New mine-hunting system linking surface vessels and underwater robots unveiled in Norway

January 28, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Norwegian companies Eelume and Maritime Robotics have unveiled a new mine-hunting system that brings together unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous underwater robots, aiming to improve the safety and effectiveness of mine countermeasures at sea.

The new vessel, Eelume WP960, is an unmanned surface vessel that can operate autonomously or be crewed when needed, and serves as a carrier platform for a swarm of Eelume S All-Terrain autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Eelume WP960 is based on the WP960WB hull, developed by Westplast in collaboration with KACE AS and produced at KACE’s shipyard in Fosnavåg, Sunnmøre.

The USV measures 9.6 metres in length, 3.4 metres in width, and 3.8 metres in height, with length options ranging from 7.8 to 11.8 metres. It has a weight of between 5 and 8 tonnes and a shallow draft of just 0.9 metres, allowing it to operate effectively in coastal and confined waters.

The solution integrates technology from multiple Norwegian suppliers: Eelume contributes platform and underwater expertise, Maritime Robotics provides autonomy, system architecture, and integration, and Blueye Robotics contributes underwater drones for inspection and detection.

According to Maritime Robotics, the hull combines a ‘proven’ design, with over 70 units already in operational use worldwide, with advanced Trøndelag-developed autonomy and underwater technology. The result is a robust and versatile vessel built for demanding maritime operations, capable of integrating modern autonomous systems while maintaining the reliability of a sturdy hull from Sunnmøre, it was highlighted.

The vessel can be delivered with or without a wheelhouse, transported by road or air, and operate from larger ships, alone or as part of a fleet of multiple autonomous units. With a single-point lift for hoisting, the unit is well-suited for efficient deployment and recovery from larger mother ships, according to the company.

The unit can carry up to eight all-terrain autonomous underwater vehicles. Its payload includes multi-beam echo sounders (MBES), sonar systems, and a variety of other sensors. The boat is DNV-approved, ensuring it meets international standards for safety and performance.

Furthermore, the platform allows for swarms of intelligent Eelume S All-Terrain AUVs to operate simultaneously, while other underwater vehicles, such as Blueye Robotics drones, can also be deployed.

The project demonstrates how the defense sector can rapidly realize new operational effects through collaboration between existing suppliers, rather than initiating lengthy development projects with high technological and commercial risk.

“Norway has incredible expertise in shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and drones. What we are presenting here allows control over every square centimeter and threat in any fjord, something no other solution can achieve. This is a forward-looking AI-based solution built on technological developments of recent years, and it’s incredibly exciting to see what we can achieve when we collaborate,” said Thomas Nygaard of Eelume.

“The collaboration between KACE and Eelume marks the start of an exciting new segment. Combining KACE’s long experience with robust WP vessels and Eelume’s advanced autonomous systems provides a solid foundation for the solutions of the future,” Geir-Arne Bøe, CEO of KACE, noted.

“WP960 provides us with a highly flexible platform for autonomous operations, both alone and as part of a larger fleet. When combined with our autonomy technology and Eelume’s underwater systems, we get a solution that can be scaled quickly and adapted to different operational needs,” stated Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics.

Eelume, Blueye Robotics, and Maritime Robotics are members of both NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster and Ocean Autonomy Cluster.