What's Happening?
Saildrone, a California-based manufacturer of unmanned surface vessels, has secured class certification from ABS for its 20-meter Saildrone Surveyor. This certification allows the vessel to operate in international waters requiring class certificates. The Surveyor, designed for long-endurance missions, enhances payload capabilities for subsea surveys and geotechnical data collection. Saildrone's founder, Richard Jenkins, highlighted the significance of the certification as a testament to the vessel's maturity and readiness for scale.
Why It's Important?
The certification marks a milestone in unmanned maritime technology, potentially transforming oceanographic research and maritime security operations. Saildrone's vessels offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional research ships, reducing carbon emissions. The Surveyor's capabilities align with the needs of the U.S. Navy, supporting persistent maritime domain awareness and undersea warfare data collection, which could influence future naval strategies.
What's Next?
With the certification, Saildrone is poised to expand its operations globally, offering its vessels on a charter basis. The company may pursue further collaborations with government agencies and private sector clients, leveraging the Surveyor's advanced capabilities for complex missions. The maritime industry could see increased adoption of unmanned vessels, driven by Saildrone's pioneering efforts.
