Following the developments in automation, Ocean Infinity announced that it signed a contract for eight 78-metre, optionally crewed robotic vessels to be added at its Armada fleet.
It is stated that the new vessels will be controlled by people onshore and will initially only utilise a skeleton crew onboard. In addition, they will be capable of working with no personnel offshore whilst also consuming solely renewable fuel such as ammonia.
The first 78-metre vessel is expected to launch in mid-2022.
According to Oliver Plunkett, CEO, Ocean Infinity
The impact and the scale of this robotic fleet will spark the biggest transformation the maritime industry has seen since sail gave way to steam…It is not, however, something that will be achieved overnight or indeed in a year, rather it will be a journey over time requiring bold leaps forward and challenge to all convention. This move is a giant step forward towards that goal.
Concerning Ocean Infinity’s autonomous projects, a few days ago the former joined forces with Shell both combining their expertise and assets to execute multiclient seep hunter projects.