Sea Machines' Autonomous STEAMRACER Nears U.S. Navy Fleet Adoption
Sea Machines Robotics has reached the final stage of the U.S. Navy's competitive evaluation for its autonomous surface ship. The company's STEAMRACER-class vessel is now under review as part of the Modular Attack Surface Combatant (MASC) program. This advancement marks a key step in the Navy's push toward unmanned maritime systems.
The STEAMRACER-class ship is built for fully autonomous operations, though it can also support limited manned use when needed. It combines high speed, long endurance, and a modular open-deck design for flexible payloads. A secure onboard data system enables distributed naval missions, while AI-driven remote command ensures robust control.
Development of the platform has involved major U.S. industrial partners, including St. Johns Ship Building, TOTE Services, and Ring Power. Other collaborators are Incat Crowther, EMI-W&O, and Sierra Nevada Corporation. Sea Machines has invested over $50 million in venture-backed funding since 2015 to refine its autonomy technology.
The company positions the STEAMRACER as a 'ready-now' solution for the Navy's unmanned surface vessel strategy. Rear Admiral Christopher Alexander previously projected that nearly 45% of U.S. surface forces could be unmanned by 2045. The ship's hardened AI architecture and modular design align with these long-term goals.
The STEAMRACER-class vessel now awaits the Navy's final assessment. If selected, it could accelerate the adoption of autonomous systems in naval operations. The program reflects broader efforts to modernise maritime capabilities with unmanned technology.
