First steel cut for advanced Spain-made unmanned vessel

Spain’s GONDAN Shipbuilders has cut the first steel for an advanced unmanned surface vessel (USV) that will perform subsea inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and survey work.

GONDAN Shipbuilders started the construction of the USV in collaboration with USV A/S, an alliance of DeepOcean, Solstad and Østensjø Rederi, in a project that focuses on improving subsea operations, targeting a reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to conventional methods.

Designed by Salt Ship Design, the vessel will feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, allowing remote operation and autonomy of up to 30 days at sea.

According to GONDAN, the USV is equipped with the latest technology for underwater inspection and will include remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) capable of reaching depths of up to 1,500 meters.

The vessel is scheduled to be operational in 2025.

Norwegian oil and gas player Aker BP has agreed to pioneer the use of the USV for subsea IMR and survey work, DeepOcean reported.

The article was amended on March 19 at 1:30 p.m. to state additional information and vessel photo.