What BlackSea Technologies does

BlackSea Technologies is a Baltimore, Maryland-based defense technology company founded in 2022 (per company history; 2021 per firmographic records) that designs, manufactures, and supports unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and allied military forces. The company's core platform, the GARC (Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft), is a 16-foot, 40-knot diesel-powered small USV with 1,000-pound payload capacity, produced at a rate of 32 units per month at a 57,000 sq ft waterfront Baltimore facility (former Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard) and deployed for more than 5,000 operational hours supporting Navy fleet operations including ISR, surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures. The product portfolio expanded in 2025-2026 to include the modular Chaser USV (containerized transport, 40-knot sprint, GPS-denied navigation via ANELLO INS), the high-speed armed combat Comet USV (13.1 meters, 45+ knots, 10,000-lb payload, capable of carrying Hellfire/Sidewinder missiles via Sierra Nevada BRAWLR), the MASC family of 20-meter modular catamaran combatants, the NightTrain semi-submersible autonomous logistics vessel, and ORCA; a separate Mission Solutions division (acquired Blue Tide Marine in March 2024) provides maritime support services including the Oceanus VI mission support vessel, training, and sustainment.

BlackSea makes money through direct U.S. Navy and DoD hardware sales (GARC, Chaser, Comet, MASC platforms) under government contracting vehicles including OTA and standard defense contracts, supplemented by larger program contracts (notably a $256 million five-year Navy contract awarded in May 2026 for the Seabased Petroleum Distribution System) and ongoing professional-services revenue from the Mission Solutions division. The company's go-to-market is enterprise field sales with active participation in defense industry events (Sea-Air-Space, SOF Week, AUVSI Xponential), Navy executive engagement, and integration into joint NATO exercises (BALTOPS, Arctic Sentry, REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger); it also operates an AUVSI-accredited Trusted UMS Operator training program, through which it was the first certified provider.

Operationally, BlackSea is a privately held portfolio company of Razors Edge Ventures (Reston, VA), employs approximately 200 people, and runs three locations — Baltimore, MD (headquarters and production), Fort Lauderdale, FL (Mission Solutions), and Arlington, VA (government-facing office). The firm is differentiated by ISO 9001:2015/AS9100-D plus J-STD-001, AWS D1.1/D1.2, and IPC-620 manufacturing certifications, a curated partner ecosystem (Lockheed Martin, Sierra Nevada, Leonardo DRS RADA, EOS Defense USA, ANELLO Photonics, Doodle Labs, Volvo Penta, Seakeeper, JFD), and combat-validated operational track record. The 2024 ACG Growth Company Award (in the $75M-$250M category) and projected 2025 revenue of $200M+ with 80%+ annual organic growth round out the operating profile.

Name

BlackSea Technologies

Legal name

BlackSea Technologies

Website

https://www.blacksea.tech

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

BlackSea Technologies is a Baltimore-based defense manufacturer that designs, builds, and supports unmanned surface vessels (GARC, Chaser, Comet, MASC, NightTrain) and maritime mission services for the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and allied military forces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) Defense Manufacturing

NAICS

Ship and Boat Building (33661), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

akta.pro primary industry

Unmanned Naval Vessels (USV/UUV) (IMAJABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ), Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs) (HDAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Unmanned surface vessels
• Autonomous maritime systems
• Naval defense technology
• ISR platforms
• Modular naval craft

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. USV Platform Sales: Direct hardware sales of unmanned surface vessels to U.S. Navy and Department of Defense, including GARC, Comet, Chaser, and MASC platforms with modular payload configurations
2. Defense Contracts: Government contracts including the $256 million Navy contract for Seabased Petroleum Distribution System (SPDS) and other Department of Defense agreements
3. Mission Solutions Services: Maritime support services including mission support vessels (Oceanus VI), logistics, training, and sustainment for autonomous operations

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BlackSea Technologies designs, manufactures, and supports a family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) ranging from the 16-foot GARC reconnaissance craft to the 20-meter MASC modular combat catamaran, alongside the Comet armed combat platform, the modular Chaser, the autonomous semi-submersible NightTrain logistics vessel, and the ORCA platform. The company also provides maritime mission support services through its Mission Solutions division (formerly Blue Tide Marine), expeditionary logistics infrastructure including the Seabased Petroleum Distribution System (SPDS), and AUVSI-accredited sUSV operator training. All products and services are delivered to the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and allied militaries through direct government contracting.

