Portland, UK – October 2025 — British maritime engineering firm Manor Marine has announced that its client Zero USV achieved a major milestone during the NATO REP(MUS)25 exercise, marking a breakthrough moment in autonomous naval operations.

The event, held off the Portuguese coast and attended by more than 20 allied navies over four weeks, showcased Oceanus12, one of Zero USV’s advanced autonomous surface vessels. The vessel was competitively selected by the Royal Navy to participate in the trials. During the exercise, Oceanus12 became the first uncrewed vessel to autonomously launch and recover a thin-lined towed acoustic array — a critical capability in anti-submarine and ocean surveillance missions — without human intervention.

The Oceanus12 also demonstrated operational endurance exceeding four days of autonomy and successfully maintained communications over 800 miles from its control center. Its propulsion system was reliably powered by RAD Propulsion, while software intelligence was supported through collaboration with Marine AI, another UK-based innovator in maritime autonomy systems.

Manor Marine, headquartered in Portland, served as the construction and integration partner for Zero USV’s vessel program. The company handled fabrication, fit-out, and final commissioning of the Oceanus12 platform. “It’s a privilege to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of marine autonomy,” Manor Marine stated, emphasizing its role in supporting the next generation of naval technologies.

The UK, long recognized for its strength in maritime innovation, continues to see small and medium-sized enterprises like Zero USV, Marine AI, and Manor Marine leading advancements in uncrewed systems, engineering integration, and defense collaboration.

Manor Marine also confirmed its ability to accommodate new build and refit projects in aluminum and steel vessels up to 50 meters at its full-service shipyard in Portland Port & Portland Harbour Authority Ltd., UK.