Large USV Awarded Category 0 Approval

SEA-KIT International’s latest 12 metre SEA-KIT X-Class USV, Fugro Blue Essence®, has been awarded a Lloyd’s Register (LR) Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) certification.

This marks the company’s 5th certificate and the first LR UMS certificate for a Category 0 certified vessel, and comes after SEA-KIT was awarded the first ever LR UMS in 2021, representing a key milestone for the maritime industry.

Category 0 approval, the highest level of approval for workboats, was awarded to the vessel by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency in January 2024. The Fugro Blue Essence is reportedly the largest Cat 0 certified USV to operate fully remotely and with unrestricted service to support marine projects further offshore while enhancing safety and environmental performance. 

SEA-KIT USVs are at work on commercial projects around the world. The company has several vessels in build and on order, including the next-generation, 18 metre, SEA-KIT XLClass USV, which will also be certified against LR’s UMS Code. The vessel is currently preparing to start sea trials in Ipswich, Essex.

Mathew Palmer, LR Global Naval Business Lead – Submarines and Uncrewed Systems, commented; “Lloyd’s Register is delighted to award UMS certification to this SEA-KIT XClass Fugro Blue Essence. The USV’s state-of-the-art design and capabilities demonstrate the future of marine technology, and this certification underscores the vessel’s readiness for remote operation in challenging maritime environments.” 

Doug Graham, SEA-KIT MD, said; “We continue to push boundaries with the design and construction of our USVs. Certification is essential for the industry to provide a safety assurance framework and it is testament to the team’s hard work that SEA-KIT now holds the most UMS certificates awarded to any company. 

“We will strive to maintain this leadership stance and our long-standing relationship with Lloyd’s Register, so that we can continue to support the sector in achieving ambitious net zero targets.”