Kongsberg USV wins ‘Ship of the Year’ at SMM

The prize went to Reach Remote 1, the first of a pair of USVs designed and delivered by Kongsberg Maritime to Norwegian firm Reach Subsea ASA.

Unusually, Kongsberg took the role of prime contractor for the vessel delivery, also designing the vessel and delivering it ready to go.

It will be used to carry out surveys in a much cheaper option than the larger, crewed vessels, using Kongsberg’s technology to gather and transmit data initially off the coast of Haugesund in Norway.

Reach Subsea has a wide range of vessels, including two DRIX ROVs. Most are used for survey or subsea construction support.

Kongsberg’s UT 5208 USVs have robust robotic arms that enable simple under-water tasks, such as adjusting valves or moving debris. 

For Reach Subsea, the vessel will be controlled from the remote control centre Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, in Horten, Norway.

“To be part of such a ground-breaking project has been a joyride and I have had the time of my life,” said Reach Subsea’s vice president of Reach Remote, Bjørg Mathisen Døving. “I am so proud of the unstoppable efforts from the diverse teams, and I truly believe this project is a lighthouse for the industry.”