Ocean Infinity is extending its shipping reach by acquiring leading UK maritime security company Ambrey.
The US buyer, which gave no financial details, said the merger would enable the enlarged group to pursue a strategy of becoming the world’s leading marine robotics company, with technology and sustainability at its core.
Ambrey operates in security, crisis and risk management in the fight against piracy, as well as intelligence, insurance, fleet operation and vessel design and build.
Ocean Infinity believes its data and software capabilities will revolutionise Ambrey's intelligence and insurance services, while the robotic surface and sub-surface vessels have huge potential for Ambrey's shipping and offshore client base.
The US company's footprint now extends to offices in Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, with 500 staff members.
No limits
"There is no limit to the possibilities of robotics, which will eventually touch every corner of the maritime industry," Ocean Infinity chief executive Oliver Plunkett said.
"There is an immediate opportunity for robotic uncrewed vessels to play a huge role in maintaining safe operating environments for our clients."
Ambrey group managing director Chris Charnley founded the company with John Thompson 10 years ago.
"We firmly believe that with Ocean Infinity we share a common vision to keep pushing boundaries and to revolutionise the maritime industry," he said.
Charnley added that in recent years, Ambrey has built on foundations in risk management to expand to a wider range of marine support services.
"As we look to the future with Ocean Infinity, technology and green operations are leading the way," he said. "Together, we seek to revolutionise our industry and broaden our service offering, underpinned by our greatest asset, our people and the combined expertise of our new team."
Vessels on order
In November last year, Ocean Infinity upped the ante on its robotic vessel fleet, booking its largest shore-controlled boats ever from shipbuilder Vard.
The company, which uses its vessels for ocean and seabed mapping, said it struck a contract for eight of the 78-metre multipurpose vessels.
The boats will ultimately be able to operate unmanned, although a skeleton crew is optional.
Ocean Infinity said they will be able to run on ammonia and other alternative fuels.
Founded in 2017, Ocean Infinity operates in the energy, renewables and subsea cable sectors, and it carries out work for governments and navies.
Its Infinity fleet is made up of 14 autonomous underwater vessels that operate together to capture large amounts of ocean and seabed data quickly.
