ADNOC, SeaOwl partner to design low-carbon ROV’s for offshore operations

World Oil Staff May 15, 2023

(WO) — ADNOC Logistics & Services, the shipping and maritime logistics arm of ADNOC, has signed an agreement with SeaOwl for the design of unmanned Remotely Operated Vessels (ROV) capable of transporting vehicles, equipment and supplies to and from offshore sites. The agreement was signed by Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of ADNOC L&S and Xavier Génin, CEO of SeaOwl at the UAE Climate Tech Forum organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

ADNOC and SeaOwl leaders signing low=carbon ROV agreement
Courtesy of ADNOC

The innovative design of the ROV will reduce carbon emissions up to 30% as the vessel will be lighter and smaller, as facilities for a crew are not required. In addition, the smart automation systems will optimize routing and propulsion, further decarbonizing ADNOC L&S’ offshore operations in support of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and ADNOC’s 2030 Sustainability Agenda.

The design for the 55 meters long ROV will allow the vessels to be operated from an onshore control room through a satellite link using the latest automation and self-navigation technology. The design will utilize state of the art artificial intelligence systems to control propulsion, dynamic positioning, remote communication and cyber security.

SeaOwl, a French company specializing in the automation and digitalization of maritime services, will design the vessel, oversee its construction, and facilitate navigation permits. SeaOwl will partner with Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, to facilitate obtaining the necessary navigation permits from the UAE maritime transportation affairs.

This design will improve safety and reduce operational costs as the vessels will be able to operate in harsher conditions with no exposure to seafarers.

Upon construction, the ROVs will join ADNOC L&S' large and diverse fleet of modern and technologically advanced vessels. Combined with its 1.5 million square meter logistics base in Abu Dhabi and its integrated logistics capabilities, ADNOC L&S is one of the region's largest shipping and integrated logistics companies.

Connect with World Oil
Connect with World Oil, the upstream industry's most trusted source of forecast data, industry trends, and insights into operational and technological advances.