New Joint Venture to Assist in Offshore Energy Development

US – UK – Marine robotics company Ocean Infinity and geotechnical drilling experts Gregg Drilling, a subsidiary of Alaska Native Corporation Sealaska, have formed a Joint Venture (JV) to provide geotechnical services to offshore markets in traditional and renewable energy field developments and cables.

Marine robotics company Ocean Infinity and geotechnical drilling experts Gregg Drilling, a subsidiary of Alaska Native Corporation Sealaska, have formed a Joint Venture (JV) to provide geotechnical services to offshore markets in traditional and renewable energy field developments and cables.

The JV combines the expertise and assets of the two companies and will see Gregg Drilling mobilise its seabed drills onto the Armada fleet of uncrewed and optionally crewed vessels ranging from 21-78 metres in size. Oliver Plunkett, Ocean Infinity’s CEO, said:

“Partnering with Gregg Drilling to further expand the capabilities of our Armada fleet of vessels will enable us to provide full-service solutions to customers spanning geophysical and geotechnical tasks. Gregg Drilling and its parent company Sealaska share our vision for reducing the environmental impact of offshore activities. This agreement marks another step on our journey to transform marine operations, and we are excited to be doing so in partnership with another innovative team that shares our passion for sustainability.”

Gregg Drilling offers a wide range of services for environmental, geotechnical and marine site investigation and remediation. Parent company Sealaska is a not-for-profit outfit and an Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska formed under federal law in 1971. With more than 23,000 shareholders of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian background, its purpose is to strengthen its people, culture and homelands. Sealaska invests in and operates businesses that improve the health of our oceans, maintain healthy homelands in Southeast Alaska, and benefit shareholder communities.

Pairing Gregg’s deep-water geotechnical drilling capability with Ocean Infinity’s Armada geophysical fleet, and recently enhanced data analytics capabilities following the acquisition of MMT, will expand capabilities for both companies to complete offshore investigations globally. The JV is intended to enable more sustainable underwater development, including geotechnical data collection, needed to support offshore wind anchor and foundation design. John Gregg, President of Gregg Drilling, commented:

“We are pleased to partner with Ocean Infinity to provide an industry-leading geotechnical offering. Ocean Infinity’s Armada fleet has revolutionised the outlook for marine operations through its uncrewed capability and its unmatched focus on sustainability. We look forward to working together to best use the expertise of both companies.”