REACH: redefining offshore maritime operations through low-emission autonomous systems

Subsea services have long relied on large, crewed vessels operating continuously offshore, resulting in significant Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and complex working conditions. REACH REMOTE project introduces a new innovative operational model that challenges this approach.

Pushing the boundaries of maritime operations

By combining uncrewed surface vessels, subsea robotics and onshore control centres, the project enables offshore operations to be conducted remotely. Electric work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) carry out subsea tasks, while operators supervise missions from land.

Reducing the need for offshore crews and optimising operations significantly lowers energy use, contributing to a new, more efficient way of working at sea. This setup allows missions of up to 30 days without personnel onboard, while maintaining performance comparable to conventional vessels. The automation is introduced progressively and safely, supported by real-time digital coordination between vessels and systems.

Building trust in a new operational model 

Introducing uncrewed operations required more than technological innovation. Establishing trust across technical, organisational and regulatory levels was one of the project’s main challenges.

This was addressed by combining proven offshore practices with the new automated technology. Early pilot projects demonstrated that uncrewed vessels could deliver the same quality and reliability as conventional solutions.

These pilot activities resulted in technical approvals and commercial contracts, confirming the market readiness of the solution. The vessels were also included in framework agreements, enabling further commercial deployment.

In the second half of 2025, the company secured board approval for investment in new vessels and technology development, while financing agreements with two banks supported both the new construction and the refinancing of existing vessels.

This confirmed that the project had reached sufficient maturity to scale up. Backed by a €14.3 million grant from the Innovation Fund, the project has reduced financial risks and reinforced trust among stakeholders.

Scaling up for real-world impact

Following the launch of steel cutting for the new vessels in December 2025, the project has moved into its next phase. In parallel, technology developments continue to be tested and refined on existing vessels.

The focus now shifts towards scaling operations from pilot projects to full fleet deployment. This will allow sustained commercial use and the delivery of verified emission reductions over time.

Over a ten-year period of operation, REACH is expected to avoid around 204,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional vessels engaged in similar operations. This is roughly equivalent to over 1.9 billion kilometres driven by an average petrol car¹.

Driving Europe’s green transition forward

The REACH project shows how maritime services can be delivered with significantly lower emissions while maintaining high performance. 

Beyond emissions reductions, the project also delivers wider benefits. Moving operations from sea to shore also improves safety by limiting exposure to harsh offshore conditions, while supporting high-skilled jobs in Europe.

At the same time, it strengthens European industrial competitiveness by introducing a new low-carbon maritime operating model.

Learn more about the Innovation Fund. 

_{1 Average CO2 emissions per km from new passenger cars}

Article published on 22 May 2026