Classification and compliance services provider Lloyd’s Register has issued the UK’s first certification for a remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV), awarded to ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered long-endurance uncrewed surface vessel (USV).

The certification for ACUA Ocean’s PIONEER has been issued under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3) Annex 2. Introduced in December 2023, the WBC3 requirements set out safety and operational standards for ROUVs operating in UK waters.