ZeroUSV welcomed recently representatives from the Royal Navy, MOD and NSO (National Shipbuilding Office) to Manor Marine’s headquarters in Portland for a VIP tour showcasing the company’s expanding autonomous maritime capabilities.
The visit follows ZeroUSV’s recent strategic investment in Manor Marine, strengthening the partnership and boosting sovereign UK production capacity for the company’s Oceanus class uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
During the tour, guests were shown around Manor Marine’s facilities and given an update on the ongoing build of ZeroUSV’s next-generation Oceanus17 platform, which remains on track to be launched in July this year.
The tour demonstrated ZeroUSV’s ability to rapidly scale production of advanced British-built autonomous vessels, while highlighting the strength of UK sovereign shipbuilding and innovation within the maritime defence sector.
Designed for long-range, over-the-horizon operations, Oceanus17 represents a significant step forward in modular, multi-role autonomous maritime capability.
The 17-metre platform features a 4-tonne payload capacity and a 20ft ISO-compatible mission deck, enabling rapid reconfiguration for a wide range of defence, security and commercial maritime missions.
Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director of ZeroUSV, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome representatives from the Royal Navy and MOD, and showcase the progress being made across our Oceanus programme.
“The visit highlighted not only the pace at which we are developing advanced autonomous capabilities, but also the strength of British engineering and sovereign shipbuilding. Through our partnership with Manor Marine, we are building the foundations needed to deliver scalable, mission-ready USV capability for both defence and commercial applications.”
Picture caption: Matthew Ratsey with the VIP tour aboard the Oceanus17 vessel
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
RELATED ARTICLES
September 10, 2026
Homeland - Why 'Structured Collaboration' is Becoming a Defence Necessity
This week, Stuart John, from the Future Defence Support Services (FDSS) Bid Team at Leidos, examines new research with the
September 7, 2026
Homeland - Government commits £71m to Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine near Plymouth
The National Wealth Fund has committed up to £71 million to Tungsten West to restart the Hemerdon tungsten and tin
