Autonomy software company HavocAI, Providence, R.I., has entered a strategic partnership with Senesco Marine, North Kingstown, R.I., aimed at accelerating the development and manufacturing of autonomous uncrewed surface vessels for defense and commercial applications.
The agreement was announced May 6 at Senesco Marine’s shipyard by HavocAI CEO Paul Lwin and Senesco Marine president Ted Williams. Both executives are military veterans and graduates of the United States Naval Academy.
Under the partnership, Senesco plans to integrate HavocAI’s collaborative autonomy software aboard vessels constructed at the yard to create scalable autonomous platforms designed for operational deployment. The companies said the collaboration is intended to support both defense-related missions and commercial maritime operations.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, attended the announcement. Reed has been a longtime supporter of domestic shipbuilding and defense industrial base investment according to a HavocAI statement.
The companies said the partnership positions HavocAI within the broader U.S. defense and ocean technology supply chain while expanding Rhode Island’s role in autonomous maritime development. They cited the state’s maritime workforce, shipbuilding infrastructure, and access to open-water testing areas as advantages for advancing uncrewed vessel technology.
The agreement reflects continued momentum across the maritime industry toward autonomous and remotely operated vessel systems for military, offshore, and commercial applications.
