilled people spread between 50 nationalities and operates a fleet of 45 vessels globally.
