Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with REACH Subsea ASA to design, build, and deliver two additional unmanned surface vessels (USVs), expanding the REACH REMOTE fleet. The vessels will be based on the UT5208 design, a 24-metre platform engineered for remote and autonomous offshore operations.
This follows the success of REACH REMOTE 1 and 2. The first vessel recently completed fully remote-controlled offshore missions off Norway. REACH REMOTE 1 was also named “Ship of the Year 2024” at SMM, recognizing its role in sustainable maritime innovation.
Unlike traditional shipbuilding, Kongsberg Maritime will deliver the vessels under a full shipbuilding contract while subcontracting the physical construction. Kongsberg oversees design, systems integration, commissioning, and final delivery. This approach improves efficiency, quality, and speed to market—ideal for fleet-scale projects.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said: “This contract reflects growing confidence in remote and autonomous technologies. REACH REMOTE 1 proved that remote operations are not only viable but transformative. These new vessels ensure seamless integration of advanced systems and a smooth path to deployment. The REACH REMOTE concept offers a glimpse into the future of offshore operations.”
Ronny Pål Kvalsvik, VP Sales Ship Design at Kongsberg Maritime, added: “We are proud to continue working with REACH Subsea. Their work with uncrewed vessels exemplifies the future of sustainable and remote offshore operations. Partnering with them reinforces our shared commitment to safer, smarter, and more efficient marine solutions.”
The REACH REMOTE fleet highlights the industry’s shift toward smarter, greener, and more autonomous maritime operations. Norway’s innovation reduces environmental impact while boosting operational capability. REACH Subsea also holds options for additional vessels, supporting long-term collaboration.
Jostein Alendal, CEO of REACH Subsea, said: “The REACH REMOTE programme is key to redefining subsea operations. By combining our subsea expertise with Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly’s naval capabilities, we deliver solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With vessels three and four confirmed, we are scaling up to meet global demand for remote subsea services.”
Kongsberg Maritime will provide an extensive range of integrated systems, including automation and navigation systems, manoeuvring and thruster control, energy storage, ROV and hydrographic equipment, low-voltage switchboards, and telecom solutions for ship-to-shore connectivity. Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, will handle remote navigation and vessel operations, while REACH Subsea manages subsea missions, data collection, and ROV control from shore-based centres.
