British autonomous vessel manufacturer ZeroUSV has completed its third Oceanus12 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), expanding its growing fleet of long-range autonomous platforms, the company stated.
The new vessel features a bold geometric paint scheme inspired by the Royal Navy’s First World War-era dazzle camouflage, which was originally used to disrupt visual tracking and range estimation. ZeroUSV said the design reflects a blend of naval heritage and modern maritime innovation.
“Inspired by the bold dazzle camouflage of the First World War, Dazzle fuses naval heritage with the forefront of modern maritime innovation,” said Matthew Ratsey, managing director of ZeroUSV. “Following on from our significant success with her sistership at Exercise REPMUS, it seemed appropriate and timely to use this paint scheme for our next vessel off the production line.”
Built as a modular and mission-flexible platform, the Oceanus12 is available for both purchase and charter say the firm. It can be configured for underwater warfare operations in the defence sector or hydrographic survey missions for commercial clients. The vessel is controlled using MarineAI’s GuardianAI autonomy suite, which enables collision-avoidance-compliant navigation, adaptive decision-making and mission management, they added.
The 11.55-metre aluminium-hulled USV features twin hybrid-electric propulsion, a range exceeding 2,500 nautical miles at 6 knots, and an adaptable one-tonne payload bay with a quick-change sensor deployment system. The platform’s hybrid drive supported by solar charging, delivers low-fuel operation and extended endurance.
Currently undergoing commissioning and soon to begin sea trials, the third Oceanus12 will join ZeroUSV’s existing vessels already operating in Plymouth, UK, and with Leeway Marine in Halifax, Canada.
OCE ANUS.
We are laughing (still).
What’s happening with the “real ships” being built for the RN? Has everyone “drone”mad?!