Hike Metal and HydroSurv have signed a Technology Licensing Agreement, forming a partnership that will see Hike Metal manufacture, market and support HydroSurv’s entire portfolio of Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) platforms throughout Canada and the United States.

For HydroSurv, the agreement extends the international reach of its commercially proven Rapid Environmental Assessment Vessel (REAV) technology, adding an established North American manufacturing partner to its deployment strategy. For Hike Metal, it marks entry into the fast-growing uncrewed maritime systems sector, broadening the company’s offering to commercial marine service operators, public and government agencies, and research organisations alike.

Hike Metal’s roots go back to 1958, when the company was founded on the shores of Lake Erie to serve the commercial fishing industry. Since then, it has grown into one of Canada’s leading custom shipbuilders, with a portfolio spanning commercial workboats, patrol vessels, research vessels, search and rescue craft, ferries, hovercraft and other mission-specific platforms. That breadth of experience has made Hike Metal a trusted partner to commercial operators, emergency services, research organizations and government agencies across a wide range of marine sectors.

Tailor-made uncrewed vessel solutions

With demand for uncrewed maritime technology rising across North America, the partnership positions Hike Metal to bring its manufacturing expertise into this increasingly important space. Pairing Hike Metal’s production capability and vessel-delivery experience with HydroSurv‘s field-proven USV platforms, the collaboration combines complementary strengths to offer locally manufactured, locally supported uncrewed vessel solutions for the North American market.

Across Canada and the United States, the partnership is expected to support a wide range of organizations, including police agencies, Ministries of Natural Resources, research organizations, hydrographic survey companies and other government marine operators. As demand grows for safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible ways to carry out hydrographic and geophysical surveys, subsea asset inspection, oceanographic observation and environmental monitoring, the REAV platform offers a range of small and midsize solutions backed by local manufacturing and regional support.

REAV-47 USV render. (Image courtesy: HydroSurv)

Three platforms make up Hike Metal’s initial offering, spanning 2.5 to 6m in length. The battery-electric REAV-28 is built for inland and sheltered-water survey operations, where portability and ease of launch and recovery matter most for day-work in ports, harbours and inland water worksites. The battery-hybrid REAV-47, meanwhile, is a nearshore survey platform ideally suited to multi-day landfall survey operations across a range of hydrographic, geophysical and oceanographic taskings. For longer-endurance coastal survey work, Hike will also offer the REAV-60, with a specific focus on large payloads including ROV and towed array systems.

Market potential

Stephen Ingram, President of Hike Metal Products Limited, commented: “As one of Ontario, Canada’s leading boat and shipbuilding companies since 1958, we have strived to continually grow and develop our technology and strengths. As a custom manufacturer we have historically established an incredible portfolio, and world-class reputation. Our ongoing search for innovations and partnerships has resulted in our new and exciting relationship with HydroSurv entering into the market of Unmanned Vessels. Located on the shores of Lake Erie on the Great Lakes, we recognize the potential market for the application of these incredible vessels and look forward to a long and successful relationship with HydroSurv.”

David Hull, Founder & CEO of HydroSurv, said: “As one of North America’s leading builders of commercial aluminium workboats, Hike Metal represents exactly the calibre of partner HydroSurv seeks to work with as we expand into the North American market. We firmly believe that local expertise, regional manufacturing capability and strong customer relationships are fundamental to building trust and delivering long-term success. Partnering with Hike enables us to combine HydroSurv’s highly capable USV technology with Hike’s outstanding reputation for quality and craftsmanship. It’s an exciting milestone for both organizations, and we look forward to working closely with Stephen and his team in the weeks ahead.”

Hike Metal shipbuilding facility. (Image courtesy: Hike Metal)