Argeo boosts USV autonomy with SOLUS

Henriksen’s new SOLUS system enables safe, efficient recovery of uncrewed surface vessels, enhancing vessel autonomy for ocean surveillance and hydrographic survey missions.

Designed for challenging offshore operations, the SOLUS system now equips Argeo’s 9-metre Argus USV with a breakthrough capability – enabling remote recovery in adverse sea conditions.

“We want to transform ocean surveying and inspection by utilising our autonomous surface and underwater robotics solution,” said Thorbjørn Rekdal, chief technology oficer at Argeo.

“The Argus USV is a multi-purpose uncrewed vehicle for offshore and coastal applications, offering a stable, low-emission hybrid platform equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, supervision and hydrographic/geophysical technology.”

Autonomous operation

The SOLUS system operates by housing a retractable telescopic mast within the USV.

After mission completion, the mast is remotely extended, revealing lifting and painter lines that can be captured by the mothership’s crew, even in rough seas.

This innovative recovery approach expands operational windows, directly boosting productivity and reliability for ocean surveillance tasks.

Developed by Henriksen AS, renowned for its marine lifting systems, the SOLUS launch and recovery system marks a significant step forward in vessel autonomy.

It complements Henriksen’s broader product line, which includes systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and advanced mine-sweeping operations.

Argeo’s integration of the SOLUS system signals a growing trend in utilising advanced uncrewed systems for sustainable, efficient offshore surveying.