SEA-KIT and Lloyd’s Register set new milestone in USV certification

SEA-KIT International’s latest 12-meter X-Class uncrewed surface vessel (USV) Fugro Blue Essence has been awarded Lloyd’s Register (LR) unmanned marine systems (UMS) certification, which stands as the company’s fifth certificate, and the first LR UMS certificate for a Category 0 certified vessel. 

The achievement follows the Category 0 approval, the highest level of approval for workboats, which was granted to SEA-KIT X-Class Fugro Blue Essence in January 2024 by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. As the largest Category 0-certified, the USV is now capable of service for marine projects farther offshore, prioritizing safety and environmental efficiency, SEA-KIT explained. 

In 2023, the SEA-KIT X-Class built for Fugro became the first USV approved by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for operation with an electrical remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in UK waters.

“Lloyd’s Register is delighted to award UMS certification to this SEA-KIT X-Class Fugro Blue Essence. The USV’s state-of-the-art design and capabilities demonstrate the future of marine technology, and this certification underscores the vessel’s readiness for remote operation in challenging maritime environments,” said Mathew Palmer, LR Global Naval Business Lead.

In 2021, the company achieved a milestone in the maritime sector by receiving the first UMS certificate from LR. Following the certification, SEA-KIT has maintained a collaborative partnership with LR to uphold the standards within the USV sector.

“We continue to push boundaries with the design and construction of our USVs. Certification is essential for the industry to provide a safety assurance framework and it is testament to the team’s hard work that SEA-KIT now holds the most UMS certificates awarded to any company,” said Doug Graham, SEA-KIT MD. 

“We will strive to maintain this leadership stance and our long-standing relationship with Lloyd’s Register, so that we can continue to support the sector in achieving ambitious net zero targets.”

SEA-KIT’s current portfolio entails orders and construction of multiple vessels, including the 18-meter SEA-KIT XL-Class USV, which will undergo certification according to LR’s UMS Code. The vessel is in the process of commencing sea trials in Ipswich, Essex.

In November 2023, the Netherlands-headquartered geo-data specialist Fugro reached a binding agreement for the acquisition of the remaining shares in SEA-KIT International.