We’re proud to announce that ASV Viper has received Transport Canada certification, officially authorizing autonomous surface vessel operations in Canadian waters. In the coming weeks, Viper will be preparing for its first commercial charter — marking the start of a new chapter in uncrewed marine operations. 

ASV Viper is designed for endurance, precision, and flexibility — capable of fully uncrewed missions with advanced onboard autonomy and adaptive navigation systems.

“This certification is a pivotal achievement for us — it affirms our commitment to safe, cutting-edge operations in Canada and offers new and exciting job opportunities for Canadian mariners ashore” said Jamie Sangster, CEO of Leeway Marine. 

"It is a genuine milestone, and also a world first in ASV certification, for Leeway Marine and their ASV Viper, part of ZeroUSV’s Oceanus12 class. To gain official validation from Transport Canada, in their rigorous regulatory environment, in such a timely manner, is a real credit to all involved. The ASV Viper has hit the water running and is ready to deliver real value to Canadian and international clients,” added Matthew Ratsey, Managing Director of ZeroUSV, UK.

We’re excited to see Viper in action as the vessel embarks on its first charter and helps shape the future of autonomous maritime operations in Canada.

About Leeway Marine 

Leeway Marine is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based ship owner and operator, providing at-sea data acquisition, and vessel management services to their clients. Technologically forward-leaning, they are thought leaders in the maritime industry, and lead the Royal Canadian Navy's effort to test and evaluate novel maritime technology at sea. 

About Zero USV 

Zero USV is a new collaboration bringing together more than 50 years of marine specific design, build, engineering and operational experience into a unique new class of uncrewed surface vessels. 

This includes the experience and knowledge from the successful transatlantic autonomous voyage of the Mayflower 400 which involved collaboration from MSubs and MarineAI. Zero USV enjoys a rich heritage that combines the research, marine build and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver what will surely become some of the most renowned and successful USV deployments globally.