Objectives of the service
AUTOSEA addressed three operational gaps: costly crewed surveys, diver exposure during hull inspections and infrequent monitoring of ports, coastal areas and offshore infrastructure. The feasibility activity consolidated a service concept in which the LM450 autonomous surface vessel carries modular payloads, follows precise GNSS-enabled mission plans, docks or recharges through DockMaster, and delivers geo-tagged evidence packages to users through remote workflows.
Users and their needs
Target users are organisations that need frequent and reliable maritime data without adding crewed-vessel exposure or specialist staff for every mission. These include ports and hydrography teams needing repeatable bathymetry, maritime authorities needing hull-inspection and security evidence, offshore operators needing periodic monitoring around assets and cable routes, and research/environmental teams needing georeferenced long-duration data collection.
Service/ system concept
The service combines vessel autonomy, payload operations, satellite-enabled positioning, connectivity and customer reporting. Lemvos configures the LM450, DockMaster, payload and AutomatePro workflow for each mission. The vessel executes survey, inspection or monitoring tasks, transfers selected data to remote operators when required, returns for docking/recharge, and packages outputs into maps, alerts or mission reports.
Space Added Value
Space assets were central to the service concept. GNSS/RTK supports precise navigation, repeatable survey lines and geo-referenced evidence. Satellite communications enable beyond-line-of-sight supervision and mission-output transfer where terrestrial networks are limited. Earth Observation inputs, including Copernicus-style weather and environmental information, support mission planning and help identify conditions or areas where autonomous monitoring adds value beyond terrestrial-only workflows.
Current Status
The Kick-Start feasibility activity reached Final Review with a clearer customer, technical and business baseline. Evidence includes quarry bathymetry, Q3 2025 Valencia saltwater/port-environment validation, documentary-backed user interest, trade-show leads and external sector coverage. Follow-on work focuses on a champion maritime-authority pilot, additional operational validation and conversion from pilot evidence into repeat service, leasing and product sales.
Prime Contractor(s)
