France’s national hydrographic and oceanographic service, SHOM, is expanding its uncrewed capabilities with the acquisition of an Exail DriX H-9 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). This order follows the successful operational deployment of the DriX H-8, named Marlin, which was delivered in December 2024. The new H-9 model will enhance SHOM’s ability to deliver certified maritime data more rapidly for growing civil and military requirements.
Building directly on the proven value of the H-8 platform, the DriX H-9 offers significant upgrades in endurance, autonomy, and operational flexibility. With a potential mission duration of up to 20 days, the USV can be deployed either from shore—directly from SHOM’s Brest naval base—or from the hydrographic vessel Beautemps-Beaupré. This allows it to autonomously reach and survey key areas like the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Denis Creach, SHOM’s Transformation Hydro-Oceanographic Capabilities Officer, the H-9 is designed for strong complementarity with existing assets. “It can be operated jointly with our Marlin [DriX H-8],” Creach noted, adding that the new vessel will benefit from shared infrastructure and the operational experience already gained by SHOM’s teams.
For Exail, this order underscores the operational maturity of the DriX platform and the deepening partnership with SHOM. “By supporting SHOM in the dronization of its hydrographic fleet, we are contributing to more efficient collection of maritime data, helping decision-makers address increasingly complex challenges,” said Pierre-Louis Roudaut, Exail’s France Sales Manager. He also highlighted that this is the third DriX H-9 ordered by different customers in recent months, confirming the platform’s ability to meet diverse operational needs.
The integration of uncrewed systems like the DriX allows SHOM to accelerate data acquisition cycles, extend survey coverage, and ensure the timely availability of high-quality information. This data is critical for a wide range of applications, including nautical charting, environmental monitoring, coastal zone management, and maritime safety. The continued collaboration between Exail and SHOM marks a strategic step in modernizing France’s hydrographic capabilities for the future.
