SEA-KIT at forefront of Unmanned Marine Systems certification
SEA-KIT International, a leading designer and builder of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), achieved a significant milestone in 2021 when it received the first-ever Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) certificate from Lloyd’s Register (LR). This accomplishment marked a pivotal moment for the maritime industry, setting a high standard for USV sector certification.
Since then, SEA-KIT has maintained a close collaboration with LR to uphold the highest standards in the USV sector. Its latest achievement is the LR UMS certification awarded to the 12-metre SEA-KIT X-Class USV, Fugro Blue Essence. This recognition represents SEA-KIT’s fifth certificate and marks the first LR UMS certification 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.”
The importance of certification
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 managing director, 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 USVs are at work on commercial projects around the world. The company 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, England.
