AIP, an important first step to full classification of a new maritime vehicle, was awarded to the Saildrone Voyager and Surveyor.
ABS Issues Approval in Principle for Saildrone Uncrewed Surface Vehicles
Technology
Published on
June 7, 2023
Location
Alameda, CA
Read time:
5
Minutes
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued Approval in Principle (AIP) certificates to Saildrone, including the first AIP for a 10-meter commercial uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), the Saildrone Voyager. Approvals were issued to Saildrone for both the Voyager and Surveyor ocean data collection platforms. The AIP is an important step to class for Saildrone’s vehicles.
Saildrone is the world leader in providing ocean data using uncrewed vehicles, with nearly 25,000 days at sea and nearly 1,000,000 miles sailed. Primarily powered by wind and solar energy, Saildrone’s Voyager and Surveyor USVs are an environmentally friendly, cost-efficient solution for persistent data collection above and below the sea surface.
“Saildrone is proud to be the first to receive an AIP certificate for a 10-meter uncrewed vehicle from an internationally respected maritime classification agency. Saildrone technology is one of the most mature solutions available, and yet international regulations around uncrewed maritime systems are only in their infancy. Therefore, it is essential that Saildrone be proactive in working with the American Bureau of Shipping to lead the industry, on and off the water,” said Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins.
AIP is a formal review process that evaluates the design concept of a new technology, product, or system against ABS rules and applicable regulations as an important first step to full classification.
“ABS is leading the industry in supporting autonomous projects and assisting innovative companies like Saildrone. ABS understands that autonomous technologies are not stand-alone products but fully integrated with vehicle infrastructure and the result of numerous advancements in a wide variety of mechanisms including sensors, imaging, connectivity, machine learning, and more,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
Saildrone has already begun to scale production of its Voyager and Surveyor USVs to meet increasing demand for uncrewed ocean data collection. The company has partnered with Janicki Industries and Seemann Composites to build the Voyager wings and hulls and Austal USA to build Surveyor hulls. Surveyor wings will continue to be built at Saildrone’s headquarters in Alameda, CA.
Visit Saildrone this week in the USA Pavilion at Nor-Shipping 2023 in Oslo, Norway.
Contact Us
Jenn Virskus
Director Marketing, Saildrone
Office: (510) 956-8361
jenn.virskus@saildrone.com
About Saildrone
Saildrone designs, builds, and operates commercially developed unmanned surface vehicles for civil, commercial, and government missions. Built to perform in the world’s harshest environments, Saildrone platforms combine AI, advanced sensors, secure communications, and exceptional endurance to deliver persistent, wide-area maritime intelligence and seafloor insight. A modular architecture supports customer- and partner-furnished sensors and mission payloads, enabling multi-domain impact—from power projection and persistent ISR to real-time threat detection and tracking—while reducing cost, risk, and the burden on crewed assets. With proven operational success across the world’s oceans, Saildrone is advancing autonomous maritime operations to give decision-makers and warfighters the enduring advantage they need to act faster and operate farther.
About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance, and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.