Marine-i Accelerates Development of
Innovative Accession Class USV

The next generation of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs),  the Accession Class from Unmanned Survey Solutions, has been given the green light thanks to a grant from Marine-i.

 Unmanned Survey Solutions (USS) , which is  based at the Marine Renewables Business Park at Hayle, is a key player in smarter hydrographic survey technology.

 USS have successfully introduced the Inception Class Mark 1 and Mark 2 USVs to the survey market. Built ‘by surveyor for surveyors’, these USVs survey shallow coastal or inland areas.

The Accession Class next generation USV is a much larger vessel for use in the open ocean.

 James Williams, Director at USS said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and we are delighted to receive support from the Marine-i Marine Challenge Fund over the next five years to be able to develop our own Offshore Renewables class vessel. We’re now looking for project partners to help us design the Accession Class USVs with the right specifications.”

 The Accession Class USV will be a robust marine autonomous multi-role USV with integrated airborne drone capabilities. The 4.5m vessel will be designed from the ground up by a Naval Architect.

Designed for use by the Offshore industries and with the ability to operate long endurance applications in the open sea. It will work as a force multiplier with a mother vessel and will integrate increased payloads to provide the launch and recovery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

 Matt Hodson, Marine Hub Operations Director at Cornwall Development Company says: “This is an innovative project and a great example of a Cornish marine tech business looking to lead the way in a global market.”

The applications of the Accession Class will include:

·                    Offshore Wind Farm seabed mapping using Multi Beam Echo Sounders

·                    Offshore Wind Farm turbine inspections using a UAV launched and recovered from a USV

·                    enforcement activities by Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities using combined USV and UAV capabilities

·                    Environmental mapping on intertidal areas using combined SONAR and laser payloads

·                    Monitoring of marine mammals

USS is now looking for project partners in Offshore Renewables to work with them to help guide specifications for the new vessel. Get in touch with James Williams at USS for more information: james@unmannedsurveysolutions.com