Umoe Mandal to produce Saildrone Surveyor V3 autonomous vehicles

Norwegian shipbuilder Umoe Mandal has been selected to manufacture the next generation of Saildrone’s Surveyor V3 uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). The Surveyor V3 is a large autonomous vessel designed for long-endurance operations in challenging maritime environments.

The partnership is a key component of Saildrone’s European expansion strategy, which includes establishing a regional headquarters in Copenhagen and forming manufacturing partnerships in Norway, Poland, and the Netherlands. By producing the vessels in Norway, Saildrone aims to provide European customers with sovereign manufacturing capacity located closer to their operations.

For Umoe Mandal, the project aligns with its focus on defense and advanced maritime security systems. The company has previously supplied mast structures for Type 26 frigates for both the Royal Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy, as well as advanced naval gun cupolas. The company is currently expanding its industrial capacity to meet rising demand from the defense and security sectors.