Norwegian subsea services provider Reach Subsea has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in maritime innovation. Its Reach Remote 1 Uncrewed Vessel (USV) received a trading permit for fully remote operations. This approval, granted by the Norwegian Maritime Authorities and technically validated by DNV, marks the first time a USV of this size and capability has been authorized to operate without a support vessel.
🌊 Transforming Offshore Operations with Autonomous Technology
Reach Remote 1 is designed to perform complex offshore tasks using integrated Work Class ROVs, while drastically reducing emissions and eliminating the need for onboard personnel. Since its initial deployment in April, the vessel has demonstrated exceptional maritime safety and situational awareness, matching or exceeding the standards of manned vessels.
“This milestone reflects the extraordinary collaboration across our teams and with the Norwegian Maritime Authorities,” said Jostein Alendal, CEO of Reach Subsea.
🛠 Operational Success and Industry Impact
On October 11, 2025, Reach Remote 1 began its fully autonomous mission for Shell at the Ormen Lange field, operating entirely on its own. This event marks a historic moment for the offshore industry, showcasing the potential of remote-controlled subsea services.
“Our people have proved that Reach Remote has equivalent or better maritime safety level compared to manned vessels,” added Inge Grutle, COO of Reach Subsea.
🌍 Future Expansion and Global Reach
Following the success of Reach Remote 1, Reach Subsea is preparing Reach Remote 2 for deployment in Australia, while Reach Remote 3 and 4 are currently under construction. These vessels are part of a broader strategy to transform subsea operations through ocean robotics, offering scalable, sustainable solutions for global offshore projects.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
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