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.

Success in the Shallow Water sector

USS have successfully introduced the Inception Class Mark 1 and Mark 2 USVs to the survey market. Built ‘by surveyors 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.

New USV will be designed for use in the open ocean

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

Looking for Project partners

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

See the USS case study on the Marine-i website.