Saildrone has registered its first four Voyager unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in Denmark, establishing a Danish flag-state framework for the company’s uncrewed vessels operating internationally.
The registration follows work between Saildrone and the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) to develop a regulatory framework for the operation of USVs under the Danish flag.
The 10-metre Voyager platforms are designed for long-duration operations including maritime domain awareness, hydrographic surveying and environmental monitoring, with the company now planning to expand its Danish-flagged fleet for operations across Europe.
“This underscores that Denmark, as a leading maritime nation, has both the willingness and the ability to manage and certify future maritime technologies,” said Brian Adrian Wessel, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority.
“At the same time, the registration serves as a strong example of the work carried out through the DMA Regulatory Future Lab, where we collaborate with industry to develop safe and practical solutions when new maritime technologies challenge existing regulations.”
“As a regulatory authority, we must create room for innovation, and this is one way we can do so.”
Saildrone said the Danish registration provides a regulatory foundation for expanding its operations and fleet in Europe.
“This is the first time that any Saildrone has achieved formal national flag status. Given the phenomenal seafaring history of the Danes, it’s a huge honour that we are carrying the Danish flag on our Saildrones,” said Richard Jenkins, Saildrone Founder and CEO.
“Going forward, we will continue to work closely with the Danish Maritime Authority to increase our Danish-flagged fleet, with the ambition of having our platform types, including Voyager, Surveyor, and Spectre, operating under the Danish flag in support of our European allies.”
