HydroSurv - an impact-driven innovator in Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) and marine geospatial cloud applications, is collaborating with Sonardyne International Ltd, Dynautics Ltd and Fischer Panda UK Ltd to develop an optimised hybridisation solution for remotely operated, uncrewed vessels. Combining innovations in human-assisted autonomous control of serial hybrid propulsion, mission planning and active platform efficiency measures, the consortium will develop and validate a solution for small USVs capable of delivering trusted multi-mission capability and long-endurance necessary to disrupt the deployment of large carbon-intensive ships in the offshore wind, ocean science and maritime security markets.

Building upon each partner's existing experience and expertise, the project will deliver a USV platform which could cut carbon emissions by 97% compared to commercial vessels currently in-use in the UK supply chain performing similar work-scopes; and provides pathway to full zero-emission long-endurance capability. Deploying commercially available equipment with novel software and control algorithms, the focus of the project is to deliver a solution which can achieve certification to workboat code standards at rapid pace to minimise time to market.

The system will undergo extensive and progressive testing at Smart Sound Plymouth, and will include long-endurance Sea Acceptance Testing within UK waters.