Photo credit: Reach Subsea / Image: Reach Remote 1
With the first two units, Reach Remote 1 and 2, delivered earlier this year and already in commercial operation, Reach Subsea ASA has exercised the first in a series of exclusive options with Kongsberg Maritime for the delivery of the next two uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), Reach Remote 3 and 4.
The contract terms have been mutually agreed and remain confidential between the parties. Delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2027.
The specifications for Reach Remote 3 and 4 will mirror the first two vessels, with targeted adjustments based on insights gained through the technical qualification programme and recent operational experience.
Reach Subsea ASA noted that the unit Reach Remote 1 is currently completing a series of fully remote-controlled offshore deployments off the coast of Norway for Equinor, TotalEnergies and Shell. On the other hand, Reach Remote 2 is in route to Australia to deliver services for Woodside Energy.
“The Reach Remote programme is a cornerstone of our strategy to redefine subsea operations. By combining our subsea expertise with the naval capabilities of Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, we are delivering real-world solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With vessels 3 and 4 now confirmed, we are entering the scale-up phase—ready to meet global demand and shape the future of remote subsea services,” said Jostein Alendal, CEO of Reach Subsea.
In parallel, Reach Subsea noted that it had secured debt financing for Reach Remote 3 and 4 through DNB, Sparebank 1 Sør-Norge and EKSFIN.
Last year, Reach Subsea announced the award of a €14.3m grant from the European Union through the Emission Trading System Innovation Fund. A large part of this grant is dedicated towards co-funding of the investment in Reach Remote 3 and 4.
The total investment from Reach Subsea in Reach Remote 3 and 4, ready for commercial operations and after EU funding, is approximately NOK 620m, of which the bank financing related to Reach Remote 3 and 4 covers two-thirds of Reach’s investment.
With the financial foundation in place, the company said it was now focused on scaling operations towards critical mass and integrating ocean robotics across its delivery model.
“This contract reflects a growing industry confidence in remote and autonomous technologies. The success of Reach Remote 1 has proven that remote operations are not only viable, but they’re also transformative,” said Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, president of Kongsberg Maritime.
