Zero USV's expansion continues with third vessel completed

19 Nov 2025

Unmanned surface vessels for charter

Zero USV, pioneers behind the world’s first charter fleet for over-the-horizon unmanned surface vessels (USV), has announced the expansion of its portfolio with the introduction of the new extra-long-range (XLR) Oceanus12, offering users even more options for high endurance maritime operations.

The third vessel for Turnchapel-Wharf based business is yet another milestone having earlier achieved a world-first when their first Oceanus12 autonomously launched and recovered a thin-lined towed acoustic array without human involvement. Read more

Photos: (c) Zero USV and Different View Photography

“Inspired by the bold dazzle camouflage of the First World War, a geometric pattern designed to distort perception and conceal a ship’s course, Dazzle fuses naval heritage with the forefront of modern maritime innovation. Following on from our significant success with her sistership at Exercise REPMUS it seemed appropriate and timely to use this paint scheme for our next vessel off the production line.”

- Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director of Zero USV

Mission-agnostic design

The USV is operated through MarineAI’s autonomy suite, which provides COLREG-compliant navigation, adaptive decision-making, remote mission management, and support for integrating third-party payloads.

Consistent with others in its class, the aluminium monohull is built for extended, over-the-horizon missions.

Its mission-agnostic design supports a broad spectrum of uses, from infrastructure surveys and environmental monitoring to safety operations, geophysical work, border security, fisheries enforcement, and defence tasks.

Photos: (c) Zero USV and Different View Photography

Focus on safety and efficiency

Zero USV Founder Matthew Ratsey said the vessel was engineered with a strong focus on safety and efficiency, capable of performing offshore, over-the-horizon missions that would normally require a crew. By operating without personnel on board, it removes human risk from on-water operations and lowers associated costs, while also delivering environmental advantages.

The USV is now in the commissioning phase and will soon begin sea trials. Once complete, it will join the operational fleet alongside Zero USV’s existing pair of 12-metre vessels currently active in Plymouth, UK, and Halifax, Canada.

Photos: (c) Zero USV and Different View Photography