Reach Remote 1 Named ‘Ship of the Year 2024’ For Innovative Remote-Controlled Design

REACH REMOTE 1, an uncrewed surface vessel designed and delivered by Kongsberg Maritime to REACH Subsea ASA, has been awarded the prestigious Skipsrevven “Ship of the Year 2024” award at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg.

The unique vessel has no onboard crew and offers significant operational cost savings, increased safety, and lower emissions.

The 24-meter REACH REMOTE 1 is the first of two uncrewed offshore surface vessels.

These vessels, equipped with state-of-the-art Kongsberg technology, will initially conduct underwater survey missions off the coast of Haugesund in southern Norway.

The vessel’s unique approach to traditional maritime operations has gained worldwide interest, with many more ships planned for the future.

A key feature of REACH REMOTE 1 is its ability to operate without a crew and be controlled remotely. This design offers major benefits in operating costs, safety, and emissions compared to larger, crewed vessels performing similar operations.

Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, will monitor and operate the vessels from the Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Horten, Norway. This facility allows a single captain to control multiple ships simultaneously.

As the prime contractor, Kongsberg Maritime led the project from vessel design to delivery. Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, expressed the company’s pride in its role in the project and recognized its partners at REACH Subsea for their unique work.

The REACH REMOTE 1 project was a collaborative effort between several major industry partners, including DNV, Kongsberg, Kystdesign, Massterly, Norwegian Maritime Authorities, REACH Subsea, and Trosvik Maritime AS.

The vessels have been equipped with advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipment and hull-mounted survey sensors. The ROVs are equipped with strong robotic arms capable of conducting underwater operations like valve adjustments and debris cleaning.

Initially, a support vessel will accompany the REACH REMOTE 1 during the early stages of operation, with plans to transition to full remote and autonomous control. Reach Subsea will manage client operations from its Operations Center in Haugesund, aiming to expand this capability internationally through mobile, container-based centers.

REACH REMOTE 1’s recognition as ‘Ship of the Year’ demonstrates its ability to transform the maritime industry. Jostein Alendal, CEO of REACH Subsea, stated that the award motivates the team and highlights the company’s commitment to expanding the Reach Remote fleet in collaboration with Kongsberg and Massterly.

Reach Remote’s Vice President, Bjørg Mathisen Døving, described the initiative as a “lighthouse for the industry” and praised the efforts of the diverse teams involved.

Reference: Kongsberg

Marine Insight Academy

Online courses for the Maritime industry!

Enroll For Maritime Courses

• 100 + Free & Premium Courses
• Learn at your own speed
• Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
• Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
• Interactive videos

Take Maritime Courses

Marine Insight Academy

Enroll For Maritime Courses

• 100 + Free & Premium Courses
• Learn at your own speed
• Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
• Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
• Interactive videos

Take Maritime Courses

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

Read More Articles By This Author >