Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Grey Boat Code Certification to ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK (AEUK) for its RNMB HYDRA vessel, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) based system designed for the Royal Navy to complete mine countermeasures (MCM) tasks.

RNMB HYDRA can be embarked on ships such as the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigate and the new MCM mothership RFA Stirling Castle and can achieve speeds of up to 40 knots.

The vessel will complement the 4 existing ARCIMS systems that AEUK supply to the Royal Navy which operate a range of MCM payloads, including mine sweeping, mine hunting and as a host to other offboard systems.  

LR published the Grey Boat Code in 2019, the first of its kind for craft under 24-metres in length that operate in government service - typically navies, coast guards and police forces. The Code introduced a meaningful safety regime, setting standards of safety and protection for all persons on board these boat types, many of which are required to operate in hazardous environments and / or under unique conditions. 

RNMB HYDRA is also currently undergoing certification for LR’s Unmanned/Unoccupied Marine Systems (UMS) Certification.

Andy McKeran, Chief Commercial Officer, Lloyd’s Register said:

“We are delighted to award ATLAS ELEKTRONIK with LR’s Grey Boat Code certification for their innovative RNMB HYDRA USV.

“Our pioneering Grey Boat Code, launched in 2019, was specifically developed for navies, coast guards and police forces to provide assurance to the maritime defence industry of the safe design, build and maintenance of specialised vessels that operate in government service. We take great pride in acting as a trusted adviser to our naval clients like AEUK during these complex and thorough certification processes.”  ­­­

Wesley Galliver, Head of Surface Ship Systems, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK said:

“It is fantastic to achieve yet another milestone with our ARCIMS platforms.  Through our work with Lloyds Register we are able to provide quality and assured products to our naval customers, enabling them to meet their military objectives.”