NOV, Remota and Solstad launch groundbreaking pilot on Remote Crane Operations
NOV, Remota and Solstad are joining forces to explore remote crane operations in a new collaborative innovation project.
The Solstad vessel Normand Sentinel, equipped with its NOV 350mt AHC subsea crane will be the platform for development and pilot activities. The shore-based crane operator station will be located at Remota’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC) supported by advanced connectivity and cybersecurity infrastructure. NOV contributes to development and implementation of technical requirements that ensure the crane and its safety systems are suited and reliable for remote operation.
The project seeks to enhance operational flexibility, reduce costs and create new recruitment opportunities within the maritime industry. By enabling crane operations to be conducted remotely from shore, the project also aims to attract a wider and more diverse recruitment base. This initiative represents a new step toward smarter, more sustainable maritime operations. By leveraging cutting-edge remote technology, the project aims to enhance operational flexibility and unlock new efficiencies in offshore operations.
In its first phase, the project will focus on documentation, scope definition and operator involvement, before infrastructure upgrades and technology developments onboard the Normand Sentinel and at the Remota ROC take place.
This is the second pilot project aiming to explore remote operations on Solstad’s Normand Sentinel, in addition to the ongoing Remote DP collaboration project by Kongsberg Maritime, Remota, Solstad, Østensjø Rederi and DeepOcean.
Håvard Høgset, Engineering Director of NOV, said:
“As a supplier of advanced crane and lifting equipment to the offshore industry, NOV considers this a highly interesting and strategically important area. We firmly believe that such solutions will help shape future ways of operating and managing an increasingly modern offshore fleet. For us, this is about leveraging innovation and new technology to improve both efficiency and safety, while further developing how advanced equipment can be integrated into new, more digital and remotely controlled operations.”
Tor Johan Tveit, COO of Solstad, commented:
“Together with Remota and NOV, we are advancing technology and practices alongside leading industry partners.”
Sveinung Soma, CEO of Remota, added:
“Building on a strong and continuously expanding track record in enabling the transition to remote operations, Remota values the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders Solstad and NOV. As the offshore industry accelerates its shift towards remote operations, crane handling represents a logical next step—leveraging the flexibility, scalability, and operational benefits of remote control.”
The partnership is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).