Kongsberg to start HUGIN production in US
HUGIN Endurance enables long-range, unsupervised shore-to-shore operations and can be equipped with a variety of sensors tailored for mission capabilities and situational awareness (Source: Kongsberg)
Kongsberg Discovery is to start building autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the US. Initially, production of its HUGIN vehicles will begin at its existing production facility in Lynnwood, Washington. Future production arrangements have yet to be decided, the company said.
The move comes as a result of growing demand for subsea technology in the US market. Kongsberg has already delivered HUGIN units to the US Navy and other organisations in the government, commercial, and academic sectors.
The company is active in high-tech robotics and sensor technology. Its AUVs use hydroacoustic, optical and scientific sensors connected to sophisticated data network and visualisation tools to map and monitor the ocean environment.
Kongsberg Discovery president, Martin Wien Fjell, said: “This strategic decision reflects our commitment to support the growing demand for advanced subsea technology in the US market. By establishing domestic production capabilities, we aim to strengthen our US-based supply chain and enhance our responsiveness to the evolving needs of our government and commercial customers. This demand has increased as global tension has risen.”
Twelve of the world’s navies already use HUGIN vehicles in activities including seafloor mapping, intelligence preparation of the operational environment, mine counter-measures, and subsea and seabed warfare.
Kongsberg has about 900 employees at 15 locations in the US and Canada.
