UK-based SEA-KIT International’s latest 12 metre SEA-KIT X-Class USV, Fugro Blue Essence®, was recently awarded Lloyd’s Register UMS (Unmanned Marine Systems) certification, marking the company’s 5th certificate and the first LR UMS certificate for a Category 0 certified vessel.
Mathew Palmer, LR Global Naval Business Lead – Submarines and Uncrewed Systems commented: “Lloyd’s Register is delighted to award UMS certification to this SEA-KIT X- Class Fugro Blue Essence®. The USV’s state-of-the-art design and capabilities demonstrate the future of marine technology, and this certification underscores the vessel’s readiness for remote operation in challenging maritime environments.”
Category 0 approval, the highest level of approval for workboats, was awarded to the vessel by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency in January 2024. It is now the largest Cat 0 certified USV to operate fully remotely and with unrestricted service to support marine projects further offshore while enhancing safety and environmental performance.
Doug Graham, SEA-KIT MD, said: “We continue to push boundaries with the design and construction of our USVs. Certification is essential for the industry to provide a safety assurance framework and it is testament to the team’s hard work that SEA-KIT now holds the most UMS certificates awarded to any company. We will strive to maintain this leadership stance and our long-standing relationship with Lloyd’s Register, so that we can continue to support the sector in achieving ambitious net zero targets.”
SEA-KIT has several vessels in build and on order, including the next-generation, 18 metre, SEA-KIT XL- Class USV, which will also be certified against LR’s UMS Code. The vessel is currently preparing to start sea trials in Ipswich, Essex.
