Ocean Infinity, a global leader in robotic and uncrewed vessel technology, has proudly announced the delivery of the Armada 8601, the first in a groundbreaking series of six 86-meter vessels. This next-generation vessel series, following the company’s successful 78-meter class, is set to redefine offshore operations by prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and advanced performance across the marine industry.
Revolutionary Design for Complex Offshore Tasks
The Armada 8601 and its sister vessels are purpose-built to handle large-scale seabed projects with advanced technology onboard. Each ship will feature Ocean Infinity’s state-of-the-art Ocean Drills and newly designed electrical work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). These capabilities make the vessels ideal for executing larger and more intricate offshore missions with unmatched precision.
A hallmark of the Armada 8601 series is its ability to operate remotely, controlled entirely from Ocean Infinity’s onshore Operations Centers. This innovation ensures efficient and safe offshore data acquisition, significantly reducing risks to personnel while enhancing sustainability. Initially manned by a skeleton crew, the vessels are engineered to transition toward fully uncrewed operations, underscoring Ocean Infinity’s forward-thinking approach to maritime technology.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Low-Emission Operations
Ocean Infinity has designed the Armada 8601 series with sustainability at its core. These ships are built to minimize environmental impact, utilizing fuel-efficient systems and eventually transitioning to renewable fuels such as ammonia. This aligns with the company’s ambitious decarbonization goals, targeting carbon-neutral onshore operations by 2023, carbon-neutral sea operations by 2027, and full business neutrality by 2040.
Technology-Enabled Innovation
The Armada 8601 series is part of a broader initiative by Ocean Infinity to create the world’s largest fleet of robotic ships. Designed with today’s challenges and future needs in mind, these vessels represent a major leap forward in offshore maritime operations. The focus on lean-crewed and uncrewed operations positions Ocean Infinity as a pioneer in the maritime sector’s transition toward safer, greener, and more efficient technologies.
Built by VARD
The Armada class vessels, integral to Ocean Infinity’s fleet are Built by VARD, the international shipbuilding group, these vessels are fitted with advanced systems to support lean-crewed operations. Upon completion of trials and integration with Ocean Infinity’s Remote-Control Center in Norway, the vessels are built to support offshore energy projects and other maritime missions.
About Ocean Infinity
Established in 2017, Ocean Infinity has rapidly emerged as a leader in marine robotics and data acquisition. The company specializes in deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for subsea exploration, achieving milestones such as the search for the missing MH370 airliner and the discovery of the Argentinian submarine ARA San Juan.
Ocean Infinity’s clients include governments, energy firms, and scientific organizations such as RWE, SSE, Ørsted, bp, Shell, Equinor, and NOAA. The company employs over 500 technology and data specialists worldwide, emphasizing decarbonization and sustainability in all its operations.
With its ambitious Armada fleet, Ocean Infinity is poised to set new standards in robotic maritime technology, ensuring safer, greener, and more efficient offshore operations.
Source Ocean Infinity