What's Happening?
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and MOBY Robotics Inc., based in Miami, Florida, have entered into a memorandum of understanding to develop technologies for subsea mining and offshore mineral transport. This partnership aims to advance autonomous
robotic systems and related technologies for subsea mineral recovery operations. The collaboration will focus on several key areas within the subsea mining sector, including subsea and surface robotics, vertical lifting systems, and ocean-surface production, storage, and offloading platforms. MOBY Robotics will submit technical documentation and design packages to ABS for review, as part of efforts to evaluate system maturity and pursue necessary approvals and classifications. Michael Kei, ABS vice president of technology, emphasized the importance of autonomous systems in future subsea mining operations, highlighting the need for established pathways to assess new technologies.
Why It's Important?
This collaboration is significant as it addresses the growing interest in offshore mineral extraction, driven by the increasing demand for critical minerals used in batteries, renewable energy systems, and advanced technologies. The development of autonomous systems for subsea mining could revolutionize the industry by enhancing efficiency and safety. ABS's involvement in providing classification, certification, and technical review services ensures that these technologies meet high engineering and operational standards. This partnership could pave the way for more sustainable and economically viable subsea mining operations, potentially reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional mining methods.
What's Next?
The partnership between ABS and MOBY Robotics is expected to lead to the identification of standards and guidelines for autonomous subsea and surface robotic systems. As MOBY scales its autonomous platforms for deployment across various sectors, including critical minerals and offshore infrastructure, the focus will be on meeting the highest engineering and operational standards. The collaboration may also influence future regulatory frameworks and industry standards for subsea mining, potentially encouraging more companies to invest in this emerging sector.
