Kongsberg Maritime has signed a new contract with REACH Subsea ASA to design, build, and deliver two additional unmanned surface vessels (USVs), expanding the REACH REMOTE fleet that is redefining offshore operations.
The vessels will be built on the UT5208 design, a 24-metre purpose-built platform engineered for remote and autonomous offshore operations. This latest contract follows the delivery of REACH REMOTE 1 and 2, with the first vessel already completing a series of fully remote-controlled offshore missions off Norway’s coast. REACH REMOTE 1 also earned international recognition when it was named “Ship of the Year 2024” at the SMM maritime exhibition in Hamburg.
In contrast to traditional shipbuilding projects, Kongsberg Maritime will again provide the vessels under a full shipbuilding contract, subcontracting the actual construction to a selected shipyard. Kongsberg will oversee design, supply chain management, systems integration, commissioning, and final delivery. The model is designed to support fleet-scale deployment, allowing faster delivery schedules while maintaining quality control.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said the project highlights growing confidence in remote and autonomous technologies. “The success of REACH REMOTE 1 has proven that remote operations are not only viable, but they’re also transformative. By delivering these vessels, we ensure seamless integration of our advanced systems and a streamlined path to deployment.”
Ronny Pål Kvalsvik, VP Sales Ship Design at Kongsberg Maritime, emphasized the collaboration with REACH Subsea as a step forward in sustainable marine solutions. “Their pioneering work with Uncrewed Surface Vessels, such as the Reach Remote platform, exemplifies the future of sustainable and remote offshore operations.”
The REACH REMOTE fleet represents a shift in how offshore operations are carried out. Traditional offshore support vessels require crews at sea for extended periods, but these uncrewed platforms are operated remotely, reducing both personnel risks and emissions. Norwegian innovation in ocean robotics is increasingly seen as central to the energy transition and the digitalisation of subsea services.
Jostein Alendal, CEO of REACH Subsea, described the programme as the cornerstone of the company’s strategy. “By combining our subsea expertise with the naval capabilities of Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, we are delivering real-world solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With vessels 3 and 4 now confirmed, we are entering the scale-up phase—ready to meet global demand and shape the future of remote subsea services.”
Kongsberg Maritime’s supply package covers a wide range of integrated systems, including advanced automation and navigation systems, situational awareness technology, manoeuvring and thruster control, low-voltage switchboards, and onboard energy storage modules. The design also incorporates solutions for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and hydrographic operations, as well as ship-to-shore connectivity to support remote management.
Massterly, the joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, will handle navigation and vessel operations from shore-based Remote Vessel Operations Centres. Meanwhile, REACH Subsea will oversee subsea mission execution, including ROV control, data collection, and processing. The operations will run on a digital architecture co-developed with clients, enabling subsea projects to be conducted safely and efficiently from land-based control hubs.
As part of its agreement with Kongsberg Maritime, REACH Subsea holds exclusive options for additional vessels under the REACH REMOTE programme, a move designed to support the long-term goal of integrating ocean robotics into subsea operations on a global scale.
