WATCH: 24-meter USV performs first fully remote project

September 4, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

The 24-meter-long unmanned surface vessel (USV) Challenger, owned by a joint venture of DeepOcean, Solstad Offshore and Østensjø Rederi, has completed its first fully remote project.

Source: Screenshot/ DeepOcean via LinkedIn

GONDAN Shipbuilders started the construction of the USV in March 2024, following the order from the joint venture company USV A/S, in a project that focuses on improving subsea operations, targeting a reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to conventional methods.

The USV was floated out at the Astilleros Gondán shipyard on February 26, 2025, with the naming ceremony following in March and delivery in May the same year.

DeepOcean reported today, September 4, that Challenger had completed its first fully remote project, with both vessel and ROV operations managed entirely from the onshore remote operations center (ROC) in Haugesund.

Watch the operations

The scope was performed as simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) alongside the vessel BB Ocean and involved ROV-based adjustment and disconnection of a subsea manifold protection roof structure, supporting installation activities at Equinor’s Kårstø Subsea Test Centre.

“We are very pleased to have successfully delivered this subsea scope for Equinor. The project marks a significant milestone for our USV programme and demonstrates what is possible with next-generation subsea services,” said Johnny-Andrè Spangberg, Group BD Director & USV Lead at DeepOcean.

Designed by Salt Ship Design, the vessel features a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, allowing remote operation and autonomy of up to 30 days at sea.