Product overview

BlackSea Technologies offers a portfolio of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) ranging from small tactical platforms to large modular combat craft, alongside mission solutions and training programs. The core product line includes the GARC (Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft) — the company's flagship small USV deployed extensively by the U.S. Navy — and its evolved variant Chaser, which shares the GARC's modular payload architecture but adds updated systems. The high-speed combat platform Comet bridges the gap between small tactical USVs and larger unmanned combat craft, while the autonomous logistics vessel NightTrain targets expeditionary cargo delivery. The Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) family extends into medium USV territory with a catamaran hull designed for modular mission reconfiguration. Mission Solutions (formerly Blue Tide Marine) provides maritime support including the Oceanus VI mission support vessel, and BlackSea offers sUSV operator training aligned with the AUVSI Trusted UMS Operator framework. A Seabased Petroleum Distribution System (SPDS) contract extends the portfolio into expeditionary logistics infrastructure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mission Solutions: Division providing maritime mission support, formerly Blue Tide Marine, delivering end-to-end uncrewed operations and material readiness

Products and services

• GARC (Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft) The GARC is a 16-foot diesel-powered small unmanned surface vessel with a 200-horsepower engine, top speed of 40 knots, and up to 1,000-pound payload capacity, supporting ISR, surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures missions for the U.S. Navy in seas up to 15 feet. Production rate exceeds 32 units per month at the Baltimore facility.
• Chaser USV The Chaser is a modular small USV designed for containerized transport and rapid payload swaps, supporting distributed ISR, contested logistics, and surface warfare missions. It features a modular architecture, 40-knot sprint speed, and long-range endurance, with integration of ANELLO's Maritime INS for GPS-denied navigation and EOS Defense's R400 remote weapon system.
• Comet USV The Comet is a 13.1-meter armed combat USV capable of exceeding 45 knots (51+ mph), carrying a modular 10,000-pound payload, with up to 1,000-nautical-mile endurance range at 40 knots in Sea State 3. Equipped with Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, a dual-rail missile launcher, electro-optical targeting systems, and navigation radar, built on an aluminum semi-planing hull in approximately one month.
• NightTrain Autonomous Logistics Vessel NightTrain is an autonomous semi-submersible logistics vessel designed to deliver containerized cargo to forward forces in contested areas without reliance on traditional ports or infrastructure. Features a submerged barge, over-the-shore connectors, and advanced controls to move fuel in contested environments.
• Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) MASC is a 20-meter aluminum catamaran USV family designed for modular, multi-mission combatants. It carries over 67,000 pounds (28,122 kg) of payload, features 900 square feet of open deck space and 198 kilowatts of onboard electrical power, supporting anti-surface warfare, strike, electronic warfare, logistics, and mine countermeasures profiles.
• ORCA ORCA is a USV platform in BlackSea's product portfolio, listed alongside GARC, Chaser, Comet, and NightTrain on the company's product navigation.
• Mission Solutions (formerly Blue Tide Marine) Mission Solutions (formerly Blue Tide Marine) provides maritime support including the Oceanus VI 170-foot mission support vessel with shallow draft, 30,000-pound payload capacity, and 3,000-pound crane. Delivers end-to-end support for uncrewed platform operations, including logistics, training, and operational sustainment for defense missions.
• sUSV Training Program BlackSea's sUSV Training Program prepares operators for uncrewed surface vessel missions with a focus on safety, certification, and real-world performance. Aligned with the AUVSI Trusted UMS Operator framework, the program combines classroom instruction, simulation, and on-water training across certification levels. BlackSea is the first AUVSI-accredited training provider for the Trusted UMS Operator certification.
• Seabased Petroleum Distribution System (SPDS) SPDS is a next-generation capability that delivers fuel from sea to shore in contested or infrastructure-limited environments without relying on vulnerable port infrastructure. Uses a submerged barge, over-the-shore connectors, and advanced controls. BlackSea was awarded a five-year, $256 million Navy contract to build up to five SPDS units, with production based in Baltimore.

