Blueye Robotics to supply underwater ROVs for Dutch Navy

August 19, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Norwegian technology company Blueye Robotics, together with local partner RVI Tools, has secured a contract to supply underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to the Royal Netherlands Navy.

As disclosed, the ROV systems will be delivered with advanced capabilities tailored for military engineers and mine countermeasure (MCM) teams.

They will be used in a wide range of mission profiles, including:

Civilian authority support: including search and recovery (SAR) of missing persons or submerged objects, and inspection of military wrecks;

Diving operations: supporting reconnaissance, mobility and counter-mobility tasks, demolitions, and swimmer delivery missions;

Surface swimmer and small boat operations: including reconnaissance in wetlands and water-land transition zones, securing sabotage points, and riverine tactical insertion;

Military engineer reconnaissance: surveying channels, canals, rivers, and water infrastructure such as quays, bridges, and locks;

Harbor protection: assisting both divers and non-divers in conducting underwater inspections and threat detection;

Mine countermeasure (MCM) operations: aiding divers in identifying mine-like objects prior to neutralization.

The decision to award the contract to Blueye Robotics and RVI Tools was based on several key factors, including system reliability, sensor modularity, ease of use, and operational flexibility in challenging environments, it was noted.

“Together with our highly valued partner, Rutger van Duijn at RVI Tools, we are proud to support the Netherlands Royal Navy with our underwater dual-use ROV technology. This contract demonstrates the global trust in the Blueye ROV platform and reinforces our commitment to developing innovative, easy-to-use tools that enhance mission effectiveness and safety underwater,” Christian Gabrielsen, CEO of Blueye Robotics, said.

“We are proud to collaborate with our trusted partner, Blueye Robotics, to deliver their innovative underwater ROV technology to the Netherlands Royal Navy. This agreement highlights the confidence in the Blueye platform and reflects our shared dedication to providing reliable and user-friendly solutions that improve operational efficiency and safety beneath the surface,” Rutger van Duijn, owner of RVI Tools, stated.

In addition to supplying the hardware, Blueye Robotics and RVI Tools will provide on-site training and access to a comprehensive online support platform with technical articles and training videos.