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Eelume and Maritime Robotics are collaborating on a new mine countermeasures solution that combines existing maritime platforms with autonomous systems to increase operational effectiveness. The new vessel, Eelume WP960, is an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that aligns perfectly with the Norwegian Armed Forces’ standard vessel strategy.

It can operate autonomously or be crewed when needed, and serves as a carrier platform for a swarm of Eelume S All-Terrain autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

This provides Norwegian defence, research, and civilian operators with a flexible and efficient platform for coordinated underwater operations and mine clearance.

Eelume WP960 test sailing in Trondheimsfjorden. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Mine detection with AI made in Trøndelag

"The solution is built on a “system of systems” approach, where Eelume’s autonomous underwater robots and Blueye Robotics’ remotely operated drones interact with autonomous systems from Maritime Robotics", says Thomas Nygaard of Eelume.

Biodrone will also contribute AI-based automatic object recognition to identify mines in sensor data collected by the vessels.

The project provides valuable experience in integrating autonomous surface and underwater systems and offers a strong foundation for further technological development.

At the same time, the solution follows a COTS strategy (Commercial Off-The-Shelf), ensuring fast access to cost-effective and operational capabilities without lengthy development cycles.

Thomas Nygaard and Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik at the Defence Conference 2025. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Flexible and autonomous – “Optionally unmanned”

Eelume WP960 is based on the WP960WB hull, developed by Westplast in collaboration with KACE AS and produced at KACE’s shipyard in Fosnavåg, Sunnmøre.

The hull combines a proven design, with over 70 units already in operational use worldwide, with advanced Trøndelag-developed autonomy and underwater technology. The result is a robust and versatile vessel built for demanding maritime operations, capable of integrating cutting-edge autonomous systems while maintaining the reliability of a sturdy hull from Sunnmøre.

"The vessel is equipped with autonomous solutions in an “Optionally unmanned” configuration, meaning it can operate fully autonomously without crew, or be manned when needed", Nygaard explains.

The hull of the Eelume WP960 is developed by KACE AS. Shown here in the wheelhouse configuration. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

"WP960 provides us with a highly flexible platform for autonomous operations, both alone and as part of a larger fleet. When combined with our autonomy technology and Eelume’s underwater systems, we get a solution that can be scaled quickly and adapted to different operational needs", says Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics.

"The collaboration between KACE and Eelume marks the start of an exciting new segment. Combining KACE’s long experience with robust WP vessels and Eelume’s advanced autonomous systems provides a solid foundation for the solutions of the future", says Geir-Arne Bøe, CEO of KACE AS.

"We are really looking forward to further collaboration with Eelume", he adds.

The vessel can be delivered with or without a wheelhouse, transported by road or air, and operate from larger ships, alone or as part of a fleet of multiple autonomous units. With a single-point lift for hoisting, the vessel is well suited for efficient deployment and recovery from larger mother ships.

Eelume WP960 can operate autonomously in groups from larger vessels. Illustration: Eelume

A robust hull for demanding operations

WP960 is developed as a robust and flexible vessel, built for demanding operations with high structural strength and stability, and is in operational use worldwide.

The vessel enables rapid mobilization of AUVs, ROVs, and sensor systems without costly or time-consuming development, and can be transported by road, sea, or air.

"The combination of autonomous surface vessels, underwater drones, and AI-based decision support provides a level of operational pace and precision far beyond traditional solutions. This is particularly relevant for complex operations in Norwegian fjords," says Hovstein.

Eirik Hovstein, Maritime Robotics, and Thomas Nygaard, Eelume. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

See also: Maritime Robotics and Eelume enter partnership for maritime surveillance and security

"The modular and open deck layout makes WP960 suitable for both civilian and defense applications, including seabed mapping, mine countermeasures, inspection, research, surveillance, and maritime security missions", Nygaard adds.

The solution integrates technology from multiple Norwegian suppliers: Eelume contributes platform and underwater expertise, Maritime Robotics provides autonomy, system architecture, and integration, Blueye Robotics contributes underwater drones for inspection and detection. 

Eelume S All-Terrain AUV. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

The platform allows for swarms of intelligent Eelume S All-Terrain AUVs to operate simultaneously while other underwater vehicles, such as Blueye Robotics drones, can also be deployed.

"This provides increased flexibility and coordinated use of multiple sensor and inspection platforms", Nygaard explains.

The project demonstrates how the defense sector can rapidly realize new operational effect through collaboration between existing suppliers, rather than initiating lengthy development projects with high technological and commercial risk.

Christian Gabrielsen demonstrates a Blueye Robotics underwater drone for Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

See also: Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik visits Trøndelag-based technology companies

Norwegian expertise at its best

"Norway has incredible expertise in shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and drones. What we are presenting here allows control over every square centimeter and threat in any fjord, something no other solution can achieve. This is a forward-looking AI-based solution built on technological developments of recent years, and it’s incredibly exciting to see what we can achieve when we collaborate", says Thomas Nygaard.

"When Eelume, Maritime Robotics, Blueye Robotics, and Biodrone come together, we create world-class development environments where sensor data from satellite, air, surface, and underwater sources is converted into precise real-time decision support. This collaboration delivers real operational effect for Norway and our allies," adds Vegard Forbord of Biodrone.

Vegard Forbord, Biodrone. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Eelume, Blueye Robotics, and Maritime Robotics are members of both NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster and Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Like Biodrone, they also participate in the Defence Conference and are part of the FI Ocean Space Incubator.

This project shows how collaboration between specialized Norwegian technology providers can reduce development time and risk while delivering flexible, scalable solutions tailored to operational needs, creating new capabilities for both defense and security sectors.

The USV is already booked for its first missions and was showcased Friday at Nyhavna during Dark Drones, with AUVs on deck.

Illustration: Eelume

See also: Norwegian Ministry of Defence awards NOK 13.75 million to Trøndelag-based Biodrone for development of AI-driven defence technology (NO)

Specifications

Dimensions (L × W × H): 9.6 × 3.4 × 3.8 m
Options (length): 7.8–11.8 m
Weight: 5–8 tonnes
Draft: 0.9 m
Hull material: FRP construction
Engines: 2 × 315 bhp
Propulsion: 2 × Hamilton waterjets
Bollard pull: 2,800 kg
Back deck capacity: 2,100 kg
Vessel autonomy: Third-party proven solution
Vehicle control system: VCS rugged laptop / rack-mounted for ROC
AUV capacity: Up to 8 All-Terrain AUVs
Payload: MBES, sonar, various sensors
Boat classification: DNV approved
Speed (survey / transit): 4 knots / >30 knots
Launch and recovery: Single-point lift
Transportation: Road, sea, air

Read more about Eelume WP960: Eelume AUV & USV solution

Eelume WP960 test sailing in Trondheimsfjorden. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri