Gondan starts steel-cutting for new USV for major industry alliance

Spain’s Gondan Shipbuilders started steel-cutting for an unmanned vessel for underwater maintenance and inspection missions.

Specifically, Gondan Shipbuilders started the construction of an advanced remotely operated vessel (USV), in collaboration with USV A/S, an alliance of DeepOcean, Solstad and Østensjø Rederi, in a project that focuses on improving subsea operations, targeting a reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to conventional methods.

Designed by Salt Ship Design, the vessel will feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, allowing remote operation and autonomy of up to 30 days at sea.

According to Gondan, the vessel is equipped with the latest technology for underwater inspection and it will include remotely operated vehicles capable of reaching depths of up to 1,500 metres.

The vessel is scheduled to be operational in 2025.

^{Source: Gondan Shipbuilders}