Posted to News on 30th Jun 2026, 10:45
ZeroUSV accelerates uncrewed surface vessel deployment with Expander
A fleet of innovative autonomous vessels has rapidly accelerated deployment time thanks to the implementation of the Expander System from Nord-Lock. Designed for critical applications ranging from seabed surveys to supporting NATO navies, ZeroUSV's uncrewed surface vessel Oceanus12 leverages the Expander System to reduce downtime and enhance portability for global deployment.
(Right: ZeroUSV uncrewed surface vessel with Expander System pivot pins. Image courtesy of ZeroUSV)
Based in Plymouth in the United Kingdom, ZeroUSV designs and builds fully autonomous USVs suitable for mission-critical defence operations. In a sector where time is of the essence, Oceanus12 operates entirely without a crew, allowing a build-size of only 12 meters long, and facilitating transportation for efficient deployment wherever needed.
The USVs leverage a retractable keel in their design, where a pivot pin is used to withdraw the aluminium keel for transportation or maintenance. Just like the rest of the vessel, this pin must have defence-grade reliability.
Traditional stainless steel pivot pins create challenges for maritime applications; galvanic reactions between stainless steel and aluminium when in contact with saltwater eventually lock the pin in place. This means destructive drilling is required to remove the pin, driving up maintenance needs, dragging the vessel's deployment speed down, and worsening its total cost of ownership (TCO).
Utilising the Expander System means ZeroUSV avoids these issues. The expansion sleeve design allows the Oceanus12's keel pin to be removed by loosening its fasteners then applying a sharp tap, with no need for drilling or excessive force. The reverse process is also achieved with basic hand tools, making installation simpler in the confined spaces that are a common environment for the unmanned vessels.
With the process of withdrawing or lowering the aluminium keel dramatically shortened, ZeroUSV's vessels can deliver maximum flexibility, speed of deployment and reliability - all important differentiators for mission critical operations.
"Working with Nord-Lock Group and their Expander System has been an excellent engineering collaboration. Their proven durability and reliability were key factors in our decision to use the system on some of Oceanus12's most critical assemblies," says Henry Pearson, Engineering Lead ZeroUSV.
"Nord-Lock Group were able to specify corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials suited to the marine environment, while also helping us improve build efficiency and deployment speed. Their engineering and design team have developed a robust, well-considered product, and their continued technical support makes them an ideal partner for ZeroUSV as we continue to grow."
