The Ministry of Defence has published a procurement pipeline notice for Project Lily, signalling plans to acquire a contractor-supported uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and associated remote operations centre for global, year-round use in open ocean environments.
The notice, published on 22 May 2025 by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), outlines a contract valued at £27.3 million including VAT, with an estimated contract period running from 18 January 2026 to 17 January 2030.
The requirement centres on a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) USV, intended for military data gathering across a range of maritime environments. Initially, the vessel will be operated under a Government Owned, Commercially Operated (GOCO) model for the first two years, before transitioning to a Government Owned, Government Operated (GOGO) approach with continued commercial support.
The programme includes the provision of a dedicated Remote Operations Centre (ROC), from which the USV will be monitored and directed during its missions.
While further technical detail has not yet been released, the vessel is expected to support hydrographic and oceanographic data collection — roles critical to operations, undersea surveillance, and maritime domain awareness. The procurement is classified under CPV code 38290000, covering marine survey and sensing equipment.
This UK1 pipeline notice was issued in line with the Procurement Act 2023, which requires early publication of contracts over £2 million when formal tendering is expected within 18 months. A full contract notice will follow in due course, providing more detailed specifications and requirements.
The opportunity is likely to appeal to firms specialising in marine robotics, oceanographic instrumentation, and autonomous maritime platforms.
When I suggested such fighting ships in the past, there was one recurring concern: how do you handle damage control remotely? I can envisage frigate-sized vessels with minimal manning to be on hand to care for the parts of the ship that need a human touch. Remote ships would be even more effective if they were nuclear powered remaining on station for much longer periods than current conventional vessels with a manning team rotated every twelve weeks or so.
could have kept echo and enterprise to do it
Tailor made for Ocean Infinity….
A very sensible development. Should work well alongside project Cabot.
My one concern is protection. In case of war that is less of an issue but how to protect from grey zone less than lethal threats. Activist groups, easily infiltrated and manipulated by foreign intelligence, boarding unmanned vessels from ribs and jet skis. A Typhoon can’t intercept that. I still think there is a requirement for small, fast, manned warships to act as escorts to unmanned fleets.