Boskalis Launches ROV Operations via New Aberdeen Hub

Boskalis has successfully completed its first deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) controlled entirely from its newly established Remote Operations Center in Aberdeen.

The achievement follows an 18-month development program and a £40 million investment into both the onshore facility and a specialized fleet of ROVs. This center serves as a centralized hub for fleet operations, allowing critical subsea tasks to be supported and managed from land rather than solely from offshore platforms. By moving these controls to a shore-based environment, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency and provide offshore crews with immediate access to on-demand technical expertise.

The facility recently underwent a rigorous one-week trial phase in the North Sea. During these tests, ROVs were deployed from the construction support vessel BOKA Northern Ocean to validate the stability and safety of remote operations across various offshore scenarios. Following the success of these trials, the company plans to integrate further remote survey and inspection services into the center’s remit.

Bart Heijermans, COO and member of the Board of Management, said, “The Remote Operations Center is a proud milestone for our team and a significant step forward in the way we deliver subsea operations. It demonstrates how innovation and technology can make our work safer, more efficient and better integrated. It also represents an important investment in our subsea services offering from our Aberdeen office, creating more than fifty high-quality onshore roles in the next five years to support our offshore crew and vessels while maintaining the high standards our clients expect.”

The expansion of the Aberdeen office is expected to bolster the local workforce while ensuring consistent delivery across global projects. By leveraging this remote technology, the company intends to reinforce its position in subsea innovation and future-proof its offshore solutions.