Who are Zero USV?

 

Zero USV is a new collaboration bringing together more than 50 years’ of marine specific design, build, engineering and operational experience into a unique new class of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) – the 12 metre Oceanus12 class.

This includes the experience and knowledge from the successful transatlantic autonomous voyage of the Mayflower 400 (www.mas400.com) which involved collaboration from MSubs and MarineAI. Zero USV enjoys a rich heritage that combines the research, marine build and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver what will surely become some of the most renowned and successful USV deployments globally.

Why is Oceanus12 unique? Quite simply because it is a fully autonomous (not remote controlled) ‘turnkey’ package for design and build, right through to operation and support – a first in marine autonomy.

Oceanus12 will assist a whole host of client user applications, from geophysical surveying and offshore energy through to fisheries, science, policing, and defence.

In these and myriad other applications Oceanus12 is designed to improve safety by reducing human risk and error, at the same time increasing efficiencies and flexibility whilst lowering operational costs – 24/7/365.

More on our heritage

MarineAI

MarineAI creates cognitive artificial intelligence to enhance maritime capabilities by drawing on decades of experience in manned and unmanned marine vehicle design, manufacture and operations, coupled with vast experience in automation and autonomous systems software architecture, and computer vision expertise.

It is the software house of MSubs, set up to commercialise its autonomous and AI software in the marine environment for defence, commercial and recreational. The software used by Mayflower400 for her successful transatlantic voyage was produced and supported by MarineAI and this same software will be used by Zero USV.

MarineAI's autonomous AI software - "GuardianAI" - designed for manned and unmanned vessels, is currently being deployed successfully in both the defence and commercial sectors.

M Subs

M Subs Ltd specialises in the design, manufacture, and operation of manned and unmanned vehicles for military and commercial markets.

Operating from Plymouth (UK), the company’s experienced team possesses skills in mechanical and electrical engineering, composites design and manufacture, electronics and software design, and offshore operations.

More on our founders

Brett Phaneuf

Brett Phaneuf is the founder and Managing Director of MSubs , in addition to being the founder of MarineAI.

Through his US non-profit – Promare - Brett was responsible for the design, build and successful voyage of the USV Mayflower400 (www.mas400.com) from Plymouth, UK to Plymouth MA in 2022. Mayflower is a 15m USV and successfully crossed the Atlantic, spending approximately 34 days operating autonomously, using software designed and developed by MarineAI.

Matthew Ratsey

Matthew Ratsey is a Naval Architect with more than 30 years’ experience in the marine industry.

Since 2020, Matthew has been the Managing Director of MarineAI Ltd and a key team member for the successful voyage of Mayflower400. Matthew is now the Managing Director of Zero USV Ltd and intrinsically involved in the design, specification and build of the Oceanus12 series which draws on the  companies combined engineering and in-field experience of designing and operating USVs.

Market Applications

Geophysical Survey & Mapping

Oceanus12 is perfectly equipped to autonomously collect data from geophysical surveys to map the sea floor.

 

CNI & Defence

With growing threats worldwide to nations’ critical national infrastructure, including subsea cabling and pipelines, Oceanus12 can collect data autonomously in response to damaged lines, and to prevent exposed or vulnerable environments.

Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration

With growing threats worldwide to nations’ critical national infrastructure, including subsea cabling and pipelines, Oceanus12 can collect data autonomously in response to damaged lines, and to prevent exposed or vulnerable environments.

Renewables, Exploration & Maintenance

As offshore renewables infrastructure grows, there is greater need for, and reliance upon, autonomous vessels to accurately navigate through windfarms and other cluttered offshore waterways. Oceanus12 allows operators and developers to monitor, survey, design and maintain.

Border & Piracy Control

Oceanus12 acts as reconnaissance vessel and can react to potential threats such as piracy and other illegal operations, feeding vital data back to operational headquarters.

 

SOS, Emergency Fire & Rescue

With growing threats worldwide to nations’ critical national infrastructure, including subsea cabling and pipelines, Oceanus12 can collect data autonomously in response to damaged lines, and to prevent exposed or vulnerable environments.

Archaeology & Magnetometry

Oceanus12 allows operators to ‘see into the ground’ by collecting requisite data prior to, or without having to excavate the seabed.

 

Fisheries, Science & Policing

Working hand in hand with international fisheries enforcement organisations, or assisting marine biologists, Oceanus12 will navigate waters to provide much needed data on ecological and marine patterns, including the tracking of poaching and other illegal fishery operations, as well as support to commercial fishing more generally.

Crash Investigation

Whether it be plotting a map of debris across the surface of the ocean, or surveying the seabed for wreckage, Oceanus12 autonomously patrols wide areas to feed back the desired information for emergency services and indeed, aircraft operators.