The USV can operate autonomously or be crewed when needed and serves as a carrier platform for a swarm of Eelume S All-Terrain autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

This provides Norwegian defense, research, and civilian operators with a flexible and efficient platform for coordinated underwater operations and mine clearance.

Mine Detection with AI Made in Trøndelag

“The solution is built on a ‘system of systems’ approach, where Eelume’s autonomous underwater robots and Blueye Robotics’ remotely operated drones interact with autonomous systems from Maritime Robotics,” said Thomas Nygaard of Eelume.

Biodrone will also contribute AI-based automatic object recognition to identify mines in sensor data collected by the vessels.

The project provides valuable experience in integrating autonomous surface and underwater systems and offers a strong foundation for further technological development.

At the same time, the solution follows a COTS strategy (Commercial Off-The-Shelf), ensuring fast access to cost-effective and operational capabilities without lengthy development cycles.

Flexible and Autonomous – “Optionally Unmanned”

Eelume WP960 is based on the WP960WB hull, developed by Westplast in collaboration with KACE AS and produced at KACE’s shipyard in Fosnavåg, Sunnmøre.

The hull combines a proven design, with over 70 units already in operational use worldwide, with advanced Trøndelag-developed autonomy and underwater technology. The result is a robust and versatile vessel built for demanding maritime operations, capable of integrating cutting-edge autonomous systems while maintaining the reliability of a sturdy hull from Sunnmøre.

“The vessel is equipped with autonomous solutions in an ‘optionally unmanned’ configuration, meaning it can operate fully autonomously without crew, or be manned when needed,” said Thomas Nygaard.

“WP960 provides us with a highly flexible platform for autonomous operations, both alone and as part of a larger fleet. When combined with our autonomy technology and Eelume’s underwater systems, we get a solution that can be scaled quickly and adapted to different operational needs,” said Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics.

“The collaboration between KACE and Eelume marks the start of an exciting new segment. Combining KACE’s long experience with robust WP vessels and Eelume’s advanced autonomous systems provides a solid foundation for the solutions of the future,” sahred Geir-Arne Bøe, CEO of KACE AS.

“We are really looking forward to further collaboration with Eelume,” he added

The vessel can be delivered with or without a wheelhouse, transported by road or air, and operate from larger ships, alone or as part of a fleet of multiple autonomous units. With a single-point lift for hoisting, the vessel is well-suited for efficient deployment and recovery from larger mother ships.

A Robust Hull for Demanding Operations

WP960 is developed as a robust and flexible vessel, built for demanding operations with high structural strength and stability, and is in operational use worldwide.

The vessel enables rapid mobilization of AUVs, ROVs, and sensor systems without costly or time-consuming development, and can be transported by road, sea, or air.

“The combination of autonomous surface vessels, underwater drones, and AI-based decision support provides a level of operational pace and precision far beyond traditional solutions. This is particularly relevant for complex operations in Norwegian fjords,” said Hovstein.

“The modular and open deck layout makes WP960 suitable for both civilian and defense applications, including seabed mapping, mine countermeasures, inspection, research, surveillance, and maritime security missions,” said Thomas Nygaard.

The solution integrates technology from multiple Norwegian suppliers: Eelume contributes platform and underwater expertise, Maritime Robotics provides autonomy, system architecture, and integration, and Blueye Robotics contributes underwater drones for inspection and detection.

The platform allows for swarms of intelligent Eelume S All-Terrain AUVs to operate simultaneously, while other underwater vehicles, such as Blueye Robotics drones, can also be deployed.

“This provides increased flexibility and coordinated use of multiple sensor and inspection platforms,” Nygaard explained.

The project demonstrates how the defense sector can rapidly realize new operational effect through collaboration between existing suppliers, rather than initiating lengthy development projects with high technological and commercial risk.

Norwegian Expertise at Its Best

“Norway has incredible expertise in shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and drones. What we are presenting here allows control over every square centimeter and threat in any fjord, something no other solution can achieve. This is a forward-looking AI-based solution built on technological developments of recent years, and it’s incredibly exciting to see what we can achieve when we collaborate,” said Thomas Nygaard.

“When Eelume, Maritime Robotics, Blueye Robotics, and Biodrone come together, we create world-class development environments where sensor data from satellite, air, surface, and underwater sources is converted into precise real-time decision support. This collaboration delivers real operational effect for Norway and our allies,” added Vegard Forbord of Biodrone.

Eelume, Blueye Robotics, and Maritime Robotics are members of both the NORDSEC Nordic Defense and Security Cluster and the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Like Biodrone, they also participate in the Defense Conference and are part of the FI Ocean Space Incubator.

This project shows how collaboration between specialized Norwegian technology providers can reduce development time and risk while delivering flexible, scalable solutions tailored to operational needs, creating new capabilities for both defense and security sectors.

The USV is already booked for its first missions and was showcased Friday at Nyhavna during Dark Drones, with AUVs on deck.

To find out more, visit: https://www.maritimerobotics.com/