Zero USV and Leeway Marine Collaboration Expands Uncrewed Vessel Capabilities to North America

31 March 2025

(Image credit: Zero USV)

Zero USV, the company behind the Oceanus12 fleet, providing the first global network of over-the-horizon, high-endurance uncrewed fully autonomous surface vessels (USVs) for charter, has officially welcomed Leeway Marine onboard as its first global operations partner.

This partnership represents a landmark step in expanding Zero USV’s worldwide presence, with Leeway Marine now set to offer the company’s Oceanus12 USV for charter throughout Canada and the wider North American region. The charter-based business model is pioneering for this region and beyond; organizations no longer need to invest in costly ownership to harness the benefits of utilizing a USV already set up with leading-edge autonomy fed by sophisticated algorithms using data fusion from an advanced sensor suite.

This collaboration between the two companies arrives at a time when global interest in uncrewed, high-endurance vessel solutions is surging, not least within the defense sector, where continuous maritime surveillance, border security, and rapid-response capabilities in contested waters have become increasingly critical.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Leeway Group was founded in 2015 by former navy professionals and is now one of Canada’s largest charter vessel suppliers in the offshore survey and defense charter market. The group of companies includes Leeway Marine, Leeway Vessel Management, Offshore Crewing, and other US subsidiaries. With operations in Canada, the US, and the Indo-Pacific Region, Leeway is poised to create significant growth for the Zero USV brand in current and emerging markets. It is this core experience and knowledge that gives ZeroUSV the confidence that Leeway Marine is the right partner to take the Oceanus12 on and work it up to meet local requirements, leveraging its deep knowledge of Canadian waters and maritime operations. This collaboration ensures that Zero USV’s cutting-edge technology, specifically developed for over-the-horizon missions, is paired with specialized, in-territory expertise.

The Oceanus12 is a next-generation USV designed from the keel up for extended, high endurance, fully autonomous missions. Key features include a twin hybrid-electric propulsion system for ultimate reliability and fuel efficiency, an advanced autonomy software stack powered by MarineAI’s GuardianAI software, and a mission-agnostic platform that can be configured for a diverse range of operations. Zero USV’s commitment to ‘turnkey’ solutions is backed by it also providing its own Remote Observation Centre (ROC), ensuring seamless integration and allowing customers to simply “charter and go”.

ZeroUSV Founder Matthew Ratsey said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing a company of the caliber and track record of Leeway Marine into the ZeroUSV network. Having Leeway Marine as our first global franchisee is a huge milestone for both companies, and Leeway’s strong track record in the Canadian maritime sector makes it the ideal partner for championing Oceanus12 in North America.

“Our vision has always been to operationally scale ZeroUSV as fast as practically possible, and to do this by creating a robust global network of key partners operating Oceanus12 uncrewed vessels that can address the wide range of operational needs, Leeway Marine as an early adopter will play a key role in helping us achieve the global reach we are striving for.”

Jamie Sangster, CEO of Leeway Group, said: “Becoming Zero USV’s first global franchisee underscores our commitment to delivering the most advanced uncrewed capabilities. We see enormous potential for Oceanus12—from defense and security tasks to environmental surveys and infrastructure monitoring.

“By coupling our regional expertise with Zero USV’s proven platform, we aim to bring the benefits of autonomous maritime operations to more organizations across the North American continent.”