Eelume and Maritime Robotics Partnership Launching Next-Gen Underwater Mine Countermeasures Capability
Eelume and Maritime Robotics have teamed up to launch a next-generation mine countermeasures solution that combines proven maritime platforms with advanced autonomy to boost operational efficiency. At the centre of the collaboration is the new Eelume WP960, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed to fit seamlessly within the Norwegian Armed Forces’ standard vessel strategy.
Capable of operating fully autonomously or with crew when required, the WP960 acts as a versatile carrier for a swarm of Eelume S All-Terrain autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Together, these assets deliver a highly flexible, scalable platform for coordinated subsea missions.
The combined system offers Norwegian defence, research institutions, and civilian operators a powerful new tool for underwater operations and mine clearance—enhancing safety, reducing risk, and enabling more efficient mission execution.
“The solution is built on a “system of systems” approach, where Eelume’s autonomous underwater robots and Blueye Robotics’ remotely operated drones interact with autonomous systems from Maritime Robotics,” says Thomas Nygaard of Eelume
Biodrone will also contribute AI-based automatic object recognition to identify mines in sensor data collected by the vessels.
The project provides valuable experience in integrating autonomous surface and underwater systems and offers a strong foundation for further technological development.
At the same time, the solution follows a COTS strategy (Commercial Off-The-Shelf), ensuring fast access to cost-effective and operational capabilities without lengthy development cycles.
Eelume WP960 is based on the WP960WB hull, developed by Westplast in collaboration with KACE AS and produced at KACE’s shipyard in Fosnavåg, Sunnmøre.
The hull combines a proven design, with over 70 units already in operational use worldwide, with advanced Trøndelag-developed autonomy and underwater technology. The result is a robust and versatile vessel built for demanding maritime operations, capable of integrating cutting-edge autonomous systems while maintaining the reliability of a sturdy hull from Sunnmøre.
The vessel is equipped with autonomous solutions in an “Optionally unmanned” configuration, meaning it can operate fully autonomously without crew, or be manned when needed
“WP960 provides us with a highly flexible platform for autonomous operations, both alone and as part of a larger fleet. When combined with our autonomy technology and Eelume’s underwater systems, we get a solution that can be scaled quickly and adapted to different operational needs”, says Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics.
“The collaboration between KACE and Eelume marks the start of an exciting new segment. Combining KACE’s long experience with robust WP vessels and Eelume’s advanced autonomous systems provides a solid foundation for the solutions of the future,” says Geir-Arne Bøe, CEO of KACE AS
The vessel can be delivered with or without a wheelhouse, transported by road or air, and operate from larger ships, alone or as part of a fleet of multiple autonomous units. With a single-point lift for hoisting, the vessel is well suited for efficient deployment and recovery from larger mother ships.
WP960 is developed as a robust and flexible vessel, built for demanding operations with high structural strength and stability, and is in operational use worldwide.
The vessel enables rapid mobilization of AUVs, ROVs, and sensor systems without costly or time-consuming development, and can be transported by road, sea, or air.
“The combination of autonomous surface vessels, underwater drones, and AI-based decision support provides a level of operational pace and precision far beyond traditional solutions. This is particularly relevant for complex operations in Norwegian fjords,” says Hovstein.
Specifications
Dimensions (L × W × H): 9.6 × 3.4 × 3.8 m
Options (length): 7.8–11.8 m
Weight: 5–8 tonnes
Draft: 0.9 m
Hull material: FRP construction
Engines: 2 × 315 bhp
Propulsion: 2 × Hamilton waterjets
Bollard pull: 2,800 kg
Back deck capacity: 2,100 kg
Vessel autonomy: Third-party proven solution
Vehicle control system: VCS rugged laptop / rack-mounted for ROC
AUV capacity: Up to 8 All-Terrain AUVs
Payload: MBES, sonar, various sensors
Boat classification: DNV approved
Speed (survey / transit): 4 knots / >30 knots
Launch and recovery: Single-point lift
Transportation: Road, sea, air
