The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has awarded class certification to the Saildrone Surveyor, a 20-meter unmanned surface vehicle (USV). This achievement is a breakthrough for the use of unmanned technology in long-duration deepwater missions and for global maritime security.
Autonomy of the unmanned surface vehicle
Saildrone’s Surveyor drone, an oceanographic data specialist, is designed to operate fully autonomously in all of the world’s oceans. According to Saildrone’s founder and CEO, Richard Jenkins, obtaining ABS classification ensures the maturity and safety of its systems.
It also allows its unmanned vessels to be recognized by governments and industries. This recognition is the result of a rigorous process that establishes the design and capabilities of the USV, demonstrating that it is ready to operate on a large scale.
For his part, Patrick Ryan, vice president of ABS, emphasized that this breakthrough is an example of how his organization is at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that industry rules adapt to new technologies without compromising safety.
The Saildrone Surveyor, with capabilities to perform complex tasks such as deep sea deep water bathymetry and maritime domain survey. In addition, with the ability to operate unmanned onboard, remotely monitored 24/7, it minimizes risks to people and operating costs.
The company had obtained the same certification for its smallest model, the Voyager, in 2023. The Surveyor’s certification sets an industry precedent and paves the way for the mass adoption of autonomous deepwater vehicles, improving the efficiency and safety of ocean operations worldwide.
Source and photo: ABS
