‘Industry-first’ DNV approval for remote vessel operations goes to Ocean Infinity

Houston-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has received DNV’s Statement of Compliance for the remotely supported operational concept for the Armada 78 fleet of offshore survey vessels.

With this approval, Ocean Infinity said it had become the industry’s first organization to reach the required standard of technology and operations for large vessels, and permits the beginning of onshoring marine-related tasks and activities.

The DNV Statement of Compliance was given for Armada 78 03, the first vessel in the Armada fleet to complete the upgrade and verification process.

The next two vessels to be upgraded to meet the new standard are in their final stages of testing, while at the same time work is underway for the next phase of the company’s remote marine operations program.

“This is a significant achievement for the team. My congratulations go to them all, as well as those who have worked with them and contributed at DNV and Vard, our ship builder,” said Oliver Plunkett, Ocean Infinity CEO.

“Our approach is to pioneer with speed but not haste, becoming the first organisation to receive this Statement of Compliance is testament to that. I am looking forward to watching as we begin to put our ideas of onshoring marine activities and tasks into practice.”

The first series of eight 78-meter ammonia-ready Armada vessels was completed with the delivery of the final unit in January 2024.

The vessels are prepared for green ammonia as a fuel with fuel cell and battery technology and are designed for an ultra-low carbon footprint.

“By proceeding step-by-step, beginning by moving some functions to a remote centre, and ensuring that these innovations are built on a foundation of expertise and trusted assurance, Ocean Infinity is helping the industry to move forward with confidence. That is why we are so pleased to have awarded them the first fleet wide Statement of Compliance with the DNV-CG-0264 Autonomous and remotely operated ships guideline for the first phase of Ocean Infinity’s onshoring plans,” said Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of Digital Ship Systems at DNV.

“This is an achievement that has also been acknowledged by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). We are looking forward to continuing the journey with Ocean Infinity and MPA towards full autonomous and remote vessel operation.”

Ocean Infinity placed an order with Vard for the new series of 86-meter robotic vessels in February 2022. Construction of the final, sixth ammonia-ready robotic vessel began in July at the Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam.

All units will be operated from shore and eventually utilize green ammonia as fuel, and are scheduled for delivery from Vard Vung Tau in 2025.