HydroSurv’s REAV-25 – a zero-emission sheltered-water unmanned craft, designated USV Saga, has been featured in a vessel review by Baird Maritime. The USV will be operated by Skanska Norway’s in-house survey and inspection unit where it will undertake inland hydrographic survey operations.
Designed for high-resolution bathymetry in Norway’s inland waters
USV Saga carries a Norbit multibeam echosounder to deliver detailed bathymetric data that supports the design, construction, and maintenance of water-linked infrastructure.
Lightweight aluminium catamaran, ready to mobilise
- Length overall: 2.5 m | Lightship displacement: 210 kg
- Payload capacity: 50 kg – ample for additional hydrographic or environmental sensors
- Single-point lift and trailer launch allow rapid deployment even where port facilities are limited.
Efficient electric propulsion for full-day endurance
- Twin 2.5 kW rim-driven thrusters in fixed pods reduce entanglement risk in shallow water and deliver a top speed of 6 knots.
- A 6 kWh lithium battery pack provides silent, zero-emission endurance for a full working day.
Remote and autonomous control suite
- HydroSurv Virtual Vessel Control System paired with a Dynautics autopilot enables precise, repeatable survey lines under remote or automated control.
- Robust communications via 2.4/5 GHz radio, 4G/LTE, or Starlink maintain dependable links to shore.
- A forward-facing IP camera is fitted, with provision for additional cameras—including infrared—for low-light operation.
Portable platform, versatile mission profile
Compact dimensions and low weight make Saga ideal for ad hoc, shore-based missions, while its commercial-grade architecture supports a broad portfolio of hydrographic and environmental data-collection tasks.
Watch the REAV-25 video to see the vessel in action and discover its design intent and core capabilities.
