ABU DHABI, UAE: Al Seer Marine, the leading marine company in the Middle East Region and is a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), unveiled its next generation of autonomous Surface Vessel (USV) at the Monaco Yacht Show this week.

The new platform, “Hydra21”, is a 4-meter Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) designed to enhance the security and safety of major ports and marinas worldwide. The autonomous and/or remotely controlled platforms are equipped with radar, cameras, loud-hailer and non-lethal devices to act as a patrolling security platform and high-speed interception vessel.

The launch of this next-generation technology will enable Al Seer to capture a greater share of the maritime security market, which is currently valued at US$19.87 billion and expected to grow to US$29.91 billion within the next four years.

Guy Neivens, Chief Executive Officer of Al Seer Marine, said: “The recent trend in security, whether maritime, in the air or on land, has been towards autonomous vessels equipped with high-tech monitoring and response capabilities. With the launch of Al Seer’s Hydra21 USVs we have catapulted the company to the forefront of this global market.

Hydra21 can be deployed across the maritime industry, from industrial ports and cargo delivery to luxury superyachts, and we look forward to demonstrating its capabilities to the industry this week at the Monaco Yacht Show.”

Hydra21 is designed to be deployed as a high-speed security patrol vessel for most modern ports and superyachts in the world. These next generation USVs series can enhance security around the world, can be fully integrated into the existing security layer, and address specific challenges for various industries.

Port security and maintenance: Hydra21 can be deployed to perform dynamic patroling around marinas and harbors where 24/7 protection is essential. They offer a utilitarian data collection tool for important day-to-day operations near coastal sites. Bottom and sub-bottom profilers can generate fine-grained, 4D animated maps, providing data on silts and scours required for coastal and channel maintenance. High-resolution sub-bottom imaging can inspect pipes and cables under the bottom. They can be fully integrated into the existing security layer, making them suitable for protecting critical national infrastructure.

Securing superyachts: Hydra21 can be controlled and operated from a larger vessel to strengthen the first line of defense for superyachts and alerts the ‘on-deck’ control station to oncoming threats on water, under water and in the air. Al Seer Marine focuses on working with boat owners and operators to implement security measures that may be required, including initiating visual disruption or exclusion zones that block drone frequencies.

Offshore cargo delivery: Hydra21 supports shore-based operators to provide cargo assistance to remote and offshore locations that are beyond inhabited areas. Operators can predefine routines for Hydra to carry out cargo missions and safely return to a designated base with limited human intervention, reducing risks to crews when delivering cargo to hard-to-reach coastal areas.

Al Seer Marine PrJSC, a supplies and equipment company, is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Second Market under the ticker ASM and is a subsidiary of International Holding Company. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Al Seer is a leading marine company in the Middle East region, with a portfolio of services including the management and construction of vessels. Al Seer Marine employs more than 1,200 people from over 50 nationalities onboard and ashore. https://alseermarine.ae