Oceaneering Upgrades Ocean Intervention II for Autonomous Survey Missions

U.S.-based subsea services and technology firm Oceaneering has recently completed a significant upgrade of its Ocean Intervention II oceanographic research vessel. The vessel, originally launched in 2000 for geophysical and geotechnical survey work, has undergone a retrofit to equip it for simultaneous autonomous offshore survey missions.

The retrofit, carried out in early 2025 on the 25-year-old vessel, has transformed it into a versatile platform capable of launching and recovering both uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This upgrade marks a significant advancement in the vessel’s capabilities, enhancing its ability to collect a wide range of survey data efficiently.

The upgraded Ocean Intervention II now boasts new navigation systems, hull-mounted sensors, cloud-enabled data infrastructure, and a modernized engine room. Additionally, a dedicated Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for autonomous platforms has been installed, along with integration with Microsoft Azure for real-time data processing.

Peter Buchanan, Senior Director of Survey, Products and Services, Subsea Robotics at Oceaneering, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced capabilities of the Ocean Intervention II. “The vessel provides a step change in survey data acquisition productivity with the ability to simultaneously collect AUV, towed geophysical, and geotechnical data. We’re excited to offer this enhanced capability to our clients,” he stated.

Furthermore, Oceaneering highlighted that the refurbished Ocean Intervention II will collaborate with its Onshore Remote Operations Centers (OROCs) and remotely operated USVs, enabling reduced offshore personnel and improved operational efficiency. This integration of autonomous technologies and remote operations demonstrates Oceaneering’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in the field of subsea services.

With its enhanced capabilities and upgraded systems, the Ocean Intervention II is poised to excel in performing complex survey missions and delivering high-quality data to clients in the offshore industry. Oceaneering’s investment in upgrading the vessel underscores its dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in subsea operations.