VARD is pleased to announce a new contract for the design and construction of eight Marine Robotic Vessels for Ocean Infinity.
In partnership with Ocean Infinity, VARD has designed a unique multi-purpose platform with custom design and technology features allowing onshore remote control, light crewed or uncrewed operations, and the introduction of alternative fuels such as green ammonia. With a length of 78 meters, the vessels will be the first of their kind and represent a giant leap forward for the maritime industry.
The series of eight vessels will expand Ocean Infinity’s newly launched Armada fleet, comprising the latest in technology and marine robotics including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated surface vessels. The new vessels are especially developed to serve as multi-role-vessels and will support Ocean Infinity’s operations worldwide from its control centers.
VARD’s specialized subsidiaries are involved in the development of this series of vessels. Design and engineering are currently ongoing at Vard Design, and development of onboard control systems at Vard Electro in Ålesund, Norway.
“We are honored to be chosen as Ocean Infinity’s partner in this project. Together we take a huge leap forward into a new segment of the maritime industry by developing and providing vessels prepared for the future. All according to our strategy for innovation and sustainability,” says Alberto Maestrini, CEO in VARD.
Oliver Plunkett, CEO in Ocean Infinity, says: “The impact and the scale of this robotic fleet will spark the biggest transformation the maritime industry has seen since sail gave way to steam. With our new fleet we will be able to provide sustainable services to all corners of the industry from offshore energy, to logistics and transport”.
Unique ship design and technology.
The VARD 9 60 design is developed together with a customer committed to, and with high ambitions, for delivering low environmental impact marine services. In close cooperation with regulatory bodies, VARD has designed the vessels for an ultra-low carbon footprint and they are among the first vessels to be prepared for green ammonia as a fuel with fuel cell and battery technology. Furthermore, the vessels will provide safe launch and recovery platforms for ROVs and other robotic systems through two large moonpools arranged with VARD’s optimized and well-proven damping system.
“With a high focus in the design process of making the vessels energy efficient, the vessels are equipped with highly optimized hull forms, propellers, and engine arrangements. The vessels are inherently developed for safe and secure prolonged missions with a redundant mindset like split engine and propulsion rooms, redundant cooling systems, sensor systems, automation and power management systems, navigation and communication systems, “ says Ove Bjørneset, VP Research and Innovation in VARD.
Vard Electro has further developed its well-proven SeaQ Integrated Automation System and SeaQ Power Management System together with the class society to allow for safe remote operations and cyber-secure communication. By utilizing its long experience as a system integrator, Vard Electro will deliver a complete electrical systems package from engineering through installation, integration, and commissioning.
A broad range of suppliers and contractors in the Norwegian Maritime Cluster are involved in the project and it creates a considerable positive spin-off effect in the region.
The series of eight vessels will be built at VARD’s shipyard Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, scheduled for deliveries in the period from mid-2022 to end-2023.
About Ocean Infinity
Ocean Infinity is a marine robotics company that deploys autonomous robots, typically in fleet formation. Using the power of technology Ocean Infinity’s mission is to thrive by delivering outstanding value for clients across all markets through finding the safest, most environmentally responsible, and highest value ways of operating at sea.
VARD
VARD is one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels. Headquartered in Norway and with approximately 8,200 employees, VARD operates shipbuilding facilities in Norway, Romania, Brazil and Vietnam. Through its specialized subsidiaries, VARD develops power and automation systems, deck handling equipment, and vessel accommodation solutions, and provides design and engineering services to the global maritime industry.
VARD’s long shipbuilding traditions, cutting-edge innovation and technology coupled with its global operations and track record in constructing complex and highly customized vessels have earned its recognition from industry players and enabled it to build strong relationships with its customers.
The majority shareholder of VARD is Fincantieri Oil & Gas S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of FINCANTIERI S.p.A. Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, FINCANTIERI is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and has, over its 200 years of maritime history, built more than 7,000 vessels.
Vard Design
Vard Design is located in Ålesund, Norway. Since being established in 2000 the company has developed and sold more than 200 ship designs. The VARD SERIES is divided into a line of strong ship designs within platform supply vessels, anchor handling tug supply vessels, offshore subsea construction vessels, offshore renewables, passenger vessels, fishing vessels, service vessels, and barges for the aquaculture industry, and other specialized vessels.
Vard Electro
Vard Electro is a globally recognized and trusted provider and advisor of marine electrical systems. In close cooperation with the customer, Vard Electro offers effective and environmentally friendly solutions with a focus on optimization of the operational performance. This includes reliable and user-friendly systems and efficient service throughout the vessels’ lifetime. Vard Electro works with all established brands in the market, thereby giving customers smart solutions with a high degree of flexibility.
Currently, Vard Electro has installed its equipment onboard more than 300 vessels, including complete systems for power management, propulsion, automation, and navigation. The company is strategically located across the world and operates globally.
SeaQ®
Conforming to the highest industry standards, every SeaQ® product and solutions can be delivered individually or as part of a larger integrated package, contributing to the competitiveness of VARD and meeting market needs and expectations. Vard Electro’s product range consists of the product groups; SeaQ® Bridge, SeaQ® Power, and SeaQ® Control.
Vard Vung Tau shipyard
Vard Vung Tau is an advanced and fully integrated facility designed to undertake the entire shipbuilding process, from hull construction to final vessel outfitting. The company was established in 2007, with the yard opening for business in 2010. Since then it has delivered a broad range of offshore and specialized vessels, with all projects completed to agreed schedules. The Vietnam-based shipyard complies to the same high, international standards as VARD’s other shipbuilding facilities, with the in-house equipment, expertise, and resources to handle complex project management for the most demanding vessel builds.
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