Reach Subsea’s uncrewed surface vessel (USV), Reach Remote 1, has been granted official approval to operate entirely through remote control, without the need for a supporting vessel.

The permit was issued by the Norwegian Maritime Authorities (NMA), with technical validation and support from classification society DNV.

Since April, Reach Remote 1 has been in full commercial operation under supervision from a support vessel, allowing human observers to monitor its remote operations.

The new trading permit confirms that the vessel’s autonomous operations meet or exceed maritime safety standards and situational awareness, as validated by both DNV and the Norwegian authorities.

On 11 October, Reach Remote 1 undertook its first fully independent mission, sailing to continue work for Shell on the Ormen Lange field. This marked a historic milestone for Reach Subsea and a significant step forward for remote-controlled subsea services.

Video Credits: Reach Subsea/Facebook

The vessel is the first in a new class of USVs designed to carry out offshore tasks while reducing emissions and minimising the need for crew at sea. It also features integrated Work Class ROV capability.

Reach Subsea’s CEO, Jostein Alendal, said the Reach Remote programme is improving subsea operations with ocean robotics through strong collaboration with the company and Norwegian authorities.

The company’s COO, Inge Grutle, stated that the vessel’s remote operations have demonstrated an equal or higher level of maritime safety and situational awareness compared with traditional manned vessels.

Reach Subsea is further developing autonomous offshore work with Reach Remote 2 heading to Australia and Reach Remote 3 and 4 currently under construction.

Reference: reachsubsea