Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) Certification to Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) for its RNMB Hydra vessel, an uncrewed Royal Navy surface vessel designed for mine sweeping and mine hunting tasks.
As disclosed, the 11-meter-long RNMB Hydra is the latest ATLAS remote combined influence minesweeping system (ARCIMS) unmanned surface vessel supplied to the Royal Navy under the Mine Hunting Capability Project.
RNMB HYDRA can be embarked on ships such as the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigate and the new MCM mothership RFA Stirling Castle and can achieve speeds of up to 40 knots.
The vessel will complement the four existing ARCIMS systems that AEUK supplies to the Royal Navy which operate a range of MCM payloads, including mine sweeping, mine hunting and as a host to other offboard systems.
“We are pleased to be able to issue this certificate to RNMB Hydra which allows AEUK to demonstrate compliance with a robust and rigorous standard. The project is testament to our strong partnership with AEUK, which involved significant research into autonomous applications to support safer procedures in military operations,” Anderson Chaplow , Head of LR’s Naval Project Team, said.
“AEUK is proud to be part of the transition to autonomous systems that many global navies are undertaking. Working with Lloyd’s Register to achieve this certification means that our users can operate these technologically advanced systems safely and with confidence in their capabilities,” Wesley Galliver , Head of Surface Ship Systems Division in AEUK, added.
LR’s UMS Code is a process for certifying the design, build, and maintenance of remotely controlled and autonomous vessels within a structured framework. The code is adaptable and applicable to vessels ranging from very small to large complex ones.
In September 2023, Atlas Elektronik received Grey Boat Code Certification for its RNMB Hydra vessel. LR released the Grey Boat Code in 2019 for government service vessels under 24 meters, such as those used by navies, coast guards, and police. The code established safety standards to protect all on board, addressing the unique and hazardous conditions these boats often face.
To remind, last month, Atlas Elektronik signed a commercial framework agreement with compatriot defense company Babcock to ensure the readiness of Royal Navy submarines.