Ocean Infinity orders remotely operated vessels 

Ocean Infinity has ordered the design and construction of four multipurpose support vessels, with technology for remotely commanding them, in a deal valued at more than €200M (US$235M).

Fincantieri Group subsidiary, Vard, said these multi-purpose robotic vessels are designed to deploy geotechnical units and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for the offshore energy industry.

Under the contract, Vard’s Norwegian shipyards will deliver two vessels in Q1 and Q2 2028, and two others will be built at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, with deliveries scheduled for Q3 and Q4 2028.

Ocean Infinity’s order includes a wide scope of supply from Vard Electro, which will deliver the full suite of SeaQ systems for remote operations, while Vard Interiors is responsible for the interior solutions, including accommodation for crew.

Seaonics will provide the launch and recovery system for handling ROVs and geotechnical modules.

“In the era of unmanned vessels, this new contract with Ocean Infinity illustrates the ability to deliver pioneering solutions for the robotisation of the maritime industry,” said Fincantieri chief executive and general manager Pierroberto Folgiero.

This order comes after Ocean Infinity built a fleet of 14 semi-autonomous support vessels for offshore energy surveys and ROV inspections.