ZeroUSV Names First Long-Range Oceanus17 Hybrid USV in UK Port

ZeroUSV has named Lady of the Lake, the first of its Oceanus17 class of unmanned surface vessels, built for longer endurance and greater payload capacity. Constructed at Manor Marine's shipyard in Portland, the 17-metre vessel features level-four autonomous navigation and hybrid diesel-electric propulsion. Named during the British National Firework Championships in Plymouth, the USV will join the Royal Navy for NATO's Repmus exercise off Portugal in September, marking a significant step up in autonomous capability.

 

The New Vessel

 

ZeroUSV has named its first vessel in a new class. The vessel is called Lady of the Lake. It is the first of the Oceanus17 class of unmanned surface vessels. The class is built for longer at-sea endurance. It also offers a larger payload capacity than earlier vessels.

The vessel was built at a UK shipyard. Construction took place at Manor Marine's shipyard in Portland. The company delivered the vessel rapidly. It designed, built and delivered the vessel in just over six months. This quick turnaround reflects efficient development.

 

Technical Capabilities

 

The vessel incorporates advanced autonomous technology. It features level-four autonomous navigation. This is delivered by MarineAI's GuardianAI autonomy stack. The vessel also uses hybrid diesel-electric propulsion. This combination supports long-endurance autonomous operation.

The vessel includes robust engineering systems. It has dual-redundant systems to eliminate single points of failure. It carries Simrad solid-state radar for navigation. Satellite and mobile network communications support connectivity. The vessel has a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 6 knots.

 

Enhanced Performance

 

The Oceanus17 class marks an advance over earlier vessels. It offers higher payload capacity than the Oceanus12 class. It also provides longer life at sea. Its capabilities support a wider range of missions. The Oceanus12 class was first launched 12 months ago.

The vessel's specifications are substantial. It has a very large payload capacity of 4,000 kilograms. Its mission endurance exceeds 50 days. It approaches a top speed of 15 knots. These figures represent a significant step up in capability.

 

Read More: L3Harris Opens Rhode Island Facility to Support Naval Readiness

 

Mission Configuration

 

The vessel is equipped for varied operational roles. It offers payload power of 30 kilowatts. It features a 9 by 3 metre modular aft deck. A gondola keel accommodates subsea and acoustic sensors. Real-time onboard processing and transmission support data handling.

These features suit demanding operational environments. The vessel's capabilities provide considerable resilience. This supports persistent, over-the-horizon operations. Such operations take place in challenging maritime environments. The modular design allows adaptation to different missions.

 

Deployment Plans

 

The vessel is set for an early operational deployment. It will be mobilised for deployment in Portugal at the end of August. There it will join the Royal Navy for a NATO exercise. This is the Repmus exercise taking place in September. This provides an early demonstration of the vessel's capabilities.

The deployment follows related activity by the parent company. MSubs recently delivered an Oceanus12 vessel to the Royal Navy. That vessel, HMS Excalibur, has 5 tonnes of payload capacity. It supported the Talisman Sabre naval exercise. These deployments reflect growing naval interest in the vessels.

 

The Naming Ceremony

 

The vessel was named at a public event. The naming took place in Plymouth. It occurred during the British National Firework Championships. A local member of parliament performed the naming. This linked the vessel's launch to a prominent local occasion.

The naming highlighted the vessel's strategic value. The member of parliament praised the vessel's capabilities. These include operating independently and enduring extended missions. The ability to perform multiple roles was also noted. These qualities were described as important for defence and commercial use.