Marine technology company Sea-Kit has announced plans to build another X-class, 12m uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for a planned launch in 2022.
The latest vessel is set to be more versatile and fuel efficient than those previously produced by the company, with the option to have three different propulsion systems within one hull. These include diesel-electric, hybrid and hydrogen hybrid.
The USV will become part of Sea-Kit’s fleet and will be the sixth X-class to be built by the company at its base in Essex, UK.
“The fact that this will be the sixth build of this class is testament to its robust and now well-proven design,” commented Ben Simpson, Sea-Kit’s CEO. “We want to continue to push boundaries in other sectors of the maritime industry and this new addition to our fleet will enable us to demonstrate the benefits of uncrewed vessel technology to new markets.”
Sea-Kit hopes the USV will help the company penetrate new sectors of the marine industry and meet the increased market demand for unmanned vessels.
“Interest in Sea-Kit’s designs is increasing now that we have vessels operating on commercial offshore projects globally, and we are keen to develop new strategic partnerships to build our client base,” continued Simpson. “With the launch of this vessel, we will be able to offer tailored capability demonstrations as well as charter options and additional services from next summer. It opens the door for customers to order zero-emission vessels as the industry collaboratively works toward its net zero goals.”