In the UK, LR became the first Certifying Authority (CA) authorized by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to certify Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUVs) under Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2 in 2025, creating a clear regulatory pathway for smaller uncrewed vessels to operate safely in UK waters.
This has now translated into operational delivery, from LR certifying ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered USV Pioneer as the first ROUV against the WBC3 framework in August 2025, through to full certification of the USV Pioneer in a diesel-electric hybrid configuration and certifications for XOCEAN’s X-30 and X-31, and Fugro’s Blue Eclipse 1 now awarded.
Alongside regulatory progress, LR is working with partners to industrialize certification processes. Its agreement with Fugro introduces a streamlined, fleet-based approach to in-service survey and the maintenance of certifications for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), replacing vessel-by-vessel contracting with a more efficient framework. The approach reduces administrative burden, supports faster deployment, and ensures continued compliance with international safety and operational standards.
In parallel, LR continues to advance the use of unmanned systems in safety-critical defense applications. This includes the issuance of an LR UMS Certificate to a naval mine countermeasures vessel, RNMB Hydra, developed by ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK for the Royal Navy. The certification provides assurance of the vessel to support complex operations such as mine hunting and sweeping, demonstrating how uncrewed systems can operate reliably in demanding environments.
These developments build on the introduction of the goal-based UMS Code in 2017. Since then, LR has supported a growing portfolio of projects across both the naval and commercial markets, as operators recognize the safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits of remote and autonomous operations.
Jordan McRuvie, Specialist – Unmanned Marine Systems, said: “Unmanned systems are moving rapidly from demonstration to deployment. Alongside the continued assurance challenges of fast-changing technologies, this introduces further challenge on enabling technologies to scale safely, in terms of both vessel numbers (with many operators now expanding from single to multi-vessel fleets), and vessel size.
“What we are delivering is the framework that gives regulators, operators and investors confidence. From first-of-a-kind certifications to fleet-level assurance models, we are helping the industry move beyond pilots and into routine operations.”
By combining regulatory leadership, collaborative partnerships, and a proven assurance framework, LR is helping shape the next phase of maritime autonomy, where uncrewed vessels operate safely alongside conventional fleets and deliver measurable value across commercial, offshore, and defense sectors.
