On October 22, 2025, U.K.-based maritime technology company Exail, in collaboration with Thesta, successfully delivered an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to Orlen Petrobaltic. The vessel, named DriX H-8, is set to operate in the Baltic Sea, marking a significant milestone as it is the first commercial deployment of Exail’s DriX model in Poland. This delivery highlights Exail’s commitment to advancing autonomous systems in challenging offshore environments.
The DriX H-8 will support operations around Orlen Petrobaltic’s offshore platforms, where complex maritime conditions necessitate innovative and resilient solutions. Jens Higgen, Exail’s Regional Sales Director, emphasized that this deployment exemplifies the company’s efforts to redefine uncrewed maritime operations and enhance offshore data acquisition standards.
Equipped with a Norbit B51S multibeam echosounder, the DriX H-8 is designed to provide advanced hydrographic survey capabilities, improving data accuracy and operational efficiency. This integration represents a notable enhancement in the vessel’s functionality, showcasing Exail’s focus on delivering sustainable alternatives to traditional crewed survey vessels.
Exail’s expansion in unmanned and navigation technologies is evident, with recent contracts including the supply of 30 Quadrans attitude and heading reference systems for Petrobras in Brazil. The introduction of the DriX H-8 further establishes Exail as a leader in autonomous maritime systems, pioneering new methods for data collection and operational safety at sea.
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