SEA-KIT secures uncrewed surface vessel export deal
US autonomous maritime surveillance company ThayerMahan has ordered an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) from UK provider SEA-KIT International.
SEA-KIT’s first US export sale is for its 12 metre X-class USV, which ThayerMahan said it chose for its high payload capacity and ability to endure high sea states.
Mike Connor, President and CEO at ThayerMahan, said: “SEA-KIT’s flexible payload design enables us to host multiple, sophisticated maritime sensing systems onboard, which in turn will support ThayerMahan to continue leading the field of remote and autonomous mobile acoustic sensing and sense making.
“We envisage that the introduction of this hi-tech USV to our portfolio will enhance the protection of ports and vessels at sea as well as have a positive impact on illicit trafficking across international borders.”
ThayerMahan deploys autonomous solutions across maritime security, subsea infrastructure, defense & intelligence, offshore energy, acoustic sciences and living marine resources.
Delivery of the vessel to ThayerMahan is slated for spring 2023 with deployment expected in summer 2023. The company said it plans to use the SEA-KIT X-Class USV to support introduction of the technology into government service, as well as for its own commercial activities in US and international waters.
Ben Simpson, SEA-KIT CEO, said: “This US export deal marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey so far. The UK is forging a leadership stance in Maritime Autonomous Systems innovation, and we are proud to be part of that. We look forward to a fruitful, ongoing partnership with ThayerMahan and to supporting their current and future maritime domain awareness goals.”
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