U.K.-based maritime technology startup ZeroUSV has just launched Oceanus17, its largest uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to date.
The 17-metre drone boat is being dispatched to Portugal for testing alongside Royal Navy and NATO allies at the annual REPMUS exercise in September.
Hosted by the Portuguese Navy, the month-long Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems (REPMUS) exercise serves as a key testing ground for next-generation uncrewed defence technology.
The new ZeroUSV drone boat, Lady Of The Lake, was officially named and launched by local MP Rebecca Smith at a ceremony held in Plymouth on Thursday during the British National Firework Championships.
ZeroUSV MD Matthew Ratsey commented: “Today is a celebration of ZeroUSV, demonstrating to the wider world what delivering cutting-edge British technology and innovation at pace really means.
“Just over one year ago we launched the first of our Oceanus12 USVs, and today, with the first Oceanus17 USV officially named, we’ve demonstrated our ability to design, build, and deliver successive generations of world-class autonomous vessels in just over six months.”
The full Level 4 autonomy USV is controlled via Marine AI’s GuardianAI stack. The 17-metre drone boat has a 4-tonne payload capacity and can carry an ISO shipping container. It has a top speed of about 15 knots and a maximum mission endurance of more than 50 days.
Mrs Smith said: “Her ability to operate independently, endure extended missions, and perform multiple roles across the maritime domains embody the qualities we need in our defence, and commercial maritime capabilities.
“ZeroUSV’s progress in delivering world-class autonomous vessels demonstrates the potential of the U.K.’s marine autonomy sector in Plymouth, and why we must continue to champion, cut unnecessary red tape and invest in this critical technology.”
ZeroUSV is a subsidiary of autonomous maritime systems specialists MSubs, which makes and operates the Royal Navy’s XLUUV test platform XV Excalibur. It was established in 2024, is based in Plymouth and designs, manufactures, and operates autonomous USVs.
In March it was announced the firm’s Oceanus12 drone had deployed a Teledyne Slocum UUV glider to demonstrate an autonomous surveillance solution to the Royal Navy as part of the force’s Atlantic Bastion technology trials.
- You can read more about the launch on the Turnchapel Wharf website and more about Oceanus 17 on the ZeroUSV website
