China’s AI-Controlled USVs Could Strengthen Maritime Surveillance In Disputed Waters

Chinese researchers have proposed using AI-controlled, wave-powered unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to strengthen maritime surveillance and law enforcement in disputed waters, including the South China Sea.

The proposal was outlined in the Chinese journal Naval and Merchant Ships, owned by China State Shipbuilding Corporation. It says these self-powered vessels could help China maintain a long-term presence in distant waters and improve monitoring of maritime activity.

Tensions continue in the South China Sea, a key global shipping route handling around US$3 trillion in trade every year.

The area also has significant oil and gas reserves and remains disputed between China and several regional countries, including the Philippines.

According to the researchers, the autonomous vessels could provide China with a persistent and lower-cost maritime presence around islands, reefs and distant waters without relying on conventional naval patrol ships or crewed aircraft.

The study, authored by Chen Xin and Chen Ruimiao, said wave-powered USVs could play “an important role” in maritime rights protection and law enforcement operations while supporting China’s broader “smart maritime defence system” linking air, sea, space and shore-based assets.

How the wave-powered drones work

The vessels generate movement by converting the up-and-down motion of ocean waves into forward thrust using a submerged fin or glider system attached under the hull. This allows them to move without fuel or a human crew.

Because they do not use engines, they are very quiet and can stay at sea for long periods.

Researchers say China has developed a version capable of travelling over 10,000 km and operating continuously for more than one year, over 10 times longer than traditional fuel-powered unmanned vessels.

Possible uses

The study says these USVs could be used for:

• Routine patrols in distant waters
• Monitoring islands and reefs
• Tracking illegal fishing and maritime activity
• Search and rescue operations
• Long-term surveillance missions

They could also help China maintain a constant maritime presence without sending large warships or aircraft, which are expensive to operate.

The researchers noted that countries including the United States and its allies were increasingly integrating AI-enabled uncrewed platforms into maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare operations.

Examples include:

• US firm Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider, which can operate for up to 12 months and has been used by the US Navy
• Australia’s Bluebottle, which uses wave and solar power for up to six months
• Britain’s AutoNaut, used for long-duration monitoring in rough sea conditions

These vessels are designed for long missions with very low noise, making them useful for surveillance and underwater monitoring.

Although the Chinese study describes these drones mainly for law enforcement, the platforms could also support maritime security operations through payloads such as cameras, radar systems, hydrophones, communications relays and electronic monitoring equipment.

In operational terms, this could allow continuous tracking of ships, submarines, and maritime activity across large sea areas.

Strategic background

China claims more than 80% of the South China Sea, a claim disputed by several neighbouring countries.

The region is one of the world’s most sensitive maritime zones due to heavy commercial shipping traffic and competing territorial claims.

Earlier this month, the United States and allied forces concluded the three-week Balikatan military exercise across the Philippine archipelago, one of the largest joint drills conducted in the region.

The researchers suggest wave-powered USVs could reduce the need for expensive naval patrols by providing a cheaper, long-endurance alternative for continuous monitoring of wide maritime areas.

References: scmp, interestingengineering