XOCEAN’s X-30 achieves ROUV certification under the UK Workboat Code Edition 3

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has certified XOCEAN’s X-30 Remotely Operated Uncrewed Vessel (ROUV) to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 (WBC3), including the Annex 2 requirements for ROUVs.

The certification makes X-30 one of the first uncrewed vessels to achieve full compliance with the updated WBC3 framework, with the Annex 2 ROUV requirements introduced in late 2023 to regulate the design and operation of ROUVs in UK waters.

Developed and operated by XOCEAN, based in Ireland, X-30 is designed for uncrewed ocean survey operations, collecting high-resolution data to support offshore energy, environmental and seabed mapping projects.

Certification to this standard has proven challenging across the industry, with only a small number of vessels successfully completing the process to date. The achievement follows LR’s authorisation by the MCA in 2025 as the first Certifying Authority for Annex 2 ROUV certification, and builds on its certification of the ACUA Ocean Pioneer, the first vessel to achieve compliance with WBC3 Annex 2.

The certification of X-30 builds further momentum in the industry and is expected to inform the process for future XOCEAN vessels, including its sister vessels currently progressing through build.

Jordan McRuvie, Specialist – Unmanned Marine Systems at Lloyd’s Register, said: “Certification of X-30 is a major achievement for XOCEAN and one that we’re proud to have supported. Alongside recent steps forward in the industry, this further demonstrates that certification of small, complex ROUVs under WBC3 is achievable when developers, certifying authorities and the MCA work in close partnership. This project shows how technical innovation can align with regulatory assurance for the safe introduction of uncrewed systems in real-world operations, and we look forward to continuing to support current and future partners with their certification journeys.”

Shep Smith, CTO, XOCEAN said: “Securing WBC3 certification for X-30 is an important step forward for our fleet and for the wider uncrewed vessel industry. The collaboration with Lloyd’s Register has shown that robust, safety-led certification is possible, paving the way for wider adoption of uncrewed technology in support of sustainable offshore operations.”