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Norwegian offshore services player Reach Subsea has secured backing from the EU Innovation Fund to scale up the development of its remote unmanned surface vessels. The so-called Reach Remote project, which focuses on Norway’s pioneering fleet of uncrewed 24-m USVs, featuring hull-mounted survey sensors and a work-class electric remotely operated vehicle (ROV), has been granted funding of up to €14.3m ($15.5m). Reach Subsea placed an order at Kongsberg Maritime for the construction of the first two in a series of unmanned USVs in 2022. The remotely-operated units, offering subsea inspection, survey, and intervention services, are scheduled for deployment in 2024 under the Norwegian flag. The Reach Remote project is developed by Reach Subsea jointly with Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, a collaborative venture between Kongsberg and Wilhelmsen, with the latter also backing the project with an equity investment that places it at the top of Reach Subsea’s shareholders’ list. “This is a significant step forward for Reach Subsea’s innovation agenda, our Reach Remote scale-up plans and our commitment to driving sustainable ocean technology,” said Reach CEO, Jostein Alendal. The EU Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding mechanisms for advancing zero-emission and innovative technologies that aim to bring decarbonisation solutions to the market. |
