Marine robotics pioneer Ocean Infinity is actively pursuing the decarbonisation of its Armada fleet of lean-crewed, uncrewed and remotely operated vessels in alignment with its goal to achieve net-zero across the business by 2040.
The strategy revolves around enhancing vessel operational efficiency by leveraging optimised hull design, remote operations for smaller vessels, a crew competency-focused operating philosophy, and a commitment to continuous improvement through the introduction of new technologies.
Building a foundation: Green technology and lean crewed ships
Ocean Infinity’s commitment to sustainability rests on two pillars: optimising operations and embracing innovative technology to reduce carbon emissions. Max Hartvigsen, Marine Director, emphasises that “these pillars encompass both operational efficiency and the potential transition to alternative fuel sources.”Â
One of the company’s notable initiatives is the introduction of lean-crewed ships designed for minimum environmental impact. These vessels, exemplified by the 78 and 86-metre models, are built and designed with facilities dedicated to future green technologies. This forward-thinking approach allows adaptability and serves as a platform for technology developers to showcase new eco-friendly solutions. Trialling new technologies, particularly propulsion technologies, by refitting existing vessels can be so costly and challenging that it is often not undertaken. The green spaces on Ocean Infinity’s Armada vessels have been designed from the outset to mitigate these potential future issues.
Green fuel exploration: Methanol, ammonia, and beyond
Ocean Infinity is an active pioneer in green fuel adoption, looking beyond conventional choices like hydrogen to explore alternatives such as methanol and ammonia. Oliver Hibbert, Engineering Director, emphasises the need for partnership, “We are working with key players like Cummins, a major engine supplier, as they work on converting engines to run on methanol. This effort is part of the ZEVI initiative, which focuses on developing a methanol conversion package for engines and is currently converting a vessel to operate on both methanol and diesel. We are also working with Amogy to assess their ammonia to fuel cell power packs for integration with our A78 vessels.”
Biofuels, specifically biodiesel in the short to medium term, are identified as a key solution to achieve up to a 70% reduction in fleet carbon emissions. To meet sustainability targets, the initial use of biodiesel will be followed by considering second-generation fuels, such as HVO and co-processed MGO. Additionally, there is active consideration of incorporating bio-methanol into the fuel mix to expand the range of usable fuels.
In the medium to long term, ammonia is the preferred alternative fuel due to its scalable production, low carbon intensity, and status as a true zero-carbon fuel. Substantial efforts are underway to enable the entire Armada fleet to operate on ammonia.
Ocean Infinity is executing a multi-faceted approach to realise this strategy, involving various work streams, including the formation of an operating efficiency working group, biodiesel trials preceding fleet-wide implementation in 2024, research into an ammonia dual fuel conversion kit as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2, and the Ammonia Marine Power System project under CMDC R1, which has allowed Ocean Infinity to achieve DNV GL Ammonia Ready Fuel notation for the A78s.
Additionally, ongoing efforts involve ammonia cracking into internal combustion engines (ICE) feasibility work, exploring advanced tank technologies, and continuous engagement with global organisations, such as the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel, to deliver lower carbon intensity power solutions.
Operational efficiency and reduced crew: A win for sustainability
Reducing offshore crew through automation and increased remote onshore operation is a key strategy for Ocean Infinity. Performing operations from onshore operations centres has reduced travel emissions and onboard energy requirements. The centralised data collection from our ships and centralised operations enables a close understanding of offshore operations, providing opportunities for further energy and fuel operations consumption reductions.
This transition is exemplified by the decrease of onboard personnel from 50 to 15 on the 78m vessels, resulting in a notable reduction in associated costs such as flights for crew turnover and hotel loads on the ships. However, concrete figures on the carbon reduction from this crew reduction are still under development.
The company is working on a network of globally located centres, with a team of mariners and data acquisition specialists executing the control and supervision of robotic ships and payload systems. The latest operations centre has been announced to open in Hobart, Tasmania.
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Battery technology and offshore complexity
Ocean Infinity has also taken a future-proofing step by equipping each larger vessel with about one megawatt-hour of battery storage, showcasing a significant commitment to incorporating green technologies from day one. This battery capacity aligns with the company’s intention to efficiently use energy during complex offshore operations, where peak loads and quiet periods present unique challenges.
A commitment to flexibility, innovation, and strategic partnerships marks Ocean Infinity’s journey towards greener ship operations. The company’s initiatives in lean-crewed ships, green fuel exploration, operational efficiency, and advanced battery technology underscore its dedication to leading the maritime industry into a more sustainable future.
