Ocean Infinity

Ocean Infinity. It is a marine robotics and data company specializing in advanced seabed survey and underwater search operations. Founded in 2017 by Oliver Plunkett, the company utilizes fleets of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to conduct projects for clients in sectors like offshore wind, oil and gas, and subsea telecommunications. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the firm has gained international recognition for its role in high-profile search and recovery missions and its pioneering use of uncrewed maritime systems.

History

The company was established in 2017 by entrepreneur Oliver Plunkett, with an initial focus on transforming marine survey practices through robotics. It gained global attention in early 2018 when it was contracted by the Malaysian government to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in the southern Indian Ocean. Although this mission did not locate the Boeing 777 wreckage, it demonstrated the capabilities of its AUV fleet. Subsequent growth was fueled by significant investment, including from A.P. Møller – Mærsk's venture arm, Maersk Supply Service, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. This capital enabled a major expansion of its robotic fleet and the development of its groundbreaking Armada fleet of USVs.

Operations and Technology

Core operations revolve around large-scale seabed mapping, site survey for offshore construction, and complex underwater search missions. The company’s technological edge is defined by its use of large, coordinated fleets of AUVs, such as the Kongsberg HUGIN and Echo Surveyor models, which are deployed from its unique uncrewed motherships. Its proprietary data processing platform, known as Earthlab, integrates information from multibeam sonars, sub-bottom profilers, and magnetometers to create detailed bathymetric maps and analyses. This approach allows for the rapid collection of hydrographic data over vast ocean areas with a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional manned survey ships.

Fleet and Infrastructure

The operational backbone is the Armada, a fleet of over twenty uncrewed surface vessels of various sizes designed and operated in partnership with Harland & Wolff and Kongsberg Maritime. These USVs, which are controlled remotely from onshore operations centers in the United Kingdom, United States, and Singapore, can deploy and manage multiple AUVs simultaneously. The company also charters and operates several conventional research vessels, such as the MV Seabed Constructor, for specific campaigns. Support facilities and port bases are maintained in key locations including Southampton, Gulf of Mexico ports, and Cape Town.

Notable Projects and Discoveries

Beyond the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the company located the wreckage of the Argentine submarine ARA San Juan in 2018 for the Argentine Navy. It has conducted search and recovery operations for missing aircraft, including the Piper PA-46 carrying Emiliano Sala in the English Channel. In the commercial sector, it has executed major site survey campaigns for offshore wind farm developments like Dogger Bank and Hornsea 2, and provided pipeline route survey services for entities such as Equinor and Shell. It also holds a contract with the United States Navy for rapid environmental assessment capabilities.

Business Model and Partnerships

The company operates on a project-based, “no-find, no-fee” model for certain search and recovery contracts, while offering traditional service agreements for energy sector and government clients. Strategic partnerships are central to its strategy, including a joint venture with Maersk called Maersk Supply Service, a collaboration with Harland & Wolff for USV construction, and a data partnership with Google to contribute to its Google Earth ocean layers. It also works closely with technology providers like Kongsberg Maritime, Saab Seaeye, and Sonardyne, and maintains relationships with insurers such as Lloyd's of London for wreck removal and investigation projects.

Category:Marine technology companies Category:Companies based in Austin, Texas Category:Robotics companies of the United States