The RAN has taken on-time and on-budget delivery on 20 May of its sixth solar, wind and wave-powered Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV), with the seventh and last currently-contracted Bluebottle scheduled for delivery in June.
Both USVs were ordered from Ocius Technologies only in February under a $2 million contract with the RAN’s War Innovation Branch - which was recently renamed Maritime Integrated Systems.
The previous five Bluebottles were acquired under a $4.9 million contract signed in November 2022, with the fifth being delivered in June 2023.
The sixth Bluebottle was handed over at Ocius Technologies’ Randwick headquarters at a function attended by Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite, who said the USV was high tech, harnessed natural energy, and contributed to the security of Australia.
“There are going to be more of these to come," he commented.
His remarks preceded a visit later in the day by Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy to shipbuilders Van Munster Boats in Morisset, NSW, where they inspected a new mold for Bluebottle construction capable of ultimately producing up to 300 Bluebottle composite hulls per year - one every four days, if ever required.
Ocius’ business development manager Ian Milliner said modifications to post-June production would include lengthening the hull from 7 to 7.4 metres to increase payload, and moving the keel slightly more towards the stern to improve sail handling.
Ocius Chief Executive Robert Dane said the company was currently planning future delivery of one Bluebottle per month to meet defence and industry requirements and potential overseas interest, but this could easily be ramped up.
Discussions with the RAN on future ADF-owned, contractor-operated Bluebottle activities should be concluded by the end of the current financial year, together with talks with the Royal New Zealand Navy on the Bluebottle that is currently under the control of RNZN personnel and demonstrating persistent ISR to the RNZN and other government agencies both in the Hauraki Gulf and around New Zealand.