The Kuwait Coast Guard has taken a significant stride in maritime surveillance with the launch of the world’s most advanced unmanned surface vehicle (USV), dubbed the ‘Needlefish’. This development is part of a $213 million contract for an integrated maritime surveillance system, delivered by SRT Marine Systems and Ocean Infinity. The system, known as ‘Project Vigilant’, is set to provide ultra-high resolution, continuous surveillance of Kuwait’s marine domain, enabling real-time detection, tracking, and dynamic AI-driven identification of illegal, threatening, suspicious, and unsafe maritime activities.
The Needlefish, a 14-meter-long, 6-meter-wide USV, is a marvel of modern marine technology. Powered by twin marine jet engines and boasting a cutting-edge, ‘wave-slicing’ twin-hull design, it can reach speeds of over 40MPH, making it the fastest and most nimble USV of its size. Its continuous at-sea duration, though classified, is reliably estimated to be multiple days, with a limitless range due to its remote control capabilities. Equipped with an array of sophisticated sensor systems, including radar and cameras, the Needlefish streams data directly into the surveillance system, merging with other static systems to provide a comprehensive maritime picture.
A fleet of four Needlefish USVs will operate across Kuwait’s national waters, undertaking a variety of missions. These include interception and close surveillance of suspicious vessels, search and rescue, escorting, active deterrence, fisheries patrol, covert surveillance, pollution detection and policing, and sea-bed mapping. The Needlefish is a crucial component of Project Vigilant, a collaboration between the Kuwait Coast Guard, SRT Marine Systems, and Ocean Infinity. Built in complete secrecy at two UK shipyards, the fleet of four USVs was transported to Kuwait on two chartered Antonov aircraft, the only aircraft worldwide large enough to accommodate the vessels.
Simon Tucker, CEO of SRT Marine Systems, hailed the project as a landmark achievement. “In a single leap, Kuwait has become a global leader in maritime surveillance, leading the way in demonstrating globally what can be achieved,” he said. “Its new fleet of groundbreaking USVs, which we created with our partners, Ocean Infinity, demonstrates the speed at which Kuwait is modernizing and investing in, adopting, and deploying a new generation of marine technology.”
Project Vigilant is deploying SRT’s proprietary SRT-MDA System, a fusion of SRT’s unique GeoVS software and multiple surveillance systems. Operators working in multiple command centers will have total vision across the Kuwait marine domain, 24-hours a day and in all weathers, with the benefit of GeoVS’s configurable Dynamic-AI. This provides enhanced detection of all types of maritime activity and events at a mass scale but also at a granular level. The system will enable a transition into an efficient and effective, fully digital intelligence-led operational doctrine.
This development is part of Kuwait’s broader modernization efforts. The country is rapidly transforming its economy, with the government implementing reforms to accelerate development across all sectors and improve the living standards, safety, and security for all Kuwaitis. According to recent reporting by Global Finance, Kuwait has $121 billion worth of planned infrastructure projects in the pipeline, covering housing, roads, rail, and utilities.
The launch of the Needlefish and the implementation of Project Vigilant could have significant implications for the maritime industry. It demonstrates the potential of USVs and AI-driven surveillance systems in enhancing maritime security and safety. As other countries look to modernize their maritime capabilities, they may turn to similar technologies, driving further innovation and development in the sector. Moreover, the success of Project Vigilant could pave the way for similar collaborations between governments and private technology companies, fostering a new era of maritime surveillance and security.