Janus Marine and Defense, a marine autonomy specialist based in the United States, in collaboration with Nexus Remote Solutions, has announced plans to establish a new remote operations center (ROC) for uncrewed vessels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This center will focus on the testing, leasing, and maintenance of these vessels.

The ROC, named The Quarterdeck, will be located at the Addax Tower on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. It is set to become the first facility of its kind in the Gulf region, offering its services to both industry players and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Jack, the owner of Janus Marine and Defense, indicated that the facility is open to small to medium-sized companies and surveyors interested in innovating uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), particularly in the oil and gas industry and the naval sector. The Quarterdeck aims to be a hub for innovation in USV and uncrewed underwater vessel (UUV) technologies, addressing the needs of startups and growing businesses in the commercial and defense sectors.

The center is strategically positioned to leverage the UAE’s favorable stance on USV operations within its territorial waters. The ROC will function similarly to a research and development facility, enabling companies to rent improved equipment and conduct vessel trials. This setup will allow businesses to manage USV operations not only in the Gulf but also in international waters.

The Quarterdeck will feature soundproof pods, each equipped with three individual operator consoles, which will support various roles such as pilots, technicians, and payload operators. Dougherty noted that while the UAE currently has three ROCs serving the commercial and defense markets, all three are privately owned and closed to external contractors. He emphasized that The Quarterdeck will “fill a gap in the market,” providing private companies access to the same technology and facilities available in private ROCs.

This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities and accessibility of uncrewed vessel operations in the region.