“Transforming Maritime Intelligence: SEA.AI Boosts Optical Capabilities for USV12 in Collaboration with Piloda Defence, VN Maritime, and Havelsan”
Linz, Austria – December 4, 2025 – The innovative optical situational awareness technology, known as Watchkeeper by SEA.AI, is now thoroughly incorporated into the USV12, a 12-meter Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) developed through the partnership of VN Maritime and Havelsan, in conjunction with Piloda Defence and VN Maritime Shipyard.
The USV12 constitutes a flexible naval platform that is suitable for both manned and completely autonomous missions. This initiative represents a collaborative endeavor involving VN Maritime and Havelsan, bolstered by substantial support from Piloda Defence. Utilizing the innovative Rafnar ÖK Hull technology, the USV12 marks the beginning of an era of multifunctional naval systems, ensuring exceptional stability and security in demanding maritime conditions.
“Through the USV12 project, our aim is to merge tested seaworthiness with state-of-the-art autonomous functionalities,” stated Orkun Özek, Chairman of VN Maritime. “Our collaboration with Havelsan demonstrates how we can fuse innovation with operational reliability to create a powerful platform for defense missions and rescue operations.”
“The collaboration on USV12 highlights Havelsan’s dedication to advancing unmanned naval technologies,” remarked Deniz Remzi Dumlu, Director of Naval Programs at Havelsan. “By integrating VN Maritime’s expertise in high-performance naval vessels with Havelsan’s holistic mission frameworks, we are developing a solution that will bolster maritime security and enhance operational efficiency for our partners.”
Measuring 12 meters, the USV12 is crafted for effective missions across diverse sectors such as defense, maritime security, and rescue operations. It achieves remarkable speed capabilities, exceeding 40 knots, while assuring notable stability and diminished wave impact due to its proprietary Rafnar hull design. Equipped with advanced onboard systems and autonomous features, the USV12 sets a new benchmark in hybrid naval operations.
“With the USV12 initiative, our aim is not only to address immediate operational needs in search and rescue, surveillance, and military tasks but also to deliver solutions that unite automation, reliability, and high performance,” commented Donato Di Palo, CEO of Piloda Shipyard Division and Co-Founder of Piloda Group.
Watchkeeper, the latest innovation from SEA.AI — recognized as a pioneer in maritime machine vision since 2018 — plays a vital role in the autonomy and operational capability of the USV12. Drawing from years of experience in providing advanced optical solutions to commercial and government sectors, Watchkeeper enables real-time detection and classification of radar-invisible or non-cooperative entities, including small vessels, swiftly moving or low-profile floating hazards, and individuals in the water.
Completely integrated within the USV12’s mission and command framework, Watchkeeper enhances autonomous and optionally crewed navigation in low-light, high-traffic, or GPS- and AIS-denied marine environments. It facilitates reliable object tracking and visual identification, even at night, providing real-time alerts for collision risks or perimeter breaches, thus supporting both navigation safety and mission-specific surveillance goals.
“This integration illustrates that optical AI has become a crucial component for autonomous naval operations,” stated Marcus Warrelmann, CEO of SEA.AI. “We take pride in aiding our partners in deploying platforms that are both technologically advanced and operationally ready.”
As autonomous vessels become increasingly prominent in naval, security, and rescue missions, optical and thermal imaging technologies are vital for improving situational awareness and mission dependability.
SEA.AI’s Watchkeeper delivers the real-time visual intelligence necessary for safe and efficient operations in complex maritime environments.
