Assuring autonomy for USV MADFOX
As part of the Royal Navy's autonomy accelerator programme, NavyX required a robust, independent assurance process to support regulatory approval for their uncrewed surface vessel (USV), MADFOX.
As part of the Royal Navy's autonomy accelerator programme, NavyX required a robust, independent assurance process to support regulatory approval for their uncrewed surface vessel (USV), MADFOX.
As part of the Royal Navy’s autonomy accelerator programme, NavyX required a robust, independent assurance process to support regulatory approval for their uncrewed surface vessel (USV), MADFOX. The vessel was set to operate at IMO Level 3 autonomy, which involves remotely controlled operations without onboard crew. To progress safely and efficiently to live trials, NavyX needed credible, evidence-based assurance that MADFOX could navigate autonomously in compliance with the International Collision Avoidance Regulations (COLREGs).
We delivered its Synthetic Environment Assurance Service (SEAS) to meet this requirement. Leveraging our DNV-certified BMT REMBRANDT simulator and the TUFLOW hydrodynamic modelling tool, we created a high-fidelity virtual testing environment. Our team integrated MADFOX’s control system into the simulator, enabling our experienced navigators to assess autonomous behaviour across a wide range of realistic maritime scenarios.
These simulations provided a safe and controlled platform for evaluating COLREGs compliance. The output was a comprehensive assurance report and a recommended safe operating envelope - key elements in supporting Naval Authority & Training Group certification for MADFOX’s autonomous capabilities.
This synthetic approach allowed the Royal Navy to rapidly validate MADFOX’s autonomy systems without the risks, costs, or delays associated with repeated live sea trials. The detailed assurance report offered a trusted, third-party evaluation to support regulatory approval. As a result, MADFOX advanced confidently into live trials, backed by credible evidence of its autonomous performance and safety. BMT SEAS demonstrated its value as a scalable, low-risk, and efficient method for de-risking and accelerating autonomy certification - supporting NavyX’s mission to innovate responsibly and with confidence.
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