Malaysia secures contract for world-first unmanned landing crafts

Malaysia’s Nam Cheong shipbuilder has secured a $64.5 million contract from a UAE-based maritime logistics firm to build four offshore support vessels (OSVs) at its Miri Yard, marking its first newbuild order in over a decade. The contract includes two 60-meter Dive Support Vessels (DSVs) designed for complex subsea operations and two world-first Remote Operated Landing Crafts (ROLCs), which will be fully unmanned and remotely controlled via satellite. These ROLCs, developed in partnership with France’s SeaOwl Group, aim to reduce operational costs and improve safety by eliminating the need for onboard human crews during transit and docking. The deal signals a resurgence for Nam Cheong amid a growing demand for advanced OSVs driven by ongoing oil and gas exploration and the expansion of offshore renewables, despite the global energy transition. The DSVs will support underwater tasks such as inspection, installation, and maintenance of subsea infrastructure, providing stable platforms for divers and