Ocean Infinity, a company specializing in the use of robotic technology for marine operations, has announced a significant contract with Equinor Wind US LLC for the development of a floating offshore wind farm on the US West Coast. This agreement highlights Ocean Infinity’s leadership position in innovative research solutions and demonstrates its commitment to advancing sustainable energy initiatives.
As part of the contract, Ocean Infinity will carry out comprehensive research of the site using multiple Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in Equinor’s lease area for the floating offshore wind farm. The deepwater topography of the US West Coast presents a challenging environment, and AUVs offer an ideal solution for efficiently and safely collecting high-quality data at depths ranging from 974 to 1317 meters.
The project is scheduled to begin in February 2024 and represents a significant advancement in the country’s renewable energy landscape. The research scope includes various offshore studies that are crucial for Equinor’s design basis, Site Assessment Plan (SAP), and Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for the lease area. The high-quality datasets provided by Ocean Infinity will inform decision-making and meticulous planning for the construction and operations phases of the wind farm.
The Morro Bay project is a milestone for Ocean Infinity as it aligns with the company’s vision of utilizing large-scale robotics to collect data more efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. CEO Oliver Plunkett emphasizes the importance of partnering with clients like Equinor, who share the company’s vision and recognize the benefits of using innovative technology to drive the energy transition.
Ocean Infinity’s fleet, consisting of unmanned vessels located worldwide and a wide AUV capacity, positions the company to support the growth of marine renewable energy in the United States and across the globe.
Sources: Ocean Infinity
Definitions:
– Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Unmanned vehicles designed to perform underwater tasks such as data collection or inspections.
– SAP: Site Assessment Plan, a document that assesses the suitability of a site for a specific project.
– COP: Construction and Operations Plan, a document that details the construction and operational specifics of a project.