Nauticus Robotics Inc. has secured a contract with Shell plc to provide inspection services for an underwater field development project in the Gulf of Mexico. While the contract value has not been disclosed, it has the potential to generate future inspection service projects.

Nauticus is a company that develops oceanic robots and artificial intelligence for autonomous services in the offshore industry. It has successfully qualified for autonomous underwater operations during the inspection service qualification phase. This achievement demonstrates the company’s successful transition to a fully operational offshore service provider.

The project will utilize Nauticus’ flagship autonomous underwater robot, Aquanaut, to perform contact and non-contact inspections in an extensive underwater complex. Aquanaut will employ Nauticus’ pioneering method of autonomous underwater manipulation on live assets, even at water depths exceeding 1000 meters. A remote pilot will collaborate with Aquanaut through Nauticus’ acoustic communication connection to ensure safe operations.

The project also incorporates Shell’s proposed solution called the “force multiplier factor,” which allows for simultaneous execution of multiple scopes of work from a smaller service vessel that is not typically involved in inspection, maintenance, and repair services. Aquanaut’s ability to operate without an umbilical connection is a key factor in the project’s success.

Nicolaus Radford, CEO of Nauticus, expressed excitement for the long-term potential of the contract, stating that it offers visibility for future inspection, maintenance, and repair jobs with Shell and the opportunity to become their preferred provider.

This recent contract with Shell follows Nauticus’ previous agreement with Petrobras to deploy Aquanaut in support of the oil giant’s offshore activities. Aquanaut will be used for inspection services in Petrobras’ Deepwater Production Field, further solidifying Nauticus’ position as a leader in autonomous robotic technologies.

Nauticus has also been contracted by Equinor ASA to deploy its leak detection technology service. This pilot project aims to demonstrate and qualify Nauticus’ leak detection technology using autonomous robots. The project showcases the versatility and effectiveness of Nauticus’ fleet in addressing global underwater operational challenges.

With a focus on data collection, analysis, and underwater manipulation capabilities, Nauticus aims to provide support for asset maintenance while reducing operational footprint, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. The company is dedicated to improving health, safety, and environmental exposure at sea.

Sources:
– Shell plc
– Petrobras
– Equinor ASA