The Secretary of State and Minister met with Ocean Infinity’s leadership and toured the company’s Operations Centre, where specialists oversee and support offshore activities around the world. Minister Mather took control of an underwater remotely operated vehicle located off the Norwegian coast and, with little guidance, was able to maneuver a node on the seabed using a robotic arm.
This simple demonstration highlighted how Ocean Infinity’s approach to remote operations is not simply a matter of changing where today’s vessel-based tasks are carried out. Instead, it has thoughtfully redesigned how the work is done, building a system that enables activities once requiring large offshore crews to be carried out safely by a future generation of people who can be trained in a fraction of the time, while reducing operational risk, improving quality and creating new high-skilled technology and engineering roles onshore.
Ocean Infinity designs, develops and operates autonomous vessels, underwater robotic systems, and the software platforms that connect them, supporting customers across offshore energy, defense, science and government sectors globally.
The technologies showcased during the visit are routinely deployed in live operations around the world, helping organizations gather critical data, complete complex offshore missions and reduce the environmental impact of activities at sea.
Oliver Plunkett, CEO of Ocean Infinity, said: “We’ve been operating robots, fully uncrewed boats and lean-crewed ships at sea for a decade. We’ve overcome all of the technological challenges we’ve faced. But our success and our ability to continue to grow isn’t just a matter of technology. The role of people and regulation is just as important, probably more so. People have adapted and embraced the new jobs we’ve created, doing things that didn’t exist before. But regulation hasn’t moved as quickly.
The first step towards fully commercial, safe and long-term sustainable use of robotics in the maritime industry is a practical and fast way to test and prove these systems safely in the real world. From there, if we get this right, the UK can build on its incredible heritage as a maritime nation to be the global leader, not just in developing the technology, but in actually putting it to work.
These reforms are a fantastic step. They give companies like Ocean Infinity the confidence to continue to invest, scale and deliver real capability from the UK into the global market knowing there is the clear support and encouragement of government and the regulator.”
The visit reinforced the UK’s potential to lead the next generation of maritime operations and highlighted the important role innovation, operational experience and effective regulation will play in accelerating the adoption of autonomous technologies that can improve safety, reduce risk to people and minimize environmental impact.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Too often, innovative businesses face a regulatory system that was not built for the digital age and cannot move at the pace modern innovation demands. The Regulating for Growth Bill changes that, giving businesses a faster route from idea to market and ensuring every part of government is aligned to create the conditions for success.”
