Blue Nemo Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV)
Date2014
Object number00056203
NameVessel
DimensionsOverall: 2960 × 740 × 2960 mm, 150 kg
Other (Antenna / solar panel): 1745 mm
Other (Fin): width 1040 mm
Other (Antenna / solar panel): 1745 mm
Other (Fin): width 1040 mm
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Ocius Technology Ltd
DescriptionBlue Nemo unmanned surface vessel (USV) scale test propulsion model.
Developed by Ocius Technology and Steber International, this unmanned surface vessel offers low cost, persistent, wide area ocean surveillance in the areas of defence and security, oceanography, hydrography, and oil and gas surveys.
HistoryDeveloped by 'solar sailor' advocates Ocius, 'Nemo' and its partnered test propulsion design models stand as innovative examples of USV watercraft design and sustainable oceanographic practice.
This scale test propulsion model was used in the development of the Ocius Technology Ltd series of Bluebottle unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that use ROS and HMP in order to carry out similar operations. This series of five test propulsion design models stand as innovative examples of USV watercraft propulsion design and sustainable oceanographic practice.
The Blue Nemo and subsequent series are part of the larger movement of ocean science technology moving towards safer and sustainable alternatives to explore, monitor and quantify our ocean environments. Similar technological strides include Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) becoming commercially accessible beyond their industrial realm. ROVs include technology like underwater drones that have replaced humans surveying and inspecting underwater infrastructure and environments. The advantages for scientific research and maritime industries allow greater safety for staff, higher output and coverage which can now include environments unsuitable for humans or too costly to work in.
SignificanceThe Blue Nemo (Latin for 'no one') USV represents current and leading innovations in ocean science and USV watercraft design.The Blue Nemo uses Rigid Opening Sails (ROS) and Hybrid Marine Power (HMP) - wind, wave and solar - in order to carry out USV operations in areas of oceanography, defence and security, hydrography, and oil and gas surveillance. Operational Blue Nemo's are self-deployable and retrievable, self-propelled, low cost, adaptable to extreme weather, and have an ability to roam widely from months to years. As of June 2023 the Blue Nemo was approved to the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.
1950-1989