OceanAlpha debuts L42 USV for enhanced offshore data collection
At Ocean Business 2025, OceanAlpha unveiled its latest maritime autonomy solution: the L42 uncrewed surface vessel (USV). The launch event marked the debut of a platform designed to meet growing industry demand for efficient offshore data collection, with practical innovations in endurance and payload flexibility.
Equipped with a hybrid power system, the L42 USV offers an operational range of over 1,500km (eight days at four knots), minimizing the need for frequent retrieval during extended surveys. Its four redundant electric motors enhance stability, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of sea conditions – from coastal zones to the open ocean.
Adaptable payload integration for a range of applications
Engineered to streamline workflow integration, the platform supports standard survey instruments including multibeam echosounder, towed sidescan sonar, towed magnetometer, sub-bottom profiler and USBL positioning systems. Its onboard wet-end payload lifters and towing system enable rapid configuration changes between hydrographic mapping, pipeline inspections and diversified scientific research missions.
During the exhibition, OceanAlpha hosted a launch ceremony to demonstrate the vessel’s operational readiness. “The L42 reflects our user-driven design philosophy,” noted Pinestone Shi, general manager of OceanAlpha. “By prioritizing field-proven reliability over unnecessary complexity, we aim to help survey teams reduce operational costs while maintaining data quality. The vessel’s balanced specifications make it suitable for multi-day offshore survey projects and environmental baseline studies requiring consistent data collection.”
OceanAlpha reports that the first production unit of the L42 has passed third-party acceptance testing and is scheduled for delivery to a surveying company in Africa in April 2025. As the region’s leading adopter of USV technology for professional offshore survey services, the client brings extensive experience in uncrewed marine operations. With this partnership, OceanAlpha anticipates that the L42 will drive significant innovation and efficiency gains in the field, paving the way for enhanced safety, performance and sustainability in maritime surveys and beyond.
