Oil major Shell joined forces with offshore robotic ship operator Ocean Infinity, signing a joint development agreement, to combine expertise and assets to execute multiclient seep hunter projects.
The partners expect that this combination will bring down risk, improve the reliability of their results and provide multiple clients with wide area search coverage.
Specifically, it is reported that Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet will become operational next year, and is equipped with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) offering deep-water coverage on a uniquely large scale.
According to Katya Krylova, VP Business Development Oil & Gas Exploration Services, Ocean Infinity
Historically the most fruitful and successful collaborations are formed during the most challenging times.
To remind, Armanda fleet does not require the presence of men onboard or a host vessel nearby, will be controlled and operated by mariners with expertise through satellite communications from facilities located in Austin, Texas, and Southampton, England. In addition, the autonomous vessels will be capable of launching remotely operated underwater vehicles to a maximum depth of 6000m that will carry out surveys on pipeline routes or acquire seismic data.