Ocean Infinity has contracted Vard for the design and construction of a new series of six multi-purpose offshore vessels, all of which will be operated from shore and will eventually utilise green ammonia as fuel.
This order of six 85m, optionally crewed robotic vessels will take the size of Ocean Infinity’s remote vessel fleet, believed to be the largest, to 23. With Ocean Infinity’s control infrastructure and remote control centre currently undergoing commissioning, the company says that low-emission remote operations are becoming a closer reality for the global maritime industry.
This new contract between Ocean Infinity and Vard facilitates the next phase of joint development between the two companies, including Vard subsidiaries Vard Design, Vard Electro and Seaonics. Vard’s vessel systems management and automation techniques coupled with Ocean Infinity’s systems integration capability and remote operations infrastructure will enable remote ship operation on a uniquely global scale.
Richard Daltry, Technical Director, Surface Technology, Ocean Infinity, said: “Armada will play a huge role in enabling the global maritime community to reduce its carbon emissions from operations at sea. These new 85m vessels will be optimised for inspection, maintenance and repair and light construction work to offer remote, ultra-low carbon services to the offshore energy market. Like the 78m series currently under construction, the new design continues to drive minimalised environmental impact with its integration of new fuel-cell and battery technology.”
Dan Hook, CTO Ocean Infinity, said: “The team have made significant progress in recent months; commissioning our shore-side remote control infrastructure, running ROVs remotely and developing our fleet management capability. The way in which we will optimise the control and operation of these remote vessels is key. We’re wholeheartedly committed to our goal of transforming operations at sea, to enable people and the planet to thrive, and we’re proud to demonstrate that with the announcement of this next phase of Armada”.
Fredrik Mordal Hessen, GM Vard Offshore and Specialised Vessels, said: “This contract addresses the core of Vard’s mission and strategy to enable sustainable maritime operations together with our customers, and further strengthens our partnership with Ocean Infinity. Advanced equipment integration and remote operation is becoming a reality for the maritime industry. Vard Design, Vard Electro, Seaonics and our shipyards have joined forces to enable the required integration, demonstrating the strength of our fully integrated value chain. We are excited to be working with Ocean Infinity on developing and building pioneering vessels backed by a strong business case. It’s a winning team.”
Christian Utvik, VP Sales & Marketing, Vard, concluded: “It’s a very exciting project that addresses the carbon crisis head-on, leaps in technology with regards to remote control and monitoring, and the integration of tailor-made mission equipment. We have been working together with Ocean Infinity for several years, utilising all aspects of our expertise and specialist knowledge from our inhouse disciplines and specialized subsidiaries”.
The new vessels, to the Vard 9 80 design, will augment Ocean Infinity’s current Armada fleet of nine 21m and 36m vessels, plus eight 78m vessels which are already in production. The new series of six vessels are scheduled for delivery from Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, where the 78m vessels are under construction, during 2025. The first vessels will have the full suite of new technology and equipment installed and integrated at one of Vard’s shipyards in Norway.
