AutoNaut Ltd

AutoNaut, a division of Seiche Ltd, builds uncrewed surface vessels propelled by wave energy. The company sums itself up as powered by waves and driven by data: its USVs harvest the motion of the sea for forward propulsion and use solar panels for onboard electrical power, so a vessel can operate independently for months without fuel and without carbon emissions. The propulsion system is described as patented Wave Foil Technology, and the company presents it as the basis for long-term, fuel-free missions that reduce both operating cost and environmental impact. Two hull sizes are offered. The 3.5-metre model is built for straightforward deployment and recovery, with a single lifting point and a low draft suited to slipway operations. The 5.0-metre model carries more payload and is more modular, allowing flexible integration of sensors and equipment. Both are designed to carry a diverse payload of solar-powered sensors, and both can be operated remotely over satellite communications, which allows real-time data transmission and control from shore-based facilities and removes the risk to personnel that crewed operations carry in hazardous marine conditions. Five applications are set out. Environmental monitoring makes use of a near-silent, zero-emission platform in sensitive marine habitats. Surveillance applies the same qualities to persistent, low-visibility maritime watch in challenging sea states. Metocean work gathers meteorological and oceanographic data in regions that are traditionally difficult or expensive to monitor. Water quality monitoring is supported for both real-time and long-term programmes. The vessels also act as a communications gateway, serving as an at-sea hub that links subsea assets to shore by satellite and underwater communications. A recent deployment illustrates the model: from early 2024 a fleet of four AutoNaut vessels began assisting the Barbados Meteorological Service to predict the path and strength of approaching hurricanes, stationed hundreds of miles east of Barbados and transmitting real-time data that can be followed live on the service's meteorological radar, with two further vessels due to be added. The company lists the benefits of over-the-horizon meteorological remote sensing by USV as zero-carbon data, reduced risk to personnel, dynamic spatial and temporal coverage, and reduced cost. Alongside data collection for research and industry, the company positions the platform as a sustainable and efficient answer to long-duration oceanic data collection, using renewable energy in place of crewed vessel time. AutoNaut operates from Okehampton in Devon, in the United Kingdom, is registered in England and Wales, and publishes case studies and news from its deployments. Its wave-propelled and solar-powered vessels have been recognised in ocean, marine and coastal monitoring technology awards, and the company has taken part in international hydrometeorological programmes in the Pacific alongside regional fisheries and forum agencies.