Boskalis deploys first ROVs from new remote operations centre

The deployments follow an 18-month development programme and an investment of £40M (US$55M) in ROVs and the ROC, which significantly expands Boskalis’ remote operating capabilities, enabling subsea tasks to be supported and controlled from shore.

The centre provides a central hub for fleet operations, offers additional on-demand expertise to support offshore crews and is designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen safety and ensure consistent delivery across projects.

Boskalis chief operating officer Bart Heijermans said the ROC is a significant milestone for the company, and a significant step forward in the way it delivers subsea operations. “It demonstrates how innovation and technology can make our work safer, more efficient and better integrated,” said Mr Heijermans, “and is an important investment in our subsea services offering from Aberdeen.”

Mr Heijermans said the ROC and the capabilities it provides would create more than 50 onshore roles in the next five years, supporting offshore crew and vessels.

The centre has successfully completed a test phase, during which ROVs underwent a week of intensive trials in the North Sea from Boskalis’ construction support vessel Boka Northern Ocean, validating remote operations across a range of anticipated scenarios.

Boskalis said it will continue to enhance the ROC, integrating additional remote survey and inspection services.