Saildrone Achieves Class Certification for Largest Unmanned Vessel, Expanding Maritime Capabilities

What's Happening?

Saildrone, a California-based company specializing in unmanned surface vessels, has secured class certification for its largest vessel, the 20-meter Saildrone Surveyor. This certification, granted by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), marks a significant milestone for the company, allowing its vessels to operate in international waters that require such certification. The Saildrone Surveyor is designed for long-endurance missions, capable of collecting data for months without human intervention. It has been used in various challenging environments, including the Arctic and the center of an Atlantic hurricane. The vessel's capabilities include subsea surveys and geotechnical data collection, making it suitable for both commercial and military applications.

Why It's Important?

The certification of the Saildrone Surveyor represents a major advancement in unmanned maritime technology, potentially transforming data collection and surveillance operations. For the U.S. Navy and other government agencies, these vessels offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional manned ships. The ability to operate without human intervention reduces operational risks and carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. This development could lead to increased adoption of unmanned vessels in various sectors, including environmental monitoring, defense, and commercial shipping.

What's Next?

With the class certification in place, Saildrone is poised to expand its operations and market reach. The company plans to continue collaborating with ABS to further develop and certify additional unmanned vessel designs. As the maritime industry increasingly embraces unmanned technology, regulatory frameworks and safety standards will likely evolve to accommodate these innovations. Stakeholders, including government agencies and private companies, may explore new applications for unmanned vessels, potentially leading to further technological advancements and market growth.