Ireland-based XOCEAN’s uncrewed survey vessel becomes one of the first ROUVs approved under the UK’s updated Workboat Code framework.
Lloyd’s Register has awarded certification to XOCEAN’s X-30 Remotely Operated Uncrewed Vessel (ROUV) under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3), including the recently introduced Annex 2 provisions governing ROUVs.
The certification places X-30 among the first uncrewed vessels to achieve full compliance with the updated WBC3 framework. Annex 2, introduced in late 2023, establishes specific regulatory requirements for the design, construction and operation of remotely operated uncrewed vessels operating in UK waters.
Developed and operated by Ireland-based XOCEAN, the X-30 is designed to conduct uncrewed offshore survey operations, collecting high-resolution ocean data to support offshore energy developments, environmental monitoring and seabed mapping projects.
Certification to this standard has proven challenging across the industry, with only a small number of vessels successfully completing the process to date. The achievement follows Lloyd’s Register’s authorisation by the MCA in 2025 as the first Certifying Authority for Annex 2 ROUV certification, and builds on its certification of the ACUA Ocean Pioneer, the first vessel to achieve compliance with WBC3 Annex 2.
The certification of X-30 builds further momentum in the industry and is expected to inform the process for future XOCEAN vessels, including its sister vessels currently progressing through build.
Jordan McRuvie, Specialist – Unmanned Marine Systems at Lloyd’s Register, said: “Certification of X-30 is a major achievement for XOCEAN and one that we’re proud to have supported. Alongside recent steps forward in the industry, this further demonstrates that certification of small, complex ROUVs under WBC3 is achievable when developers, certifying authorities and the MCA work in close partnership. This project shows how technical innovation can align with regulatory assurance for the safe introduction of uncrewed systems in real-world operations, and we look forward to continuing to support current and future partners with their certification journeys.”
Shep Smith, CTO, XOCEAN said: “Securing WBC3 certification for X-30 is an important step forward for our fleet and for the wider uncrewed vessel industry. The collaboration with Lloyd’s Register has shown that robust, safety-led certification is possible, paving the way for wider adoption of uncrewed technology in support of sustainable offshore operations.”
