Three Greek companies are joining forces to develop an unmanned autonomous surface vessel, bringing together shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and advanced marine manufacturing in a project aimed at both the domestic and international markets.
Skaramangas Shipyards, Qualco Group and Olympic Marine have signed a memorandum of understanding for the research, development, production and demonstration of a multi-purpose unmanned autonomous surface vessel.
The partnership brings together the shipbuilding strength of Skaramangas Shipyards in complex naval systems; Qualco Group’s cutting-edge software and artificial intelligence; and the modern manufacturing expertise of Olympic Marine in producing advanced composite-material hulls.
At a time when the maritime security, underwater infrastructure and energy networks is at the centre of international attention, the market for unmanned autonomous surface vessels is emerging as one of the most strategic and fastest-growing worldwide.
The fully Greek autonomous surface vessel will be designed, programmed and built in the country according to the standards and certification requirements needed for export to international markets.
Orestis Tsakalotos, Qualco Group’s executive chairman, said: “Artificial intelligence and algorithmic digital technologies are key accelerators of modern defence and industrial innovation. Through this cooperation we aspire to develop dual-use solutions that will strengthen the Greek technological base, contributing both to defence and security and to wider commercial applications.”
On behalf of Skaramangas Shipyards, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, chief executive officer, noted: “Skaramangas Shipyards have always been synonymous with Greek shipbuilding excellence. Through this cooperation, we combine our history and experience with state-of-the-art technology to design the future of autonomous naval systems by Greek hands.”
Nikolas Dendrinos, chairman of Olympic Marine, added: “Our design and manufacturing expertise in advanced composite materials, together with our modern facilities, find in this project a field of application with real strategic depth. We are proud to take part in an effort that upgrades the whole Greek industrial base.”
