Houston-based marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has taken delivery of the first 86-meter ammonia-ready Armada robotic vessel from Vard Vung Tau shipyard in Vietnam.
On December 20, Ocean Infinity revealed the delivery of Armada 8601 as the first unit in a series of six 86-meter multi-purpose offshore vessels ordered in early 2022.
Following the initial 78-meter Armada class vessels which have already been delivered to Ocean Infinity, the newbuilds are also designed to be operated from shore and eventually utilize green ammonia as fuel.
As explained, these new class vessels will be home to the company’s Ocean Drills and newly-designed electrical work class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), allowing for bigger and more complex seabed projects.
The remaining five 85-meter optionally crewed robotic vessels are scheduled for delivery from Vard Vung Tau in 2025.
Once operational, the newbuilds will take Ocean Infinity’s remote vessel fleet to 23 vessels – said to be the largest in the world.
Construction of the sixth vessel from this series began in July 2024.