World's largest unmanned surface vehicle gets approval for ocean missions

The Saildrone Surveyor, a fully autonomous 65-foot-long unmanned surface vehicle (USV), has become the world’s largest USV to receive class certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). This certification, awarded on August 27, 2025, confirms that the Surveyor meets stringent international safety and design standards, enabling it to conduct extended deep-sea missions independently across all oceans. Developed by California-based Saildrone Technologies, the Surveyor is designed for ocean mapping, maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, supporting military, homeland security, and commercial operations in some of the most challenging marine environments. This milestone reflects years of investment by ABS to adapt classification standards to emerging autonomous maritime technologies. The Surveyor’s certification signals its maturity, safety, and readiness for large-scale deployment, marking a significant advancement in autonomous maritime operations. Unlike smaller models such as the 32-foot Voyager, the Surveyor’s long-endurance and deepwater capabilities greatly expand the operational potential of