The next generation of 4.5m Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), the Accession Class from UK company Unmanned Survey Solutions, has been given the green light thanks to a grant from Marine-i, part-funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).
USS, based in Hayle, Cornwall, UK has successfully introduced the Inception Class Mark 1 and Mark 2 USVs to the survey market. Built by surveyors, for surveyors, these USVs survey in shallow coastal or inland areas. The Accession Class next generation USV is a much larger vessel for use in the open ocean and is now about to become a reality thanks to Marine-I and ERDF.
James Williams, Director at USS said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and were delighted to receive support from the Marine-i Marine Challenge Fund over the next 5 years to be able to develop our own Offshore Renewables class vessel. We’re now looking for project partners to help us design the Accession Class USVs with the right specifications.”
The Accession Class USV will be a robust marine autonomous multi-role USV with integrated airborne drone capabilities. The 4.5m vessel will be designed from the ground up by a Naval Architect.
Designed for use by the Offshore industries and with the ability to operate long endurance applications in the open ocean. It will work as a force multiplier with a mother vessel and will integrate increased payloads to provide the launch and recovery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
USS is now looking for project partners in Offshore Renewables to work with them to help guide specifications for the new vessel.
Source: MaritimeJournal