Houston-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has taken delivery of its sixth out of eight new high-tech, ammonia-ready Armada vessels.
According to the company’s social media post , the vessel 7806 has been handed over to the captain, while another two ships, 7805 and 7804, have completed a set of sea trials. These two ships are now scheduled to enter a mobilization phase before entering commercial work.
Armada is a fleet of innovative low-emission ships, set to transform operations at sea, Ocean Infinity said.
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard received a contract to design and build these highly advanced, 78-meter vessels in November 2020. The units are initially planned only to use a skeleton crew onboard, and in due course are planned to work with no personnel offshore.
In December last year, Ocean Infinity took delivery of the first two robotic vessels that will form part of the high-tech Armada fleet.
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.
According to Vard, the vessels will provide safe launch and recovery platforms for ROVs and other robotic systems through two large moonpools arranged with the shipbuilder’s own damping system.
The fleet will be equipped with the latest technology in marine robotics, including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated surface vessels. They are scheduled to serve as multi- role-vessels, supporting Ocean Infinity’s operations worldwide from its control centers.