Remota enables large-scale remote operations in the ocean space

Many believe that floating offshore wind is the next wave in renewable energy, achieving profitability by 2030 through scale and industrialisation. To achieve this, remote operation is key.

“We are in the midst of a digital transformation in the ocean space. Floating offshore wind, like other ocean industries, must make a major shift towards remote operations,” explains Soma.

Remota provides solutions for remote control and monitoring of activities in the ocean space. With decades of offshore sector experience, the company now offers its services to floating offshore wind and waterborne passenger transport.

“Remota has the technology to enable our customers to become remote-ready and the facilities for large-scale remote operations,” says Soma.

The heart of the solution consists of land-based remote operating centres (ROC). The company currently has three ROCs in Haugesund, one in Aberdeen and one opening soon in Houston.

The ROCs are multidisciplinary, providing a range of services from autonomous navigation and engine monitoring to dynamic positioning (DP), gangway and crane operations. Navigation of unmanned service vessels (USV) and operation of remote-operated vehicles (ROV) are integrated in one ROC.

“Remota is technology independent. We work with all technology providers and interface with any system,” he adds.

Today, a floating offshore wind farm has its own carbon footprint, mainly from fossil fuel-powered service vessels. Remota, however, reduces overall emissions by enabling the use of smaller, fewer and unmanned vessels.

“Switching from conventional to unmanned vessels reduces CO₂ emissions by 90 to 95 per cent. It also reduces operating costs and fuel consumption,” states Soma.

More efficient use of personnel lowers costs as well. “Remote operations require fewer employees, which helps to solve the problem of personnel shortages. Those who are employed can be engaged 100 per cent of the time on shore, rather than spending half their time idle on an offshore vessel,” he explains.

Moreover, onshore work increases worker safety and improves the working environment. It also opens up job opportunities to skilled employees who cannot work at sea for various reasons.

Remote operations in the ocean space is a megatrend that will only accelerate in the future. The global remote monitoring and control market is expected to grow from USD 24.6 billion in 2022 to USD 32.3 billion by 2027.

Remota is well positioned to play a leading role in this market for ocean activities. “Our core competencies are within connectivity, cybersecurity, situational awareness and large-scale control centres,” states Soma.

With this expertise, Remota has global market potential. “We have expanded satellite coverage that enables remoteness on a large scale. This comes in addition to 4G and 5G networks. We can therefore monitor any asset around the world,” he adds.

Recently established, Remota is backed by three ocean-industry powerhouses: DeepOcean, Solstad Offshore and Østensjø Rederi. The company was recently chosen by Haugesund County to provide remote services to Hyke smart passenger ferries.