This involves investment in autonomy, artificial intelligence, and connected digital infrastructure. Resident and autonomous vehicles, electric work-class ROVs, and digital asset management tools that incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning are changing the methods used to inspect, maintain, repair, and secure subsea assets.
In addition to having the necessary technology, relevant experience and alignment with the mission are important. Conducting appropriate testing and qualifications, as well as meeting or exceeding industry standards, is required for development and operation in challenging environments.
For over 60 years, Oceaneering has developed practical applications that solve long-term industry challenges for our customers. Our underwater vehicle systems offer 99% uptime with over six million operational hours amassed.
SECURING SUBSEA ASSETS
Subsea systems have long been associated with oil and gas operations, but their role is rapidly expanding. In today’s increasingly connected and complex world, the integrity and protection of our energy, communications, and critical infrastructure are converging below the splash zone. Ensuring operational integrity and security is no longer optional, it’s foundational. That’s why these priorities are at the core of our technology roadmap.
Safeguarding national infrastructure has become a growing priority. For instance, in 2022, the Nord Stream pipeline sustained significant damage, and in September 2025, undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea disrupted Microsoft Azure services across the Middle East and Asia.
The scale and importance of critical infrastructure beneath our oceans is often overlooked, yet these hidden networks form the backbone of global connectivity and commerce. A March 2023 US Naval Institute article notes that there are roughly 850,000 miles of seafloor cables, carrying approximately 95% of global data and enabling around $10 trillion in daily transactions. According to Rextag, in the Gulf of America alone there are approximately 26,000 miles of active subsea oil and gas pipelines.
In 2024, the Defense Innovation Unit contracted Oceaneering to deliver a Freedom™ AUV for US Navy use. Freedom was developed to perform autonomous surveys of oil pipelines over prolonged periods at sea. Freedom has eight thrusters, which provide six degrees of freedom. That maneuverability, coupled with modular components specifically designed for reliability, make it a strong fit for defense applications.
Subsequent discussions with our commercial and global defense customers have indicated that one of Freedom’s applications will likely be the protection and monitoring of subsea critical infrastructure. These partnerships highlight Oceaneering’s proven expertise in both commercial and defense subsea technology, supporting innovation and subsea security.
DATA-DRIVEN ENHANCEMENTS
In 2024, we acquired UK asset integrity firm GDi and integrated its VISION software with our Asset Integrity Management offerings to create a unified Digital Asset Management solution for improved integrity workflows.
VISION redefines remote operations and predictive maintenance by creating centralized asset data for real-time collaboration and smarter decision-making. By leveraging advanced survey methods, such as photogrammetry, the platform creates precise digital twins, enabling accurate remote monitoring and fast analysis. Remote inspections and asset condition assessments help catch issues early, improving safety and reducing downtime. In engineering and construction, this data-driven approach ensures efficiency, precision, and reliability, setting a new standard for technical excellence.
INTELLIGENCE TO DEFINE TOMORROW
Electrification drives our approach to sustainable subsea operations. We launched the eMagnum electric ROV in 2002, followed by eNovus in 2018; a next-generation model arrives in early 2026 with higher payload, advanced sensors, faster setup, and lower environmental impact. The new vehicle offers improved propulsion, comprehensive camera views, acoustic navigation, and headset integration for immersive, precise control.
We are shaping the future by providing safer, smarter, and more secure subsea solutions across oil and gas, defense, and manufacturing. As we invest in autonomy, electrification, and digital integration, we see intelligence—not depth—defining tomorrow’s subsea operations.
This spotlight appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 October Edition, Subsea Infrastructure: Integrity & Security, to read more access the magazine here.
