SEA-KIT International, a provider of uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technologies, has revealed a new USV design for hydrography and environmental data collection.
The SEA-KIT H-class USV has a retractable gondola, dual sensor deployment options, and is designed to be configurable based on operational data and feedback collected from the company’s existing X-class USVs. Several of these 12m vessels are currently operational in the Indian Ocean, North Sea, Red Sea and the Pacific, SEA-KIT says.
The new unit features a composite hull for greater range and endurance, as well as active stabilisers to minimise roll. 12m and 15m variants will be available, with the 12m version transportable in a standard shipping container. Both variants can be davit launched.
“Although many of the H-class USV’s features directly benefit hydrographic survey missions, this is a design that can perform many different tasks due to its large gondola and ability to dip cages and tow sensors,” said Ben Simpson, SEA-KIT CEO.
“The fuel-saving, speed and endurance benefits of the composite hull add to the value of these USVs as low-carbon, cost-efficient solutions for a wide range of maritime operations. This design is the next step towards our goal of zero emission vessels.”
The H-class USV includes a Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES), station holding and winch-deployed sensor payloads, and is designed to MCA Category 0 for extended, over-the-horizon capability. The vessels will also hold Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) certification from Lloyd’s Register.
