Shell signs agreement on subsea data capture

Energy major Shell has signed a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with US-based marine robotics company, Ocean Infinity, to provide lean-crewed and unmanned assets for subsea data capture projects. The five-year agreement will require the US company to support Shell in all countries where it is currently active or plans to operate in the future.

The GFA covers the provision of seabed geomatics, including geophysical and geotechnical services, in the offshore sector with the deployment of the Armada fleet of uncrewed and lean-crewed vessels. Designed for today’s tasks but with tomorrow’s in mind, the units will use skeleton crews to collect data that can then be processed at Operations Centres ashore. Ultimately, the vessels will be unmanned and will operate on renewable fuels such as ammonia.

Ocean Infinity’s Katya Krylova, VP Business Development, explained: “This agreement enables new, lean-crewed vessels into high-value field work. Using our robotic fleet to service global offshore energy activities will power the maritime industry’s transformation into safer, more efficient, new ways of working. It also solidifies a longstanding and valued collaboration between Shell and Ocean Infinity.

“Working through framework agreements like this allows us to achieve shorter lead times, reduce risks, improve strategic alignment together with flexibility and scalability, work faster, and ultimately supply our partners with their data more quickly,” she continued. “It enables us to optimise resources, making for more efficient and sustainable operations, such as by positioning our fleet more effectively to reduce transit times to and from work sites.”