Canadian shipbuilder Hike Metal has signed a technology licensing agreement with HydroSurv to manufacture, market and support the UK company’s portfolio of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) across Canada and the United States.
The agreement marks Hike Metal’s entry into the uncrewed maritime sector while expanding HydroSurv’s North American manufacturing capability through a regional shipbuilding partner.
Founded in 1958, Hike Metal builds commercial workboats, patrol vessels, research vessels, search and rescue craft, ferries, hovercraft and other specialist vessels for commercial operators, research organisations and government agencies.
The partnership is aimed at organisations including police agencies, Ministries of Natural Resources, hydrographic survey companies, research organisations and government marine operators undertaking hydrographic and geophysical surveys, subsea asset inspection, oceanographic observation and environmental monitoring.
Hike Metal will manufacture HydroSurv’s REAV range of USVs from 2.5m to 6m in length. The portfolio includes the battery-electric REAV-28 for inland and sheltered water surveys, the battery-hybrid REAV-47 for nearshore multi-day survey operations, and the REAV-60 for longer-endurance coastal surveys with larger payloads including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and towed array systems.
“As one of Ontario, Canada’s leading boat and shipbuilding companies since 1958, we have strived to continually grow and develop our technology and strengths,” said Stephen Ingram, President of Hike Metal Products.
The companies have now begun the first North American builds of REAV uncrewed vessels following the agreement.
“As one of North America’s leading builders of commercial aluminium workboats, Hike Metal represents exactly the calibre of partner HydroSurv seeks to work with as we expand into the North American market,” said David Hull, Founder & CEO of HydroSurv.
“Partnering with Hike enables us to combine HydroSurv’s highly capable USV technology with Hike’s outstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship. It’s an exciting milestone for both organisations, and we look forward to working closely with Stephen and his team in the weeks ahead.”
