World’s Largest USV Capable Of 100% Autonomous Operations Receives ABS Class Certification

The largest unmanned surface vehicle that can operate autonomously in the world’s oceans was recently awarded the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Class Certification.

Made by Saildrone, a defence company in California, the 20 m-long USV is ideal for deep-sea missions.

It can gather intelligence, undertake surveillance and reconnaissance operations for the navy, military and other clients.

What makes it unique is its ability to operate effectively in one of the world’s harshest environmental conditions.

According to ABS officials, classifying autonomous vessels is important as the industry is moving towards automation, greater use of AI systems, sustainability and digitalisation.

It is also the company’s biggest class of USVs, which can operate without a single individual onboard and without being monitored at all times.

The vessel is a result of decades of research and regular investments in emerging technologies, per company officials.

Richard Jenkins, Saildrone founder and CEO, said that the ABS class certification is more than just a certificate. It is proof to the maritime industry that the USV is safe, tested and ready for scale.

The certification means that the USV has met the strict safety and design benchmarks, since ABS is one of the world’s oldest and most influential classification societies, which shows an increasing involvement in shaping the future of autonomous maritime operations.

The Surveyor is, however, not the first of the company’s autonomous vessels to receive the classification.

In 2023, the 10 m long Voyager, which was a small model for coastal operations, also got the certification.

Surveyor is different from any of its predecessors, given its long-endurance range and other capabilities, which expand its area of operations into the world’s toughest and most remote maritime environments, which have not been properly explored and studied till now.

Jenkins, in a press release, also expressed his pride at being the first company to achieve the classification.