Cellula Robotics Ltd. and Industrias FERRI S.A. have launched an East Coast Canadian joint venture, Nautical Reach Systems Ltd., to engineer and manufacture advanced marine motion, lift, and handling systems for autonomous maritime operations.
Designed to support naval, coast guard, and offshore operators working in remote, harsh, and Arctic environments, the new enterprise addresses critical requirements for safe and reliable handling of uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles working beyond the horizon. Its core portfolio encompasses smart launch and recovery operations alongside complex payload handling across diverse autonomous platforms.
Neil Manning, CEO of Cellula Robotics, said, “This partnership is designed to help shape the future of marine operations by enabling smart, autonomous decision-making at the edge. Nautical Reach Systems gives customers one engineering team that understands what is happening below the surface and on deck. That shared view means the vehicle and its handling equipment can be designed together around how they will be used at sea. I am truly excited by this joint venture, and grateful for the commitment and trust FERRI has placed in us.”
The venture merges FERRI’s 60 years of experience in deck machinery and load-handling with Cellula’s 25 years of subsea engineering expertise. FERRI’s bespoke handling systems are currently installed on hundreds of vessels worldwide, including prior supply contracts with the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard. Cellula contributes demonstrated in-water performance, operational support experience, and intellectual property focused on long-endurance autonomous underwater systems.
Patricio Fernández, CEO of FERRI, commented, “FERRI has delivered advanced marine deck machinery and complex load-handling solutions for more than 60 years. With experience supplying the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard, we are committed to expanding our Canadian partnerships. I am very pleased to be working with Cellula Robotics to bring FERRI’s marine handling expertise together with Cellula’s autonomous robotics capabilities and deliver practical solutions for customers.”
Under the agreement, FERRI will execute a multi-million-dollar investment in Canada to support skilled job creation and intellectual property development, while Cellula contributes proprietary autonomous handling technology. The partnership combines FERRI’s established European presence with Cellula’s expanding regional footprint to deliver integrated vehicle and handling solutions across international markets.
