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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.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

December 8, 2022

1 Min Read
A render of the SEA KIT X Class USV for ThayerMahan
SEA-KIT

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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About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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