Janus Marine and Defense, a US-owned marine autonomy specialist, along with its partner Nexus Remote Solutions, have announced plans to establish the UAE’s first center dedicated to the testing, hiring, and maintenance of unmanned vessels. This facility, named ‘The Quarterdeck,’ will be situated at the Addax Tower in Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, and aims to support startups and scale-ups in developing unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs) for both commercial offshore operations and defense sectors.

Jack Dougherty, the owner of Janus Marine and Defense and a former US Navy seafarer, emphasized that The Quarterdeck will leverage the UAE’s favorable policy environment for USV operations. He noted that the UAE provides some of the best conditions globally for uncrewed vessel operations, free from the regulatory hurdles often found elsewhere. Dougherty expressed excitement about the upcoming official opening of The Quarterdeck in June, highlighting that the facility will fill a significant gap in the market by providing private companies access to advanced technology and facilities that are typically reserved for privately owned Remote Operations Centers (ROCs).

John Woroniuk, founder of Nexus Remote Solutions, stated that The Quarterdeck is open to small to medium-sized companies and surveyors interested in innovating USVs, particularly in the offshore oil and gas industry as well as the naval sector. He described the facility as a research and development center where companies can hire high-tech equipment and conduct vessel trials. Woroniuk added that the team has extensive experience in designing, producing, and operating uncrewed vessels worldwide, ensuring that The Quarterdeck will consolidate this expertise under one roof. The center will also feature soundproof pods with three individual operator consoles in each, allowing for a range of pilot, technician, and payload operations.