Ocean Infinity signs contract for 78-m robotic vessels

The vessels will initially use a skeleton crew and in due course will be capable of working without personnel offshore, using renewable fuel such as ammonia.

The 78-m vessels will supplement the current Armada fleet of nine 21-m and 36-m vessels, which are already in production and expected to operational by early 2021.

The first 78-m vessel is expected to launch in mid-2022.

The vessels are being designed and built by Vard in Norway.

Ocean Infinity chief executive Oliver Plunkett said, “Our new fleet we will be able to provide sustainable services to all corners of the industry from offshore energy, to logistics and transport.

“As an industry, we have to embrace the need to be carbon neutral. It is not, however, something that will be achieved overnight, rather it will be a journey over time requiring bold leaps forward and challenges to all convention.”

Vard chief executive Alberto Maestrini said, “We are honoured to be chosen as Ocean Infinity’s preferred partner in this unique project. We are working closely on unique custom design features and system integration allowing for remote operation, and the introduction of sustainable fuel such as green ammonia in close co-operation with regulatory bodies.”

Other features of the 78-m newbuilds include DP2 class dynamic positioning, significant deck space and twin moonpools which make the vessels suited to extended payload operations such as deploying remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles, and logistics.