London Maritime Academy is a trade name for London Premier Group
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8/15/2025, 10:42:58 PM
The UK has obtained its first certification under Workboat Code 3 for the hydrogen-powered Pioneer remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV) in advance of its impending testing.
According to Lloyd's Register (LR), which granted the certification with approval from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, it marks a substantial advancement in the regulatory framework for uncrewed and self-sufficient ships operating in UK waters.
Anderson Chaplow, Principal Specialist at LR, stated, “This certification is a significant step forward – not just for ACUA Ocean or LR, but for the wider UK maritime industry.”
The certification of small, complex ROUVs under Annexe 2 is achievable, setting a precedent for the industry. It showcases the potential of collaboration between developers, regulators, and classification societies for safe technology operation.
Notably, Pioneer is a long-endurance, hydrogen-powered uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) constructed by Plymouth-based ACUA Ocean for use in offshore monitoring, surveillance, and inspection. In the moonpool, the 14.2-metre (46.5-foot) vessel can carry up to 6.5-tonne cargoes from a 20-foot ISO container.
It can safely deploy sensor and system payloads in waves up to a considerable four metres high because of its pontoon architecture.
Besides, Pioneer boasts sophisticated autonomous navigation, remote command capabilities, and an integrated hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. According to the firms, the modular architecture is suited for a range of offshore applications, including offshore infrastructure inspection, marine domain awareness, and environmental monitoring.
The Maritime Safety Courses in London offer comprehensive training on Remotely Operated Unmanned Vessels (ROUV) accredited under Workboat Code 3, with an emphasis on comprehending the specific requirements listed in Annexe 2 of the code. This covers operational safety, navigation, communication, crew training, and remote operations. Additionally, MCA Maritime Cybersecurity Training and vessel-specific training are key.
The ship is a prototype created as part of the UK Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition (CMDC), which aims to highlight and encourage the development of cutting-edge technology that will speed up maritime decarbonisation.
Initially, ACUA Ocean intends to finish testing hydrogen-powered vehicles before moving further with hybrid and electric Pioneer models. Additionally, the business is working on the 24-metre Maelstrom concept vessel, which will offer a solid long-endurance platform for greater endurance and range as well as heavier cargoes.
According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annexe 2, ACUA Ocean became the first ship in the UK to obtain compliance with the first certification for a remotely controlled and unmanned vessel (ROUV), which emphasises LR. In December 2023, the MCA introduced the WBC3 criteria, which provide operational and safety regulations for ROUVs operating in UK waters.
For an operational ROUV, LR was the first certifying authority to complete the entire certification process and the first to be authorised by the MCA to issue certificates under Annexe 2.
In the upcoming months, LR anticipates issuing additional WBC3 Annexe 2 certificates and says it is still working with operators in the ROUV and autonomous vessel communities.
