The new vessel features striking geometric livery inspired by the dazzle camouflage used by the Royal Navy in the early 20th century. Designed not for concealment but to distort visual range finding and course estimation, the historic pattern has been reimagined to celebrate the fusion of naval heritage and modern maritime innovation.
The completion of the third Oceanus12 reinforces ZeroUSV’s commitment to long-range autonomous vessels and accelerates the provision of a COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) USV solution, which can be set up with integrated payloads for UWW (Underwater warfare ops) in the defense sector or hydrographic survey equipment for the commercial Hydrography market. Oceanus12 is truly a use platform, agnostic of its mission.
Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director of ZeroUSV, said: “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.”
The Oceanus12 is controlled using software from MarineAI’s GuardianAI autonomy suite, delivering COLREG-compliant navigation, adaptive decision-making, and remote mission control, as well as integration of third-party payloads.
Key Specifications
- Hull: 11.55-m aluminum monohull (2.33-m max beam)
- Propulsion: Twin electric-hybrid drive
- Endurance: 2,500+ nautical miles at 6 knots
- Payload: 1-tonne adaptable bay with quick-change sensor deployment strut
- Green Credentials: Extremely low-fuel electric hybrid system with solar charging for added redundancy.
Currently being commissioned and shortly entering sea trials, Oceanus12, hull number 3, will join the operational fleet alongside ZeroUSV’s first two Oceanus12 vessels, which are currently in operation in Plymouth, UK, and with Leeway Marine in Halifax, Canada.
