Case Studies

New Collaboration with the First REAV-47 for Deep Water Profiling

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The Client

Nordic USV is a Norwegian start-up dedicated to
advancing sustainable coastal monitoring
solutions while using technology to make
coastal data more accessible. Operating on a
mission-driven model, the company offers deep
water profiling services without the need for
clients to own or operate marine assets,
enabling scalable, on-demand ocean data using
autonomous Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs).

Nordic USV’s journey with HydroSurv began in
2023, initially deploying an electric REAV‐28 for
fjord-based profiling missions. Following over
100 successful operations, Nordic USV looked to
expand their range and capability to longer
coastal missions and deeper profiling.

The Challenge

Nordic USV required a robust platform to meet three core challenges:

  • Extended range & depth: The existing REAV‑28 was capable of profiling up to 500 m. To access deeper environments in northern Norway, they needed a vessel capable of CTD profiling up to 1,500 m.
  • Year-round harsh environment: Persistent operations across the Helgeland coast and Sognefjord meant the vessel faced sub-zero temperatures, strong tidal currents, sea ice and remote logistics.
  • Remote operation: Nordic USV needed a platform that could be operated entirely from their Bergen HQ without on-site personnel to improve mission frequency and efficiency.

The Solution

Hybrid power and endurance

  • Equipped with a 48VDC power system, consisting of a 12kW battery module recharged using and a 4kW diesel generator.
  • 72 hour mission endurance, plus remote recharging and mooring latch technology.
  • Consumes <1 litre diesel per hour at full load reducing emissions by 97% compared with conventional vessels.

Ruggedisation for harsh environments

  • Winterisation features with battery-module heating ensure performance in sub-zero temperatures.
  • Two rim-driven electric thrusters provide superior low-speed control and reduce fouling risk in shallow or weedy waters.
  • Fully-welded aluminium construction for commercial-duty service in harsh coastal waters.

Integrated deepwater profiling capability

  • Fitted with a 1500 m profiling winch for deepwater CTD data collection.
  • Designated payload bay and provision for onward sensor integrations.
  • Proprietary software application developed to integrate control of customer-furnished winch.

“The REAV-47 represents a quantum leap in remotely operated vessel capability… From our Bergen operations centre, the REAV-47 will conduct missions up to 1,000 kilometres way, gathering crucial environmental data even in adverse conditions.

This unprecedented reach transforms”

Sander Henriksen CEO of Nordic USV

The Result

  • REAV‑47 USV Bris is now stationed in Mo i Rana, 786 km from Nordic USV’s Bergen HQ, operatingentirely uncrewed.
  • Nordic USV can now execute missions up to 1,000 km away, with reduced turnaround and no fieldpresence required.
  • Nordic USV now has the confidence to station vessels in more remote locations, reducing the needfor human intervention and allowing for scalable data collection and faster data to desk.

Future Plans

Following the successful deployment of USV Bris, Nordic USV now plans to expand its fleet with two additional REAV‐47 vessels in 2025 to increase capacity along Norway’s coastline.

Looking ahead, HydroSurv is excited for close-collaboration with Nordic USV to continue developing future variants of the REAV-47, including zero-emission battery-electric craft. This continued partnership will continue to meet Nordic’s evolving mission requirements while advancing sustainability in ocean data collection.

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