American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Singapore-based shipbuilder Eureka Navigation Solutions (Eureka), and AI-driven maritime startup AIRCAT have launched a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). The partnership combines classification expertise, shipbuilding capabilities, and AI-powered autonomy frameworks to address regulatory gaps and operational challenges in deploying maritime autonomous systems.
Strategic Goals of the Collaboration
The tri-party agreement between ABS, Eureka, and AIRCAT is designed to streamline the design-to-deployment lifecycle for USVs/ASVs. Key objectives include:
- Developing scalable autonomy architectures for commercial and defense applications
- Establishing safety case frameworks aligned with emerging IMO MASS regulations
- Accelerating classification approvals for autonomous vessel designs
- Demonstrating operational use cases in port security, offshore inspection, logistics support
This initiative builds on ABS’s growing involvement in autonomy certification programs. As one of the first classification societies to issue notations for autonomous functions (“AUTONOMOUS” class notations), ABS brings regulatory credibility to the project. Meanwhile, Eureka contributes its modular USV platforms already in service across Southeast Asia. AIRCAT provides AI-enabled command-and-control software optimized for real-time decision making in dynamic maritime environments.
Technical Focus Areas: Autonomy Stack and Safety Assurance
A central focus of the collaboration is integrating AIRCAT’s modular autonomy stack into Eureka’s low-emission USV platforms. This includes sensor fusion algorithms combining EO/IR cameras, radar/LiDAR data streams; adaptive path planning; object avoidance; remote supervision interfaces; and fail-safe protocols for emergency override or return-to-base functions.
The partners are also working on a “Safety Case Framework” tailored for autonomous operations under both crewed supervision modes (semi-autonomous) and fully uncrewed missions. This framework will align with IMO’s interim guidelines on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) as well as national regulators like Singapore MPA or U.S. Coast Guard standards.
Notably, ABS will contribute its experience from prior projects such as Sea Machines’ SM300 system testing aboard tugboats or Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet certification efforts.
Eureka’s Modular Platforms Enable Rapid Prototyping
Eureka Navigation Solutions has been developing modular USV platforms ranging from 3-meter survey drones to larger 12-meter multi-mission hulls suitable for ISR tasks or hydrographic mapping. These vessels are built with hybrid-electric propulsion systems optimized for low acoustic signatures—critical for both civilian oceanographic work and naval ISR missions.
The company has previously collaborated with regional navies in Southeast Asia on mine countermeasure trials using its ASV-12 platform equipped with side-scan sonar payloads. Its hulls are designed to accommodate containerized mission modules—an approach that aligns well with NATO’s push toward modularity in unmanned maritime systems under programs like MUSIS (Maritime Unmanned Systems Initiative).
AIRCAT’s Role: Maritime AI Engineered for Edge Autonomy
AIRCAT specializes in developing maritime-specific artificial intelligence systems capable of operating at the edge—onboard the vessel without relying on continuous shore-based connectivity. Their autonomy stack includes:
- AI-powered object recognition trained on maritime datasets including SAR targets
- Behavioral prediction models using AIS data fusion
- Cognitive navigation agents capable of COLREGS-compliant maneuvering
- Anomaly detection engines monitoring propulsion/sensor health in real time
The company is also building a cloud-based digital twin environment where simulated missions can be run using real-world weather/oceanographic data feeds before live deployment—a capability that supports risk reduction during trials.
Regulatory Pathways and Future Demonstrations Ahead
The partnership aims to conduct live demonstrations starting Q4 2024 at test ranges near Singapore or Gulf Coast U.S., depending on regulatory approvals. These trials will validate semi-autonomous port inspection operations as well as fully autonomous transits over predefined routes under controlled conditions.
A key milestone will be achieving an ABS “AUTONOMOUS” notation for one of Eureka’s mid-size platforms integrated with AIRCAT software by early 2025. This would mark one of the first instances where an end-to-end autonomy solution—from hull design through AI stack—receives full class approval under a harmonized safety framework.
Operational Implications for Defense and Commercial Sectors
This collaboration has implications beyond just technology demonstration—it could shape procurement strategies across navies looking to deploy low-cost ISR or MCM assets without risking crewed platforms. For example:
- Navies could use certified ASVs for harbor surveillance or minesweeping alongside traditional fleets.
- Civilian port authorities may deploy semi-autonomous vessels for infrastructure inspection or pollution monitoring tasks.
- Offshore energy operators could leverage these systems for pipeline inspection or environmental baseline surveys in remote areas.
Conclusion: Toward Scalable Maritime Autonomy Standards
The convergence of classification rigor (ABS), platform agility (Eureka), and edge-AI innovation (AIRCAT) represents a critical step toward scalable deployment of safe autonomous vessels. As global navies invest more into unmanned surface fleets—from U.S. Navy’s Ghost Fleet Overlord program to NATO MUS initiatives—the need for standardized safety frameworks grows increasingly urgent.
This trilateral effort may serve as a blueprint not only for technical integration but also policy alignment between industry stakeholders seeking to de-risk adoption paths while maintaining operational effectiveness across both military and commercial domains.
