OceanAlpha’s V180 system combines autonomous surface operations with deepwater ROV capability for offshore subsea work
Ocean technology developer OceanAlpha introduced its new 24-meter-class V180 USV – ROV System at Oceanology International 2026, positioning the platform as a solution for deepwater and offshore subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) missions.
The V180 USV–ROV System is a deep-sea unmanned operational platform that integrates a DP2-enabled offshore unmanned surface vessel (USV) with a work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed to conduct subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks at depths of up to 3,000 meters.
At the core of the system is the V180 deep-sea operation USV , a multi-purpose unamaned platform with a full-load displacement of 180 tonnes. Featuring a dual-moonpool configuration and an open deck layout, the platform enables flexible deployment of a wide range of mission modules, including a 2-tonne work-class ROV integrated into the system architecture.
The system supports subsea operations at depths of up to 3,000 metres and offers an endurance of up to 30 days, allowing rapid transition between deep-sea engineering, subsea surveying, and oceanographic research missions.
From offshore oil and gas infrastructure inspection and offshore wind farm construction to marine scientific exploration, the V180 USV–ROV System delivers stable and reliable operational performance across multiple offshore applications.
The V180 USV supports three operational modes—autonomous navigation, remote control, and crewed operation—allowing flexible deployment according to mission requirements and regulatory conditions.
Compared with conventional crewed offshore vessels, the unmanned design significantly reduces the need for crew accommodation and working spaces, enabling greater capacity for mission equipment and fuel. Combined with a hybrid power system and extended endurance, the platform can substantially reduce day-to-day operational costs and logistical complexity while lowering carbon emissions during operations.
This provides a more economical, efficient, and environmentally responsible solution for offshore activities, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Safety was a central consideration in the design of the system. The V180 is equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system, enabling high-precision station-keeping during operations, and features a dual Starlink satellite communication system to support shore-based remote control.
Operators can precisely control both the USV and the deployed ROV from an onshore control center. This operational approach eliminates the need for personnel to work in hazardous sea states and high-risk offshore environments, effectively removing human exposure to operational risks and significantly reducing the likelihood of injury.
Pinestone Shi, General Manager of OceanAlpha, said: “Only a very limited number of projects worldwide are currently exploring USVs in the 24-meter class for work-class ROV collaboration due to the significant engineering challenges involved in integrating offshore-class vessel architecture, autonomous navigation systems, dynamic positioning capability, and ROV launch and recovery systems into a fully unmanned platform.”
