Offshore staff
ESSEX, UK – Lloyd’s Register has awarded SEA-KIT International the first unmanned marine systems (UMS) certificate.
The 12-m (39-ft) X-class unmanned surface vessel (USV), built for Fugro, received the certificate.
The USV features ROV and AUV launch-and-recovery systems and station-keeping capabilities.
Paul James, Lloyd’s Register’s Naval Centre of Expertise Manager, said: “Lloyd’s Register has been working on the safety assurance of unmanned marine systems since the launch of our UMS Code in 2017. Early on, we recognized the industry’s need for a cost effective and robust method to demonstrate that unmanned novel and complex systems are safe.
“The Lloyd’s Register naval team welcomed the opportunity to work with SEA-KIT to delve into the design, operation and construction of its latest unmanned surface vessel. We are pleased to provide certification and safety assurance of SEA-KIT’s unmanned system.”
Unmanned systems technologies continue to gain a stronghold in the offshore market. Fugro’s SEA-KIT USVs are already working on commercial projects around the world, with multiple additional builds planned that include a larger vessel later this year.
Ivar de Josselin de Jong, Global Director Remote Inspection at Fugro, said: “This is a ground-breaking milestone as it provides the framework needed to certify the safe design and build of our Blue Essence USV fleet. It will enable us, our clients and the Flag States to achieve the ambitious net-zero targets that we have set.”
07/09/2021
