ROC + DOCK project demonstrates future of resident USV operations
HydroSurv, UK-based USV developer, in collaboration with South Devon College and BMT, has successfully delivered the ROC + DOCK project, a pioneering initiative to realise the full potential of resident, zero-emission Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) operations in ports and harbours.
Funded through the Innovate UK Marine & Maritime Launchpad, the project has developed an integrated system to automate USV deployment, recovery, recharging and retasking – addressing one of the key barriers to scalable uncrewed operations. By removing the need for manual intervention, ROC + DOCK enables true force-multiplication of resident USVs operating across geographically separated coastal sites.
At the heart of the project is a solar-powered docking and replenishment station, an immersive Remote Operations Centre (ROC) using BMT’s REMBRANDT vessel simulator, and upgrades to South Devon College’s existing training vessel, USV Dart. Together, these components demonstrate an integrated end-to-end workflow that could transform how short-range environmental monitoring, inspection and surveillance missions are planned and executed – all from a centralised facility.
In early September, the ROC + DOCK system was deployed on the River Dart, where the remotely monitored docking station, fitted with an automated mooring latch, enabled fully hands-off recovery and recharging of HydroSurv’s REAV-16 USV. Deep integration between HydroSurv’s vessel control software and the BMT REMBRANDT simulator allowed the USV to be launched, navigated and tasked through a control interface traditionally used for crewed vessel training.
This capability, enabling operator training in a virtual environment that precisely replicates the vessel’s handling characteristics, before transitioning to live control; represents a significant advance in Remote Operations Centre design.
By automating docking, charging, remote supervision and simulator-based training, ROC + DOCK demonstrates a practical framework for force-multiplied maritime autonomy. A two-person team can now execute multiple missions from a single facility, across dispersed coastal sites, without the need for local on-water support.
🎤 “On-water data collection can achieve extraordinary productivity once vessels are set to work,” said David Hull, Founder & CEO, HydroSurv. “The challenge lies in mobilising crew solely to launch, recover and replenish uncrewed vessels following short-duration voyages. ROC + DOCK addresses this challenge directly by enabling USVs to operate independently from a centralised hub, without the need to send a crew to the worksite. This approach not only reduces cost and decarbonises operations, but provides a blueprint for resident USV networks around the UK coastline.”
The project also tackles one of the sectors most pressing issues, the skills and training challenge particularly acute in emergent technologies such as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) operators. The REMBRANDT simulator and ROC facility create a progressive pathway, allowing operators to gain experience in a safe synthetic environment before progressing to live missions, ultimately preparing them for real world operations in challenging environments.
🎤 Paul Singer, Business and Qualification Development Coordinator, South Devon College, commented: “Applied, hands-on learning is central to our ethos, and ROC + DOCK exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to reduce risk, improve accessibility, and prepare the workforce for the evolving demands of autonomy in maritime industries. It’s a proud moment for the College and a clear signal of where our maritime education and skills delivery is heading”
The ROC + DOCK project has demonstrated that the centralised operation of small, zero-emission USVs is no longer a future vision but an emerging reality – with the potential to reshape uncrewed marine data collection, inspection and monitoring for years to come.
📃📷 Source: HydroSurv
