Skanska Norway expands survey fleet with HydroSurv’s REAV-25 USV
In a move that expands the company’s uncrewed survey capabilities for infrastructure projects nationwide, Skanska Norway has taken delivery of HydroSurv’s REAV-25 uncrewed surface vessel (USV).
As one of Norway’s leading civil engineering and construction firms, Skanska manages a diverse portfolio of projects, including inland waterways, ports, harbours and coastal developments. The integration of the REAV-25 into its in-house survey and inspection operations will bolster hydrographic data collection, particularly for projects involving water-based infrastructure.
Equipped with a Norbit iWBMS multibeam echosounder, the REAV-25 will conduct high-resolution bathymetric surveys to support the planning, construction and maintenance of critical assets both above and below the waterline. This investment aligns with Skanska’s strategic shift toward uncrewed technologies, aiming to improve data precision, operational efficiency and safety standards while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional survey methods. The adoption of the USV underscores the industry’s growing reliance on autonomous solutions to meet the demands of modern infrastructure development.
Designed for zero-emission day operations, the REAV-25 is a sheltered-water, multipurpose USV capable of supporting a wide range of hydrographic and environmental data collection campaigns. The vessel is equipped with twin 2.5kW rim-driven thrusters, minimizing the risk of entanglement or damage during shallow-water operations, and is powered by a 6kWh lithium battery system enabling full-day endurance. As a commercial-grade platform, the REAV-25 features HydroSurv’s Virtual Watchkeeper Vessel Control System (VCS) alongside the Dynautics Spectre autopilot.
Rapid mobilization and repeatable collection
David Hull, founder and CEO of HydroSurv, commented: “We’re extremely proud to have been selected by Skanska to support the delivery of this new REAV-25 USV for survey operations in Norway. The portability and flexibility of the platform allows rapid mobilization and the repeatable collection of high-quality survey data, aligning well with Skanska’s operational and project delivery requirements.”
Stuart Duncan, team lead (Seabed Mapping & Inspection) at Skanska Survey Norway, stated: “We contacted several companies and looked at various USV solutions in this now-crowded workspace, but HydroSurv really shone as a company that Skanska felt it could do business with. We have been impressed throughout this process and very much look forward to receiving and working with our REAV-25. The compact vehicle is ideal for our current area of growth, and moving personnel from the field to the office will make us far more competitive to our clients.”
The USV, named Saga, will complete trials in the UK this March and is expected to enter operational service with Skanska in Norway in early spring.
