UK Defence Innovation has backed a multi-partner project deploying autonomous vessels and passive acoustics to strengthen subsea mapping and underwater monitoring of naval assets.
ZeroUSV, Oshen and MarineAI have launched a first-of-its-kind programme to create a distributed sensing network that supports underwater monitoring and secure communications for submersible fleet operations.
“Underwater operations depend on knowing where assets are and whether they’re operating as intended, but direct communications aren’t always desirable or possible,” said Matthew Ratsey, cofounder and managing director at ZeroUSV.
“This project lets us explore a different approach, using Oceanus12 to place a small constellation of surface vessels that can listen passively and provide assurance without compromising the mission.”
Subsea monitoring
Funded by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), the initiative will deploy autonomous vessel platforms and acoustic systems to maintain covert contact with underwater assets without relying on high-bandwidth or detectable links, enabling more resilient subsea mapping, intelligence and infrastructure monitoring.
At the centre of the system is ZeroUSV’s Oceanus12 autonomous vessel, which will transport and launch multiple Oshen C-Star craft to form a passive acoustic network.
The C-Stars are designed for long-endurance deployment, creating persistent coverage capable of detecting covert signals from platforms including the XV Excalibur.
MarineAI will integrate the launch and operations capability with its GuardianAI suite, delivering level 4+ autonomy and coordinated, multi-platform control. The combined architecture supports distributed communications and scalable sensing across wide areas of sea.
The partners aim to demonstrate a practical method for confirming asset presence and progress during intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, seabed and subsea mapping and critical subsea infrastructure monitoring, with trials informing future UK and allied underwater missions.
