Martens en Van Oord is investing in an electric USV to increase efficiency and further improve the sustainability of its fleet. Their choice for the Demcon unmanned systems USV is based on its proven modular USV platform and the desire to collaborate with an innovative Dutch partner. The electric USV, together with its dedicated electric transport vehicle, will be deployed for hydrographic survey work, inspections and monitoring. Thanks to the unmanned operation, activities can be carried out more safely, more efficiently, and with zero emissions. The compact V4000 USV is easy to mobilize, enabling rapid deployment across a wide range of projects.
“For us, this is a logical step in further greening our fleet,” says Marco van den Kieboom, Team Lead Survey and Measurement Services at Martens en Van Oord. “By deploying autonomous electric USVs, we can work safer, CO₂‑neutral, and with less noise disturbance to the surrounding environment on the water.”
Future‑proof solution for hydrographic operations
Demcon unmanned systems is supplying Martens en Van Oord with the latest generation of their fully electric and autonomous USV platform. This USV is designed to collect hydrographic data safely and reliably in a wide variety of conditions. With its compact design, long endurance , and advanced technology, also used in larger maritime systems, the V4000 platform offers a future‑proof solution for various survey and inspection applications.
This new USV generation offers more power, flexibility, and user‑friendliness. Improvements such as increased battery capacity, a renewed design, expanded sensor and payload capabilities, and intelligent integrated features enhance its applicability across different projects. The USV is delivered with the complete Demcon unmanned systems software suite for safe, efficient, and largely automated operations, enabling Martens en Van Oord to further optimize and enhance sustainability of its activities.
Proud of collaboration with leading waterworks contractor
“We are very proud to be working with such a strong and innovative Dutch ground, road and hydraulic engineering contractor,” says Fedor Ester, co‑founder and Managing Director of Demcon unmanned systems. “With our latest generation of electric and autonomously operating USVs, Martens en Van Oord can further decarbonize its operations while working more smarter, safer, and more efficiently.”
Efficiency, safety, and innovation
With the investment in the V4000 USV, Martens en Van Oord gains a fully emission‑free, compact, and easy to trailer vessel that can be rapidly deployed and can be controlled fully remotely from the office in the future. These features align seamlessly with the company’s sustainable and innovative strategy, which focuses on further optimizing and modernizing hydrographic operations.
The final customer‑specific engineering for Martens en Van Oord is currently being completed, including the customized moonpool and integration of their own equipment. Construction will start shortly, with delivery planned within the coming months, toward the summer.
About Demcon unmanned systems
Demcon unmanned systems is a Dutch maritime technology company specialising in high-quality autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for a wide range of maritime applications. The company offers a broad portfolio of proprietary USV platforms up to 24 metres, complemented by fully custom build projects and advanced control software packages for safe, efficient and scalable remote operations.
Driven by innovation, sustainability and a passion for robotics, Demcon is transforming maritime operations with practical autonomous solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future. The company develops end-to-end USV solutions entirely in-house: from modular USV platforms to full-stack software, including autonomous navigation, operating system and mission management applications.
By developing both hardware and software core systems in-house, Demcon unmanned systems retains control over quality, technology and scalability. The company therefore manages the entire process from concept development and production to delivery and lifecycle support, including maintenance and technological upgrades services. Demcon thus supplies turnkey and fully integrated USV solutions to customers in sectors including hydrography, offshore energy, defence, infrastructure and inland water management.
Demcon unmanned systems is part of the Demcon group.
About Martens en Van Oord
As a specialist in Engineered Earthmoving, Martens en Van Oord creates lasting value on land, in water, and along the boundary between the two through well‑designed earthmoving projects. Since 1986, this large‑scale earthmoving contractor has reshaped the environment for today’s society and future generations. Its innovative and sustainable solutions contribute to (water) safety, mobility, water quality, nature development, and livability.
For more information, please contact:
Maaike Roeijmans
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
+31 614775536
maaike.roeijmans@demcon.com