The maritime landscape is shifting, and the launch of the REACH REMOTE 1 is a prime example of this transformation. After an extensive series of sea trials, meticulously overseen by the classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority, this uncrewed surface vessel (USV) is ready to embark on its inaugural mission. Tasked with conducting underwater surveys off the coast of Haugesund, Norway, the REACH REMOTE 1 is not just a vessel; it’s a harbinger of what’s to come in offshore operations.
Bjørg Mathisen Døving, VP of Reach Remote at REACH SUBSEA, encapsulated the excitement surrounding this project, stating, “Reach Remote is an extraordinary journey, bringing together the unique expertise of Kongsberg Maritime, Reach Subsea, and Massterly shaping the future of uncrewed offshore operations.” This collaboration underscores a broader trend in the maritime sector: the merging of technological prowess with innovative operational strategies.
Kongsberg Maritime, serving as the prime contractor, has spearheaded this initiative from the ground up, overseeing everything from vessel design to systems integration. Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, emphasized the significance of this venture, noting, “What began as a visionary idea has now become a tangible reality.” This statement resonates deeply as it highlights the transition from concept to execution in an industry that has historically been slow to embrace change.
The REACH REMOTE 1 is more than just a vessel; it represents a pivotal shift towards uncrewed operations that promise to redefine efficiency and sustainability in maritime activities. As the world grapples with the pressing need for greener solutions, this pioneering class of vessel stands ready to play a vital role. The operational model of the REACH REMOTE USV, which allows for remote control from a land-based Remote Operations Centre (ROC), signifies a leap towards reducing both operational costs and emissions.
During the sea trials, the USV was monitored from a mobile ROC located on a support vessel, Avant. This hands-on approach not only tested the vessel’s capabilities but also showcased the practicalities of remote operations. Once pilot operations commence, Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, will take over control from a land-based ROC in Horten, Norway. This transition is a crucial step in demonstrating how technology can enhance safety and operational effectiveness.
As we look ahead, the implications of this development are profound. The successful deployment of the REACH REMOTE 1 could pave the way for a new era of offshore operations, where uncrewed vessels become the norm rather than the exception. The potential applications extend beyond underwater surveys, encompassing a wide array of tasks that can be performed with reduced risk and at a lower environmental cost.
In an industry often seen as traditional, the REACH REMOTE 1 stands as a bold testament to the future. As maritime operations evolve, we must ask ourselves: how will this shift impact the workforce? What does it mean for the regulatory landscape? And, most importantly, how can the industry harness this momentum to further push the boundaries of what’s possible? The answers to these questions will shape the maritime sector for years to come.
