Latest-generation V4000 USV expands operational windows and reduces on-water emissions for the Dutch contractor.
Martens en Van Oord, a long-established name in roadworks, civil and hydraulic engineering, is moving to further modernise and decarbonise its operations with a significant fleet upgrade.The contractor has confirmed an investment in the latest-generation V4000 autonomous unmanned survey vessel (USV) developed by Demcon Unmanned Systems, a specialist in high-tech autonomous platforms for hydrographic and maritime missions.
The selected 4‑meter variant provides increased range and longer endurance thanks to the additional hull length, enhanced autonomy, and an enlarged moonpool offering full flexibility for customer‑specific survey configurations.
Martens en Van Oord is investing in an electric USV to increase efficiency and further improve the sustainability of its fleet. Their choice for the Demcon unmanned systems USV is based on its proven modular USV platform and the desire to collaborate with an innovative Dutch partner. The electric USV, together with its dedicated electric transport vehicle, will be deployed for hydrographic survey work, inspections and monitoring. Thanks to the unmanned operation, activities can be carried out more safely, more efficiently, and with zero emissions. The compact V4000 USV is easy to mobilize, enabling rapid deployment across a wide range of projects.
“For us, this is a logical step in further greening our fleet,” says Marco van den Kieboom, Team Lead Survey and Measurement Services at Martens en Van Oord. “By deploying autonomous electric USVs, we can work safer, CO₂‑neutral, and with less noise disturbance to the surrounding environment on the water.”
Demcon unmanned systems is supplying Martens en Van Oord with the latest generation of their fully electric and autonomous USV platform. This USV is designed to collect hydrographic data safely and reliably in a wide variety of conditions. With its compact design, long endurance , and advanced technology, also used in larger maritime systems, the V4000 platform offers a future‑proof solution for various survey and inspection applications.
This new USV generation offers more power, flexibility, and user‑friendliness. Improvements such as increased battery capacity, a renewed design, expanded sensor and payload capabilities, and intelligent integrated features enhance its applicability across different projects. The USV is delivered with the complete Demcon unmanned systems software suite for safe, efficient, and largely automated operations, enabling Martens en Van Oord to further optimize and enhance sustainability of its activities.
Demcon unmanned systems views this collaboration as an important confirmation of the growing need for autonomous maritime technology in the civil engineering sector.
“We are very proud to be working with such a strong and innovative Dutch ground, road and hydraulic engineering contractor,” says Fedor Ester, co‑founder and Managing Director of Demcon unmanned systems. “With our latest generation of electric and autonomously operating USVs, Martens en Van Oord can further decarbonize its operations while working more smarter, safer, and more efficiently.”
With the investment in the V4000 USV, Martens en Van Oord gains a fully emission‑free, compact, and easy to trailer vessel that can be rapidly deployed and can be controlled fully remotely from the office in the future. These features align seamlessly with the company’s sustainable and innovative strategy, which focuses on further optimizing and modernizing hydrographic operations.
The final customer‑specific engineering for Martens en Van Oord is currently being completed, including the customized moonpool and integration of their own equipment. Construction will start shortly, with delivery planned within the coming months, toward the summer.
