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.
VARD’s robotic vessels
This landmark order of six, 85-metre, optionally crewed robotic vessels will take Ocean Infinity’s remote vessel fleet capacity to 23 vessels, which will be the largest in the world.
With Ocean Infinity’s control infrastructure and remote control centre currently undergoing commissioning, transformational low-emission remote operations are becoming a closer reality for the global maritime industry.
Ocean Infinity – VARD partnership
This new contract between Ocean Infinity and VARD facilitates the next phase of joint development
This new contract between Ocean Infinity and VARD facilitates the next phase of joint development between the two companies, including VARD’s 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 at Ocean Infinity, said “Armada will play a huge role in enabling the global maritime community to reduce its carbon emissions from operations at sea.”
Ultra-low carbon services for offshore energy market
Richard Daltry adds, “These new 85-metre 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 78-metre 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, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Ocean Infinity, said “The team has 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.”
Push for a sustainable, future-oriented maritime industry
Dan Hook adds, “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, the General Manager of VARD’s Offshore and Specialised Vessels business area, is impressed with Ocean Infinity’s willingness and ability to take the lead in contributing to a sustainable and future-oriented maritime industry.
Fredrik Mordal Hessen 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.”
Fully integrated value chain
We are excited to be working with Ocean Infinity on developing and building pioneering vessels"
Fredrik Mordal Hessen adds, “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, the Vice President (VP) of Sales & Marketing at VARD, said “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.”
Christian Utvik adds, “We have been working together with Ocean Infinity for several years, utilising all aspects of our expertise and specialist knowledge from our in-house disciplines and specialised subsidiaries.”
New vessels of VARD 9 80 design
The new vessels of VARD 9 80 design will augment Ocean Infinity’s current Armada fleet of nine 21-metre and 36-metre vessels, plus eight 78-metre vessels which are already in production.
VARD won the contract to design and build the eight highly advanced, 78-metre vessels in November 2020. The first four are vessels are underway, while steel cutting for the fifth vessel began recently at Vard Vung Tau, in Vietnam.
New technology and equipment installed
The new series of six vessels are scheduled for delivery from Vard Vung Tau in 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 utilising VARD’s global integrated value chain.
