The agreement seeks to accelerate the certification and classification of autonomous systems intended for the recovery and transport of critical minerals offshore.
ABS and MOBY Robotics Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the development of technologies focused on subsea mining and mineral transport in offshore environments.
The alliance establishes a collaboration framework to advance the certification, technical review, and eventual classification of autonomous robotic systems intended for deepwater operations.
The agreement comes amid growing global interest in critical minerals—essential resources for the energy transition and the manufacture of advanced technologies—whose demand continues to rise in sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, and electric mobility.
A framework to accelerate innovation in subsea mining
As part of the memorandum, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) will support MOBY Robotics in the development and evaluation of systems in accordance with ABS Requirements for Subsea Mining and the organization’s Offshore Rules. The objective between ABS and MOBY Robotics Inc. is to facilitate the technical validation of new solutions intended to operate in complex subsea environments.
The areas covered include subsea and surface robotics systems, vertical lifting technologies for mineral recovery, surface production, storage and offloading platforms, as well as specialized vessels for transporting minerals extracted from the seabed.
Michael Kei, ABS Vice President of Technology, highlighted the potential of automation in this emerging industry.
“Robotics has the potential to play an important role in the future of subsea mining. The industry will need clear pathways to evaluate innovative systems, prioritizing safety and technical rigor,” Kei noted.
ABS and MOBY: Certification and technology for autonomous systems
Under the terms of the agreement, MOBY Robotics will provide technical documentation and design proposals for ABS review. This process will support technology maturity claims and facilitate, where appropriate, preliminary approvals of different subsystems.
The collaboration between ABS and MOBY also includes identifying and developing standards and guidelines for implementing autonomous platforms, both subsea and surface, a key aspect to ensure safe and reliable operations in the offshore sector.
Alexander Petersen, co-founder and CEO of MOBY Robotics, stated that the alliance represents a strategic step in expanding its autonomous technologies.
Subsea mining gains global prominence
Subsea mining is emerging as one of the technological areas with the greatest potential for the future supply of strategic minerals. However, its development requires robust regulatory frameworks, high safety standards, and technologies capable of operating efficiently under extreme conditions.
ABS has been one of the most active players in this field, having published the industry’s first guide dedicated specifically to subsea mining and offering classification, certification, and technical review services for projects related to mineral resource extraction in deep waters.
Source and photo: https://pressreleases.eagle.org/
