Saildrone establishes European headquarters in Denmark to strengthen maritime security and defence innovation
Saildrone establishes European headquarters in Denmark to strengthen maritime security and defence innovation

case

Saildrone establishes European headquarters in Denmark to strengthen maritime security and defence innovation

case

Saildrone establishes European headquarters in Denmark to strengthen maritime security and defence innovation

A global leader in unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), Saildrone is establishing its European headquarters in Denmark as part of its mission to transform maritime domain awareness through sustainable, autonomous technology. From its new base in Copenhagen, the company will manage operations in the Baltic and North Seas, deploying USVs for security, environmental monitoring, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

When

Saildrone – Autonomous, sustainable technology for persistent maritime domain awareness

Founded in 2012 in Alameda, California, Saildrone develops and builds wind- and solar-assisted surface vessels designed for long-duration missions. Each vessel carries a sensor suite and on-board analytics to support continuous monitoring of activity at and below the surface.

Use cases range from ocean mapping and environmental monitoring to surveillance of subsea infrastructure, including communications cables and pipelines. Because the systems rely primarily on renewable energy such as wind and solar power, they complement crewed patrols, support 24/7 maritime awareness, and operate at sea for months without refuelling. 

“As Europe takes bold steps to re-invigorate its defence industrial base, I am delighted that Saildrone is able to participate in this vital mission, at this critical time. We are investing heavily in our Danish operations and I am excited to be contributing to Europe's defence readiness and strategic deterrence.” 

Richard Jenkins

CEO, Saildrone

Richard Jenkins, Founder & CEO of Saildrone

Denmark - A strategically positioned maritime nation and trusted defence partner

Denmark’s position on both the Baltic and North Seas gives it a central role in European maritime activity. Rising geopolitical tension in the Baltic Sea has further underlined Denmark’s strategic importance. As a NATO member with responsibilities in the Baltic and North Seas, Denmark has stepped up surveillance of critical undersea infrastructure

Establishing operations in Copenhagen positions Saildrone at the heart of Europe’s maritime security efforts. The Danish HQ will employ local staff and serve regional customers and partners. The location enables close cooperation with the Danish defence and NATO allies, supporting Saildrone’s ambitions to expand intelligence-collection capabilities to multiple NATO countries later this year. 

Saildrone establishes European headquarters in Denmark to strengthen maritime security and defence innovation
Saildrone Voyagers SD-2008 and SD-2031 deploy off the coast of Køge, Denmark, on June 6, 2025 for operational testing in the Baltic and North Seas conducted in close coordination with the Defence Command Denmark, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), the Royal Danish Navy Command, and the Danish Defence Innovation Unit.

Invest in Denmark–EIFO Partnership Anchors Saildrone in Copenhagen

Working closely with the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), Invest in Denmark facilitated Saildrone’s launch in Copenhagen, supported by EIFO’s investment of DKK 164 million. Invest in Denmark guided the company through the entire establishment process:

  • providing detailed information on business setup 
  • scouting for suitable Danish HQ locations
  • organising a fact-finding mission with key public agencies and regulatory authorities 
  • introducing Saildrone to strategic development partners

This close collaboration has ensured a smooth launch and laid a strong foundation for advancing maritime security and defence in Europe.

“It is a testament to Denmark’s maritime and sustainability strongholds as well as to our strong NATO commitment that Saildrone has chosen to place its European HQ in Denmark. I welcome this important investment that will strengthen both environmental monitoring and surveillance of critical undersea infrastructure in the Nordic and Baltic Seas, using sustainable energy sources.”

Vanessa Vega Saenz

Director, Invest in Denmark

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We provide free-of-charge, confidential and tailor-made solution for foreign companies looking to set up a new business in Denmark or expand an existing one. Contact one of our experts today to explore how Denmark can be the base for your European growth.

Copenhagen

  • Sarina Lohmann

    Title: Special Advisor – Maritime and transport – Analysis & Partnerships

    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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