ABS and MOBY Robotics Partner to Advance Autonomous Subsea Mining and Offshore Mineral Transport Technologies
ABS and MOBY Robotics Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation subsea mining technologies and offshore mineral transportation systems.
The agreement establishes a collaborative framework under which ABS will support MOBY Robotics in the development, certification, and future classification of autonomous robotic platforms and related technologies. The work will be carried out in accordance with ABS Requirements for Subsea Mining and ABS Offshore Rules, helping ensure that emerging systems meet rigorous safety and technical standards.
The partnership will focus on several critical areas of the rapidly evolving offshore mining sector, including autonomous subsea and surface robotics, vertical lifting systems, ocean-surface production facilities, storage and offloading platforms for critical minerals, and specialized vessels designed for transporting minerals recovered from the seabed.
According to Michael Kei, Vice President of Technology at ABS, robotics are expected to play a significant role in the future of subsea mining operations. He noted that the industry requires clear and structured pathways for evaluating innovative technologies while maintaining a strong focus on safety and technical integrity. Through its collaboration with MOBY Robotics, ABS aims to support the advancement of these systems through classification, certification, and technical review services.
As part of the MoU, MOBY Robotics will submit technical documentation and design packages to ABS for review. These assessments will help establish technology maturity statements and, where appropriate, secure approvals in principle for various subsystems under development. Both organizations will also work together to identify standards and guidelines that can support the safe deployment of autonomous subsea and surface robotic technologies.
Alexander Petersen, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MOBY Robotics, said that as the company expands its autonomous platforms for use in critical minerals extraction, defense applications, and offshore infrastructure projects, maintaining the highest engineering and operational standards remains essential. He described the partnership with ABS as an important milestone in achieving those objectives.
The collaboration highlights growing industry interest in advanced marine robotics and autonomous systems as demand increases for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies and strategic industries. By combining technical expertise in classification and certification with innovative robotic development, ABS and MOBY Robotics are positioning themselves at the forefront of the emerging subsea mining and offshore resource sector.
ABS has been a key contributor to the advancement of subsea mining technologies and previously published the industry’s first guide dedicated to subsea mining. The organization continues to support the sector through classification, certification, and technical review services designed to facilitate safe and responsible technology development.