Quantifiable outcome

• 32 GARC units produced per month at Baltimore facility
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• EOS Defense Systems USAcoreTechnology or Integration · 21 April 2026EOS Defense Systems demonstrated its R400 Remote Weapon System integrated onto BlackSea Technologies' Chaser USV at Sea-Air-Space 2026, marking first R400 deployment on a USV in the United States
• ANELLO PhotonicscoreTechnology or Integration · 20 April 2026ANELLO Photonics' Maritime Inertial Navigation System selected for integration into BlackSea Technologies' Chaser USV platform, providing GPS-denied navigation using proprietary Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope technology for contested maritime environments
• U.S. Naval AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2025Strategic collaboration to advance midshipman education, research and training in unmanned surface vehicle technologies, preparing next generation of naval officers for hybrid fleet operations
• Blue Tide Marine (Acquired)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2024Acquisition of Blue Tide Marine, founded by retired US Navy SEALs and Special Operators, strengthening capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solutions for Anti-Access/Area Denial environments. Now operating as Mission Solutions division.
• Lockheed MartincoreTechnology or IntegrationMission partner contributing sensors and systems to BlackSea's Chaser and Comet USV platforms
• Sierra Nevada CorpcoreTechnology or IntegrationSupplying BRAWLR missile system for Comet USV armed combat platform
• Leonardo DRS RADAcoreTechnology or IntegrationProviding radar systems for Comet USV platform
• SeakeepersecondaryTechnology or IntegrationSupplying gyro stabilization systems for Comet USV platform
• Volvo PentasecondaryTechnology or IntegrationProviding propulsion systems for Comet USV platform
• Doodle LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegrated Helix radios into GARC platform creating unified communications architecture for maritime autonomy enabling extended-range command and control, real-time video transmission, and mesh networking
• JFDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership between BlackSea Mission Solutions (formerly Blue Tide Marine) and JFD for tactical diving life support and mobility platforms, providing enhanced maritime capability into the Americas in the sub-sea domain

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Saronic Technologies: Saronic builds autonomous surface vessels for U.S. Navy and allied defense customers, producing a range of small to mid-size USVs. It is the closest pure-play USV competitor to BlackSea, with overlapping customer set (U.S. Navy, SOCOM) and similar attritable-platform mission focus.
• Saildrone: Saildrone manufactures wind- and solar-powered autonomous surface vessels for defense, ISR, and oceanographic missions. While optimized for long-endurance rather than high-speed combat, Saildrone overlaps directly with BlackSea in Navy ISR missions and GARC-like use cases.

Emerging players

• HavocAI: HavocAI develops autonomous surface vessels for defense and commercial maritime, including distributed USV swarms. It overlaps with BlackSea's small USV GARC/Chaser line and competes for the same attritable platform procurement dollars.
• Anduril Industries: Anduril builds autonomous defense systems (including maritime autonomy programs such as Dive-LD and surface vessel initiatives). It competes with BlackSea for autonomy contracts and DoD budget share, particularly on software-defined USV payloads.
• Sea Machines Robotics: Sea Machines supplies autonomous navigation and command/control software for commercial and defense surface vessels. It is comparable to BlackSea as an enabling autonomy partner for vessel builders, though it focuses on software rather than full USV manufacturing.

Broad incumbents

• Textron Systems: Textron Systems is a Tier-1 defense prime producing the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV) and other maritime autonomy solutions. It directly competes with BlackSea in U.S. Navy USV programs but as a much larger, multi-line integrator.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris supplies autonomous undersea and surface systems, naval sensors and integrated mission solutions to the U.S. Navy and allies. It competes with BlackSea across the autonomous maritime stack as a deeply established prime contractor.
• Kongsberg Maritime: Kongsberg Maritime is a leading autonomous and remote-controlled vessel control systems provider (HUGIN AUVs, Seatex). It is a relevant comparable for control stations, autonomy stacks, and integrated maritime systems serving defense customers alongside BlackSea's offerings.
• Huntington Ingalls Industries: Huntington Ingalls is the largest U.S. military shipbuilder producing manned and unmanned naval vessels through its Ingalls Shipbuilding and Mission Technologies divisions. It is a broad competitor in U.S. Navy USV construction, including the LUSV program and large-scale shipbuilding adjacent to BlackSea.
• Thales Group: Thales is a global defense prime producing unmanned maritime systems, naval combat management and autonomous platforms. It is comparable to BlackSea in NATO/naval autonomy programs but as a much larger, multi-domain European defense incumbent.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xblacksea.tech/privacypolicy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@blackseatechnologies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blacksea-technologies

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BlackSea Technologies