British manufacturer of fully autonomous uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for long-endurance offshore survey, defence, and environmental monitoring missions.
ZeroUSV is a UK-based designer, builder, and operator of autonomous uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), headquartered at Turnchapel Wharf, Barton Road, Plymouth, PL9 9RQ, United Kingdom. The company was founded by autonomous vessel experts and AI pioneers who previously delivered the first full-size unmanned research vessel to conduct scientific experiments while autonomously navigating across the Atlantic Ocean. ZeroUSV is a collaboration between the founders of Marine AI and MSubs.
The company's flagship vessel is the Oceanus12 class, an 11.55-metre aluminium monohull with a 2.33-metre maximum beam and a four-ton displacement. The vessel uses a twin electric-hybrid drive system integrating diesel and electric propulsion with solar charging for additional energy redundancy. At a cruise speed of six knots, the Oceanus12 achieves an endurance of over 2,500 nautical miles; a sprint speed of ten knots is available when required. The extended-range (XLR) variant extends mission duration to approximately 7,500 nautical miles (roughly 60 days at sea) without external support. Payload capacity is 317 US gallons of fuel.
Autonomy is delivered through Marine AI's GuardianAI software stack, which analyses and responds to environmental and situational changes faster than standard USV or manned-vessel systems. The Oceanus12 class achieved UK MCA Workboat Code Edition 3 (WB3) certification, confirming its safety and technical standards for commercial autonomous operations — the first vessel in its class to receive this certification.
ZeroUSV launched the world's first charter fleet of fully autonomous USVs with Oceanus12 units available for customer missions. The company has expanded production with multiple hulls delivered. Mission applications include offshore geophysical survey and seabed mapping, maritime security and intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance (ISR), oceanographic and environmental monitoring, subsea asset inspection, offshore oil and gas exploration support, and fisheries science. The modular payload bay allows rapid reconfiguration for different mission types.
The company positions the vessel for government, defence, and commercial offshore operators seeking persistent, cost-effective maritime data collection without crew risk in challenging or remote environments.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Fully autonomous 12-metre aluminium USV with hybrid-electric propulsion delivering 2,500+ nautical mile endurance for offshore survey and defence missions.
Contact ZeroUSV
WEBSITE
https://www.zerousv.comHEADQUARTERS
United Kingdom
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Manufacturer
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Europe
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ZeroUSV has officially launched its Oceanus17 class unmanned surface vessel (USV), named The Lady of the Lake, during a ceremony at Plymouth’s British National Firework Championships. This vessel signifies a leap in UK maritime innovation, showcasing advanced capabilities for extended missions and multi-tasking operations. The Oceanus17 boasts a payload capacity of 4,000 kg and mission endurance exceeding 50 days, with a top speed nearing 15 knots. This development underscores ZeroUSV's commitment to enhancing the UK's sovereign capabilities in maritime technology, following the successful launch of the Oceanus12 USV just over a year ago. Looking ahead, ZeroUSV aims to continue its trajectory of innovation in the autonomous vessel sector. The integration of advanced technologies, such as level-four autonomous navigation, positions the Oceanus17 as a key player in both defense and commercial maritime operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ROVplanet.com Aug 18, 2026 zerousv oceanus17 usv official naming ceremonyZeroUSV recently showcased its Oceanus12 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the Royal Danish Navy in a demonstration held two hours northwest of Copenhagen, Denmark. This event was part of a competitive selection process by Danish Defence, aimed at evaluating the capabilities of the Oceanus12 USV over two days. The demonstrations highlighted the ease of mobilization and logistics involved in deploying the Oceanus12, showcasing its modular payload capabilities for various defense and security missions. Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director of ZeroUSV, expressed pride in being selected to demonstrate the platform, emphasizing its technological maturity and versatility for different mission roles. These demonstrations are part of ZeroUSV's ongoing international engagement efforts as the company seeks to expand its uncrewed maritime capabilities within allied defense markets. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ROVplanet.com Jul 02, 2026 zerousv demo oceanus12 royal danish navy usvZeroUSV recently hosted representatives from the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) at Manor Marine’s headquarters in Portland. The VIP tour highlighted the company's advancements in autonomous maritime technology. This visit comes on the heels of ZeroUSV's strategic investment in Manor Marine, which aims to enhance collaboration and increase the UK's production capacity for its Oceanus class uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The partnership is expected to bolster the UK’s sovereign capabilities in maritime defense and innovation.
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ByRobotToday Reporter Mar 21, 2026