Canadian shipbuilder Hike Metal Products has signed a technology licensing agreement with UK-based HydroSurv to manufacture, market and support a portfolio of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) across Canada and the United States.
As informed, the agreement will enable Hike Metal to produce a range of commercially proven uncrewed surface vessel platforms in North America, strengthening regional manufacturing capabilities while expanding access to autonomous survey technology for government, commercial and research customers. The company designs and manufactures an extensive portfolio of commercial workboats, patrol vessels, research vessels, search and rescue craft, ferries, hovercraft and other mission-specific platforms.
By adding uncrewed platforms to its portfolio, the firm is positioning itself to meet growing demand for autonomous maritime solutions across North America, it was highlighted.
The partnership is expected to support a range of organisations across Canada and the United States, including police agencies, Ministries of Natural Resources, research organisations, hydrographic survey companies and other government marine operators.
As demand grows for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible methods of conducting hydrographic and geophysical surveys, subsea asset inspection, oceanographic observation, and environmental monitoring, HydroSurv's rapid environmental assessment vessel (REAV) provides a range of small- and midsize platform solutions backed by local manufacturing and regional support.
Under the agreement, three vessel variants ranging from 2.5 to 6 meters in length will be offered. The lineup includes a battery-electric platform designed for inland and sheltered-water operations, a battery-hybrid model intended for multi-day nearshore survey missions, and a larger platform capable of supporting extended coastal operations with heavier payloads, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and towed array systems.
According to the partners, manufacturing of the first North American-built uncrewed vessels has already begun following the signing of the agreement, with initial deployments planned in Canada and the United States.
"Our ongoing search for innovations and partnerships has resulted in our new and exciting relationship with HydroSurv entering into the market of Unmanned Vessels. Located on the shores of Lake Erie on the Great Lakes, we recognise the potential market for the application of these incredible vessels and look forward to a long and successful relationship with HydroSurv," Stephen Ingram, President of Hike Metal Products, said.
"Partnering with Hike enables us to combine HydroSurv’s highly-capable USV technology with Hike’s outstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship. It’s an exciting milestone for both organisations, and we look forward to working closely with Stephen and his team in the weeks ahead," David Hull, Founder & CEO of HydroSurv, stated.