Remota, USV partner on new, low-carbon unmanned surface vessels for offshore oil, gas industry

(WO) – Remota AS has been contracted by USV AS – a company that invests in and owns unmanned surface vessels (USVs) – to operate and manage remotely controlled offshore operations for its first newbuild USV that will enter service in 2025.

Remota AS is a joint venture company established by DeepOcean, Solstad Offshore and Østensjø, set up to fast-track the adoption of remotely managed services in order to drive down operating costs and emissions for the marine and offshore industries.

The first USV will be ready for operations in 2025, when it will go on charter for DeepOcean, who will utilize the USV for subsea IMR and survey work in the offshore renewables and oil and gas industries. The vessel will be capable of operating offshore for up to 30 days without charging or refueling. It will be equipped with a work ROV that is capable of operating down to 1,500 meters water depth.

Through a combination of low weight, hybrid-electric propulsion system with battery package, remote operations and autonomous features, it is estimated that the newbuild USV can reduce CO2-emissions by more than 90%, compared to a conventional offshore vessel when conducting subsea inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) work.

The first USV will be remotely controlled from Remota’s Remote Operations Centre in Haugesund, Norway. During operations, both the USV vessel crew and ROV operators will be co-located in this center.

In addition to operating the USV from shore, Remota will play a key role in the development of the USV, especially within remote control functionalities, communication technologies and maritime regulations.