Blue Water Autonomy & Conrad Shipyard Team Up to Accelerate U.S. Navy's Autonomous Vessel Production
Blue Water Autonomy, a Boston-based startup led by U.S. Navy veterans, has joined forces with Louisiana's Conrad Shipyard to accelerate the production of autonomous vessels. This collaboration combines Blue Water's innovative designs with Conrad's extensive shipbuilding experience, aiming to meet the U.S. Navy's growing demand for unmanned surface vehicles.
Founded in 2024, Blue Water Autonomy specializes in autonomous ships designed to operate over 1,000 miles without human oversight. These vessels are set to play a crucial role in the U.S. Navy's Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program, handling various payloads and fulfilling multi-role missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and munitions delivery.
Conrad Shipyard, with over 75 years of experience, brings advanced manufacturing methods to the partnership. This enables Blue Water to scale its production efficiently, ensuring the autonomous vessels meet the U.S. Navy's operational demands. The partnership also includes the hiring of industry veterans like Tim Glinatsis and Ryan Maatta, who will help streamline the production process.
Blue Water's designs stand out in the competitive autonomous vessel market, alongside major players like Huntington Ingalls Industries and Senesco Marine. The startup's scalable, modular, and highly producible designs set it apart, reflecting the forward-looking innovation that U.S. shipbuilders are ready to deliver, as stated by Conrad Shipyard's president, Cecil Hernandez. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to revitalize American shipyards, particularly mid-tier facilities capable of adapting to modern demands.
Through their strategic partnership, Blue Water Autonomy and Conrad Shipyard are poised to deliver advanced autonomous vessels to the U.S. Navy, supporting a wide range of naval missions. This collaboration not only accelerates the production of innovative unmanned surface vehicles but also contributes to the revitalization of American shipyards.
