Marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has contracted Norwegian ship designer Vard to construct six multi-purpose offshore vessels, all of which will be remotely operated from shore and will eventually utilise green ammonia as fuel.
This order of the 85m optionally crewed robotic vessels will take Ocean Infinity’s remote vessel fleet to 23 vessels – which the company added is the largest in the world. These new vessels will join Ocean Infinity’s current Armada fleet of nine 21m and 36m vessels, plus eight 78m vessels, which are already in production.
According to the company, with its control infrastructure and remote-control centre currently undergoing commissioning, low-emission remote operations are becoming a closer reality for the global maritime industry.
Richard Daltry, technical director – surface technology at Ocean Infinity, said: “These new 85m vessels will be optimised for inspection, maintenance and repair and light construction work to offer remote, ultra-low carbon services to the offshore energy market.
“Like the 78m series currently under construction, the new design continues to drive minimalised environmental impact with its integration of new fuel-cell and battery technology.”
This new contract between Ocean Infinity and Vard facilitates the next phase of joint development between the two companies, including Vard’s subsidiaries – Vard Design, Vard Electro and Seaonics.
Vard’s vessel systems management and automation techniques coupled with Ocean Infinity’s systems integration capability and remote operations infrastructure will enable remote ship operation on a global scale.
Fredrik Mordal Hessen, general manager of Vard’s offshore and specialised vessels business area, said he is impressed with Ocean Infinity’s willingness and ability to take the lead in contributing to a sustainable and future-oriented maritime industry.
“Advanced equipment integration and remote operation is becoming a reality for the maritime industry. Vard Design, Vard Electro, Seaonics and our shipyards have joined forces to enable the required integration, demonstrating the strength of our fully integrated value chain.
“We are excited to be working with Ocean Infinity on developing and building pioneering vessels backed by a strong business case. It’s a winning team,” he added.
Vard won the contract to design and build the eight vessels in November 2020. The first four are underway, while steel cutting for the fifth began recently at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam. The new series of six vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2025.
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