Reach Subsea has exercised the first in a series of exclusive options with Kongsberg Maritime for the delivery of the next two uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), Reach Remote 3 and 4. The contract terms have been mutually agreed and remain confidential between the parties. Delivery is scheduled for the second half of 2027.
This marks a key milestone in Reach Subsea’s USV scaling programme.
The specifications for Reach Remote 3 and 4 will mirror the first two vessels, with targeted adjustments based on insights gained through the technical qualification programme and recent operational experience.
Reach Remote 1 and 2 were delivered earlier this year and are now in commercial operation. Reach Remote 1 is currently completing a series of fully remote-controlled offshore deployments off the coast of Norway for Equinor, TotalEnergies and Shell. Reach Remote 2 is in route to Australia to deliver services for Woodside Energy.
These deployments represent a major step forward in Reach Subsea’s development of remote operations architecture. In close collaboration with clients, the company has built a robust framework of ocean robotics capabilities—integrating advanced control systems, sensor technologies and remote piloting protocols. This structure enables efficient and safe subsea operations from onshore control centres around the world.
'The Reach Remote programme is a cornerstone of our strategy to redefine subsea operations. By combining our subsea expertise with the naval capabilities of Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, we are delivering real-world solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With vessels 3 and 4 now confirmed, we are entering the scale-up phase—ready to meet global demand and shape the future of remote subsea services', said Jostein Alendal, CEO of Reach Subsea.
In parallel with the ongoing growth initiatives, Reach Subsea has secured debt financing for Reach Remote 3 and 4 through DNB, Sparebank 1 Sør-Norge and EKSFIN. The financing attracted strong interest from leading financial institutions, enabling Reach to broaden its banking relationships. This expanding banking universe further strengthens the company’s financial flexibility and resilience, supporting continued investment in innovative subsea solutions.
On 22 October 2024 Reach Subsea announced the award of a EUR 14.3 million grant from the European Union through the Emission Trading System Innovation Fund. A large part of this grant is dedicated towards co-funding of the investment in Reach Remote 3 and 4.
The total investment from Reach Subsea in Reach Remote 3 and 4, ready for commercial operations and after EU funding, is approximately NOK 620 million. Of this, the bank financing related to Reach Remote 3 and 4 covers two-thirds of Reach’s investment.
With the financial foundation in place, the company is now focused on scaling operations towards critical mass and integrating ocean robotics across its delivery model.
'The Reach Remote fleet has enabled us to fully integrate ocean robotics into our delivery model. This shift is already delivering strong operational benefits—allowing us to offer a broader range of subsea solutions with greater responsiveness, resource efficiency, and global reach',said Inge Grutle, COO of Reach Subsea.
This operational shift is made possible through strong partnerships and shared innovation.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said: 'This contract reflects a growing industry confidence in remote and autonomous technologies. The success of Reach Remote 1 has proven that remote operations are not only viable, but they’re also transformative. By delivering these vessels, we ensure seamless integration of our advanced systems and a streamlined path to deployment. The Reach Remote concept is not just a technological achievement; it’s a glimpse into the future of offshore operations.'
The expansion of the Reach Remote fleet further solidifies Reach Subsea’s position as a global leader in advanced ocean robotics—delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable subsea operations worldwide.
Source: Reach Subsea
