Source: Sea-Kit InternationalAn unmanned vessel is preparing to make the world’s first transatlantic crossing without a crew, steered instead by a remote captain.

The 39 ft vessel, called the USV Maxlimer, is setting sail from Canada and destined for England’s south coast — a trek expected to take roughly 35 days. Along the way, the vessel will conduct a deep-sea survey. Built by Sea-Kit International, the vessel is capable of launching and recovering autonomous underwater vehicles along with other functions.

“(It is) almost like a utility pick-up vehicle of the sea, it’s robust, it’s adaptable, it’s got a huge range,” said Ben Simpson, Sea-Kit International managing director.

While at sea the vessel will livestream data to the operator using several satellite links. In harbor, the vessel is operated by remote hand-held control.

“The controller here in this station can actually see all the way round on the horizon near real-time and in many ships it’s quite difficult to actually even see what’s behind you from the bridge of that ship,” said James Fanshawe, director at Sea-Kit.

Developers of the vessel explain that there are benefits beyond removing humans from potentially dangerous environments by using the remote operated ships. Without a crew, there is no longer a need for a bridge, a galley, water supplies or air conditioning, thereby reducing the size and cost of operating the ship, and the costs to the environment.

There is no official word on when the ship will embark on its roughly 35-day journey.