Zero USV expands portfolio with new XLR Oceanus12 for incredible 7500nm deployments

Zero USV expands portfolio with new XLR Oceanus12 for incredible 7500nm deployments © Zero USV

Zero USV, pioneers behind the world's first charter fleet for over-the-horizon unmanned surface vessels (USV), has today announced the expansion of its portfolio with the introduction of the new extra-long-range (XLR) Oceanus12, offering users even more options for high endurance maritime operations.

The original Oceanus12, launched earlier this year, is engineered to excel in voyages of upto 20 days or 2500 Nautical mile duration However, the new XLR version builds on the hybrid electric technology developed for Oceanus12 and can increase overall mission duration to an incredible 7500 Nautical Miles or approximately 60 days with no outside assistance. It is also built for missions in remote areas or regions where access to traditional fuelling points is limited, ensuring that operations can continue uninterrupted.

The XLR Oceanus12 has all the power and onboard functionality of the core variant but boasts an increased overall length from 11.55m to 13m. While the original Oceanus12 has a fuel capacity of 1200 litres and approximately 2500 nautical mile range or a 20-25-day mission, the XLR can carry 4000 litres of fuel and travel more than 7500 nautical miles, the equivalent of 60+ day missions.

Matthew Ratsey, founder and managing director of Zero USV, said: "Uncrewed vessels are a force multiplier. The ability to conduct sustained operations at sea without the need for regular refuelling or crew-related logistics is becoming increasingly crucial as operational pressure on resources and time become more demanding. This is even more pronounced as international tensions rise, particularly in regions with contested maritime boundaries, heightening the need for reliable, high endurance long range USVs. In fact, they never been more critical.

"The Oceanus12 XLR is designed to meet these demands, offering unparalleled endurance for missions that require extended periods at sea, whether for surveillance, environmental monitoring, or strategic defence operations. By offering more flexibility and the ability to conduct longer missions, Zero USV's XLR version responds directly to the strategic challenges of today's global security environment."

XLR Oceanus12 Specifications:

Green Credentials

• Twin Electric Hybrid Drive giving redundancy and efficiency
• Low fuel consumption
• Solar charging for house and emergency loads

Customisable Design

• Adaptable payload bay
• Sensor agnostic
• Quick change keel (sensor strut) allowing preloaded sensors to be swapped in/out with minimal downtime

Full autonomy

• GuardianAI full stack autonomy software by MarineAI installed as standard
• Fully loaded autonomous sensor suite including HD Radar from Navtech.
• Remote control option

Over-the-horizon

• Large fuel capacity for extended missions c. 7500Nm
• Six knot cruising speed with sprint speed of 10 knots (subject to payload)

Technical specification

• Length Overall: 13m
• Waterline Length: 11.40m
• Max Beam: 2.33m
• Displacement: 8 tonnes
• Hull Type: Monohull
• Hull Construction: Aluminium
• Installed Power: software limited to 40Kw, available 80Kw.
• Speed: 6 knots cruising, 10 knots sprint.
• Endurance: 7500+Nautical miles
• Fuel Capacity: 4000 Litres
• Payload: up to 1 tonne
• Draft: 1.76m