Rijkswaterstaat has officially received its first DUS V1875 unmanned survey vessel (USV), named REMO 1, from Demcon Unmanned Systems. The DUS V1875 sets a new benchmark for autonomous hydrographic surveying in inland waters, especially in locations that are difficult to access.
The handover took place during an official handover event organised by Rijkswaterstaat, where invited guests were shown a live demonstration of its advanced autonomous capabilities. Rijkswaterstaat is the executive agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, dedicated to promote safety, mobility and the quality of life in the Netherlands.
CIO Ron Kolkman of Rijkswaterstaat: ‘It’s impressive to see how we were able to realize this vessel in about a year. The USV is a great Dutch product to be proud of.’
Also read: Demcon to supply Rijkswaterstaat’s first USV
Compact high-tech USV
Developed and manufactured in the Netherlands, this compact and fully electric USV is designed for rapid deployment in locations that are difficult or unsafe to survey with traditional vessels. Thanks to its flexibility, the vessel is suitable for diverse measurement and monitoring tasks, delivering reliable, detailed data for future-proof water management.
The DUS V1875 is equipped with a robust HDPE hull and a modular design featuring an interchangeable moonpool for easy interchanging of survey equipment. This design supports a wide range of sensors, including multibeam echosounders, side-scan sonars, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP), and water quality instruments.
The first version is fitted with an ADCP, enabling precise measurements of water flow and discharge, the volume of water passing through. Discharge is a key metric for understanding river and canal currents and an essential parameter for determining safe dike heights.
Also read: Van Oord orders unmanned, autonomous offshore survey vessel with Demcon
Zero-emission operation and collision avoidance
This small USV type is engineered with strict attention to operational safety, reliability, and minimal environmental impact. Thanks to its fully electric propulsion, the platform operates with zero emissions, while redundant systems and multiple safety features continuously monitor both the vessel and its surroundings to ensure safe operations.
Advanced capabilities such as automatic collision avoidance and dynamic positioning enable highly precise autonomous navigation. This makes reliable deployment possible on regular waterways as well as in complex, confined environments, even beyond the operator’s direct line of sight.
In addition to its advanced technical capabilities, the USV is a sustainable alternative that actively contributes to reducing emissions from conventional vessels. By significantly lowering the ecological footprint of Rijkswaterstaat’s fleet, the platform reinforces the organisation’s sustainable and future-oriented ambitions.
Demonstration and next steps
During the event, Rijkswaterstaat and Demcon showcased the DUS V1875 in action in the Amsterdam Rijn Canal. From the vessel Flevomeer, the USV was launched, followed by an extensive demonstration. Guests could watch live camera feeds from the USV in a van on the quay, while experts explained the measurement systems and capabilities of the new vessel. The moment was festively concluded with a symbolic handover and a joint toast.
Director of the Rijksrederij, Willem de Vries: ‘This vessel is an example of how we can integrate modern technologies into our fleet. The delivery of this USV marks a new way of thinking about how we can provide services for our clients as innovatively and sustainably as possible.’
The next phase of the collaboration will focus on process integration and training.
Picture (top): USV REMO 1 in Amsterdam-Rijn Canal (photo by Rijkswaterstaat).
Also read: Rijkswaterstaat selects three consortia for electric ERTVs
