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U.S. Startup & Conrad Shipyard Team Up for Autonomous Naval Vessels

This partnership brings autonomous naval capabilities to life. The first vessels will support the U.S. Navy's MASC program, marking a significant step in robot warship development.

In this picture there are ships on the water at the bottom side of the image and there are...
In this picture there are ships on the water at the bottom side of the image and there are vehicles, trees, poles, aircraft, and buildings in the background area of the image.

U.S. Startup & Conrad Shipyard Team Up for Autonomous Naval Vessels

Blue Water Autonomy, a U.S. startup led by Navy veterans, has partnered with Conrad Shipyard to produce autonomous surface ships. These vessels, with an operational range exceeding 1,000 miles, are designed to support the U.S. Navy's growing demand for autonomous capabilities.

Blue Water Autonomy, established in 2024, aims to create autonomous vessels capable of operating without human oversight for over 1,000 miles. The company has hired industry veterans like Tim Glinatsis and Ryan Maatta to ensure efficient production and meet operational demands. The partnership with Conrad Shipyard, an experienced Louisiana-based builder, is set to accelerate construction using advanced manufacturing methods.

The autonomous ships, part of the U.S. Navy's Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program, will handle various payloads and accommodate long-endurance operations. They are suitable for missions like surveillance, reconnaissance, and munitions delivery. Conrad Shipyard's president, Cecil Hernandez, expressed pride in supporting Blue Water Autonomy's innovative program. The partnership is part of a broader effort to revitalize American shipyards and adapt them to modern demands, with other major players like Huntington Ingalls Industries and Senesco Marine also developing autonomous vessels.

Blue Water Autonomy and Conrad Shipyard are collaborating to bring autonomous naval capabilities to life, with the first vessels set to support the U.S. Navy's MASC program. The partnership is a significant step in the development of robot warships, meeting the increasing demand for autonomous surface vessels and revitalizing American shipyards.

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