Oceanus12 sets sail for Canada as ASV Viper

One of Zero USV’s Oceanus12 uncrewed surface vessels has officially left UK waters following successful trials in Plymouth, bound for Canada where it will join Leeway Marine’s operational fleet under its new name: ASV Viper.

ZeroUSV says that the ASV Viper is the first vessel to be deployed internationally under its franchise model, and represents the first step in bringing high-endurance, over-the-horizon uncrewed capability to North America.

Designed for extended autonomous missions, the Oceanus12 features a hybrid-electric twin propulsion system and a “mission-flexible platform” that ZeroUSV says is suitable for defense, survey, and border security operations.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Leeway Marine is one of Canada’s largest offshore charter operators, with presence in the defense and survey markets.

ZeroUSV says that the ASV Viper will be the first autonomous vessel of its kind in the region, and opens new possibilities for persistent maritime operations without crew onboard. The ASV Viper is expected to enter operational trials in Canadian waters later this summer.