UK: Lloyd’s Register certifies another remotely operated uncrewed vessel

March 20, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Ireland-headquartered XOCEAN has received remotely operated uncrewed vessel (ROUV) certification for its X-30 vessel under the UK Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3).

XOCEAN reported earlier this month that Lloyd’s Register (LR) had certified its X-30 ROUV under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) WBC3, including the Annex 2 requirements for ROUVs.

According to the company, the certification makes X-30 one of the first uncrewed vessels to achieve full compliance with the updated WBC3 framework, with the Annex 2 ROUV requirements introduced in late 2023 to regulate the design and operation of ROUVs in UK waters.

“Certification of X-30 is a major achievement for XOCEAN and one that we’re proud to have supported. Alongside recent steps forward in the industry, this further demonstrates that certification of small, complex ROUVs under WBC3 is achievable when developers, certifying authorities and the MCA work in close partnership,” said Jordan McRuvie, Specialist – Unmanned Marine Systems at Lloyd’s Register.

“This project shows how technical innovation can align with regulatory assurance for the safe introduction of uncrewed systems in real-world operations, and we look forward to continuing to support current and future partners with their certification journeys.”

X-30 is designed for uncrewed ocean survey operations and is capable of collecting high-resolution data to support offshore energy, environmental and seabed mapping projects. The certification is expected to inform the process for future XOCEAN vessels, including its sister vessels currently being built.

The certification follows LR’s authorisation by the MCA last year as the first Certifying Authority for Annex 2 ROUV certification, and its certification of ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered long-endurance uncrewed surface vessel (USV) Pioneer, the first vessel to achieve compliance with WBC3 Annex 2.

Shep Smith, CTO of XOCEAN, said: “Securing WBC3 certification for X-30 is an important step forward for our fleet and for the wider uncrewed vessel industry. The collaboration with Lloyd’s Register has shown that robust, safety-led certification is possible, paving the way for wider adoption of uncrewed technology in support of sustainable offshore operations.”