Ocean Infinity, a prominent player in marine robotics and technology, has officially launched its state-of-the-art NeedleFish Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Coast Guard (KCG). This deployment signifies a major enhancement in Kuwait’s maritime surveillance capabilities, as reported by Ocean Infinity’s press release.
The NeedleFish USV is a crucial element of Kuwait’s new national integrated maritime surveillance system, which is being implemented by SRT Marine Systems. According to statements from Ocean Infinity, this uncrewed vessel is specifically equipped with a suite of specialized maritime surveillance sensor systems. It harnesses Ocean Infinity’s cutting-edge software, advanced robotics, and marine intelligence to provide the KCG with an advanced capability for unmanned patrols, surveillance, mapping, and surveying across Kuwait’s extensive 11,000 square kilometers of territorial waters.
Operations for the NeedleFish USV are managed from newly constructed onshore Command Centers belonging to the KCG, which are fully integrated into the SRT C5iSR maritime surveillance network. The official launch included live demonstration exercises in open water, witnessed by high-ranking Kuwaiti officials, including His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior, and Commodore Sheikh Mubarak, the Commander of the Kuwait Coast Guard.
Ocean Infinity’s CEO, Oliver Plunkett, remarked on the significance of this initiative, noting that the program represents another pivotal achievement for the company. He further stated that Ocean Infinity is leveraging its extensive operational experience and proven technology to support clients in increasingly complex markets, particularly as these capabilities become more vital.
The company has a history of operating USVs for various client projects since 2019, drawing upon significant operational experience gained in challenging marine environments. This expertise, combined with their proficiency in data acquisition and transmission at sea, has culminated in the development of the NeedleFish platform, tailored to address the unique requirements of the Kuwaiti maritime domain. The vessel is designed to deliver high-performance robotics for beyond-line-of-sight marine surveillance, including live surveillance streaming.
