TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – One of Taiwan’s top shipbuilders unveiled its new drone ship, the Endeavor Manta, Friday after it received a seal of approval from the American Bureau of Shipping.

The drone vessel was developed by CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, the manufacturer of Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine and of ships for the Navy and Coast Guard. The company said the new drone could play a role in defense, law enforcement, rescue missions, transportation, data collection, and offshore wind energy projects, per CNA.

CSBC said the Endeavor Manta is an Uncrewed Surface Vessel designed with the challenging conditions of the Taiwan Strait in mind. Since announcing the project in March, the company has discussed the vessel with the American Bureau of Shipping, obtaining its approval in principle Friday.

At the center of the review process was its complex remote-control system, according to CSBC. Its approval by the US body was an important milestone signifying progress in Taiwan’s ability to develop drone ships, the company added.

The Endeavor Manta is 8.6 meters long and 3.7 m wide, and powered by two outboard motors. The drone vessel can reach a maximum speed of 35 knots (65 kph).