19 June 2025 – In a landmark development for the future of uncrewed maritime operations, SeaBot Maritime, a global leader in maritime training and workforce development for uncrewed systems, has announced a strategic partnership with Icelandic technology innovator Hefring Marine. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sets a new standard in the evolution of high-speed Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) operator training, with a sharp focus on AI-assisted speed and throttle control.
This partnership marks a major step forward in addressing the shifting skills landscape brought about by the rapid adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous maritime technologies. As uncrewed vessels increasingly operate at high speeds in dynamic environments, the demand for operators capable of interfacing with AI systems has never been greater.
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Integrating Hefring’s Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS)
At the heart of this collaboration is the integration of Hefring Marine’s flagship technology—the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS). IMAS is an advanced AI-powered decision-support platform that processes real-time sensor data to deliver continuous micro-adjustments to vessel throttle and speed. This enables high-speed USVs—often exceeding 25 knots—to maintain stability, safety, and operational performance even in rapidly changing sea conditions affected by wave action, wind shear, and complex hydrodynamics.
Traditional training paradigms, which focus primarily on manual control and reactive decision-making, fall short in such high-stakes, high-speed operations. The IMAS system acts as a digital co-pilot, offering real-time performance optimization that transcends human reflex limitations.
A Transformative Training Vision
SeaBot Maritime, widely recognised for its Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)-accredited USV training programs, is pioneering a shift in how maritime professionals are trained to operate in the era of intelligent autonomy.
“Our collaboration with Hefring Marine is built on the reality that today’s operators must evolve into AI collaborators,” said Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime. “Working alongside organisations such as Hefring Marine, we’re evolving our training approach to help professionals not only understand, but effectively supervise AI decision-making in real-time. This changes everything about how we train for speed, control, and safety.”
SeaBot’s upcoming training programs will introduce a new competency framework designed specifically for working with AI-enabled systems like IMAS. The curriculum will equip experienced USV operators with the skills to interpret system logic, maintain operational oversight, and react to edge-case scenarios where human judgment and AI inputs must work in tandem.
Shared Commitment to Safe, Autonomous Operations
Hefring Marine CEO Karl Birgir Björnsson echoed the partnership’s strategic value “By combining SeaBot Maritime’s training expertise with our IMAS technology, we’re creating a powerful pathway for maritime professionals to master next-generation unmanned systems safely and efficiently. This ensures that both platforms and payloads can consistently deliver on their missions, regardless of operating conditions.”
Under the MoU, Hefring Marine will provide access to its IMAS platform for training integration and simulation, offering technical insights to shape the development of the training content. SeaBot Maritime, in turn, will lead the instructional design and delivery of these programs, with the capability to offer operational training to Hefring’s OEM customers as needed.
Future-Proofing the Maritime Workforce
This alliance reflects a broader mission shared by both organisations: to future-proof the maritime workforce. As vessels become smarter and more autonomous, maritime personnel must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to operate at the complex intersection of speed, safety, and artificial intelligence.
The partnership also underscores a critical industry trend: as uncrewed systems proliferate across commercial, defense, and offshore sectors, the human role is not being replaced—but redefined. Today’s operators are expected to become system supervisors, data interpreters, and safety custodians in an increasingly autonomous world.
Autonomous Ship Expo Appearance and Technical Talk
SeaBot Maritime and Hefring Marine will jointly participate in the upcoming Autonomous Ship Expo, taking place from 24 to 26 June in Amsterdam. Industry professionals, stakeholders, and members of the media are encouraged to connect with the teams during the event.
Notably, Karl Birgir Björnsson will also deliver a keynote address titled “Enhancing Offshore Asset and Payload Survivability on Unmanned Platforms” on 24 June at 1:50 PM on the Atlantic Stage. The presentation will explore how intelligent systems can dramatically increase mission resilience in offshore environments.
About SeaBot Maritime
SeaBot Maritime is a UK-based leader in training, consultancy, and workforce development for uncrewed maritime systems. Through a focus on competency-based learning, regulatory alignment, and immersive simulation technologies, SeaBot Maritime empowers the global maritime workforce to navigate the challenges of autonomy, AI integration, and digital transformation.
About Hefring Marine
Hefring Marine, headquartered in Iceland, develops AI and sensor-driven solutions that enable real-time operational insights for vessel operators and fleet managers. Their Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS®) enhances crew safety, fuel efficiency, and asset longevity by delivering smart, adaptive decision support. Serving workboat operators, government agencies, and commercial fleets, Hefring Marine helps maritime customers operate smarter, safer, and more sustainably.
Source Hefring Marine