Damen, Zeabuz launch new defense and security platform

Provider of intelligent navigation solutions Zeabuz and Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Shipyards Group have launched a new defense and security autonomy platform during the Damen Maritime Festival.

As part of this launch, Zeabuz has integrated its autonomy system on the ZeaFalcon, a 7-meter Damen HDPE uncrewed surface vessel (USV) optimized for defense and security applications.

The system comprises a full suite of operational capabilities, including autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, remote command and control, autodocking, and connectivity-denied operations. 

These autonomy features directly address critical challenges in the defense and security domain.

According to Zeabuz, by reducing the need for human presence in high-risk environments, the system will protect lives during demanding naval missions such as intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue (SAR), and mine countermeasures (MCM).

At the same time, it is expected to enhance force effectiveness by enabling a single operator to manage multiple vessels simultaneously, allowing naval customers to expand their operational reach without increasing manpower. 

“This launch represents a new chapter for Zeabuz. Our scalable autonomy platform has already proven its value in commercial operations, and now, together with Damen, we are bringing these capabilities to the defense and security sector. By entering the naval market, we are expanding our mission: delivering autonomy that saves lives, strengthens resilience, and enhances operational capacity across the maritime domain,” Øyvind Smogeli, CEO & CTO of Zeabuz, said.

The Zeabuz dual-use autonomy platform is suitable for any size of vessel and operation, from unmanned missions with small USVs to assisting crew on large ships.

To remind, Damen Shipyards recently signed a contract with Serco for the delivery of 24 vessels of various types for the Royal Navy.

The contract for 24 Damen vessels includes a wide range of ship types, including ASD tugs, RSD tugs, pilot boats, barges and crane barges. The vessels will support the modernization of the navy’s auxiliary fleet, replacing ageing vessels currently in operation.