
Advancing Autonomous Operations
at Sea
DEME Challenge #2
The Challenge
DEME’s offshore fleet operates in highly complex marine environments - where safety, efficiency, and precision are key. Increasing the level of autonomy in these operations is essential to our future, yet technological limitations and a lack of legal clarity have slowed progress.
We’re looking for partners who can help us make a leap forward in maritime autonomy. Specifically, we’re seeking integrated automation technologies that can elevate the IMO/DNV autonomy rating of our operations — reducing or even eliminating the need for human intervention onboard.
What we're looking for
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Automation technologies that increase the autonomy level of a vessel or onboard operation (e.g. navigation, dredging, monitoring, intervention).
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Integrated systems that combine sensors, control systems, AI/ML, and real-time feedback loops.
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Solutions that support fully autonomous or minimally crewed operations, especially in high-risk or remote environments.
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Capable of increasing autonomy level (IMO or DNV) by at least one step.
Must-haves​
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Technically feasible to deploy in marine construction or offshore settings.
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Secure, reliable, and compliant with maritime safety standards.
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Future-proof architecture with long-term viability (not reliant on sunsetting tech).
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Familiarity with dredging, marine construction, or offshore energy operations.
Nice to have
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Ability to integrate with existing DEME systems or digital twins.
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Modular architecture that allows phased rollout or scaling.
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Globally applicable.
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Your solution is solely suited for autonomous (inland) sailing/navigation.
Not a fit
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Your solution is generic and not tailored to maritime or offshore realities.
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It requires unrealistic legal or regulatory assumptions to function.
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Willingness to offer exclusive partnership or rights to DEME.
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It only supports low-autonomy (e.g. remote operation without true autonomy).
Ideal Applicants
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Startups or scaleups in autonomous systems, robotics, marine AI, or control systems.
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Technology providers with proven deployment in industrial automation or maritime autonomy.
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Teams ready to co-develop with DEME and navigate the regulatory, technical, and operational realities of offshore work.
What Succes looks like
An automation system that helps DEME move toward minimal-crew or crew-free operations, achieving a meaningful upgrade in autonomy classification - while improving safety, performance, and cost-efficiency across our global marine operations.
DEME (Euronext Brussels: DEME) is a leading contractor in the fields of offshore energy, environmental remediation, dredging and marine infrastructure. DEME also engages in concessions activities in offshore wind, marine infrastructure, green hydrogen, and deep-sea mineral harvesting. The company can build on nearly 150 years of experience and is a front runner in innovation and new technologies. While DEME’s roots are in Belgium, the company has established a strong presence across all the seas and continents worldwide. Our vision is to contribute to a sustainable future by providing solutions to global challenges: climate change, a growing population and urbanization, increasing maritime trade and environmental challenges. With a team of more than 5,800 skilled professionals and a fleet of over 100 specialized vessels, DEME is equipped to deliver innovative solutions to help build a better, livable world.