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Reach Subsea orders two more remote USVs
Norwegian banks have provided finance to support Reach Subsea’s US$62.4M investment in two uncrewed vessels for subsea operations
A Norwegian vessel owner has ordered two more unmanned vessels to support subsea surveys and ROV operations as part of a growing transition in the offshore sector.
Reach Subsea will invest NKr620M (US$62.3M) in two more unmanned surface vessels (USVs) after successfully landing long-term contracts for the first two such vessels in its Reach Remote fleet.
The Oslo, Norway listed owner has secured debt financing for Reach Remote 3 and Reach Remote 4 through DNB, Sparebank 1 Sør-Norge and EKSFIN, and ordered the new pair of remotely controlled vessels from Kongsberg Maritime.
The newbuilds are set for delivery in 2027, based on similar design and specifications to Reach Remote 1 and Reach Remote 2 which were delivered earlier in 2025. However, shipowner and designer say they will come with "targeted adjustments based on insights gained through the technical qualification programme and recent operational experience".
Reach Remote 1 is currently completing a series of fully remote-controlled offshore deployments off the coast of Norway for Equinor, TotalEnergies and Shell, while Reach Remote 2 is in transit to Australia to deliver services for Woodside Energy. Both are being managed by Massterly, a joint venture between Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, which is responsible for remote navigation and vessel operations.
“The Reach Remote programme is a cornerstone of our strategy to redefine subsea operations,” said Reach Subsea chief executive Jostein Alendal. “By combining our subsea expertise with the naval capabilities of Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, we are delivering real-world solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable,” he said.
Reach Subsea holds several exclusive options for additional vessels under the Reach Remote programme, supporting long-term co-operation to develop their design and remote subsea operations further.
“Success of Reach Remote 1 has proven that remote operations are not only viable, but they are also transformative,” said Kongsberg Maritime president Lisa Edvardsen Haugan.
“With vessels three and four now confirmed, we are entering the scale-up phase – ready to meet global demand and shape the future of remote subsea services.”
Design specifications
The new pair of 24-m vessels will be constructed to Kongsberg Maritime’s UT5208 design with technology enabling remote and autonomous offshore operations. Kongsberg is also responsible for supply chain management, systems integration, commissioning and final delivery of the USVs.
Kongsberg will integrate various technologies into the two unmanned vessels including automation and navigation systems, situation awareness solutions, manoeuvring and thruster control, low-voltage switchboards, energy storage modules and equipment for remotely operated vehicles and hydrographic operations.
Deliverables also cover ship design and engineering, project management, and telecom systems including ship-to-shore connectivity.
Massterly will remotely operate the vessels with Reach Subsea managing subsea mission execution, including remote control of ROVs, data collection and processing.
Funding details
On 22 October 2024, Reach Subsea secured a €14.3M (US$16.8M) grant from the European Union through the emissions trading system innovation fund, of which a large part of this grant is dedicated towards co-funding of the investment in Reach Remote 3 and Reach Remote 4.
Total investment from Reach Subsea in Reach Remote 3 and Reach Remote 4, ready for commercial operations and after EU funding, is around NOK620M (US$62.4M), of which two-thirds is covered by the bank financing.
With this financial foundation in place, Reach Subsea has said it is now focused on scaling operations towards critical mass and integrating ocean robotics across its delivery model.
“Our Reach Remote fleet has enabled us to fully integrate ocean robotics into our delivery model,” said Reach Subsea chief operating officer Inge Grutle.
“This shift is already delivering strong operational benefits, allowing us to offer a broader range of subsea solutions with greater responsiveness, resource efficiency, and global reach.”
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