Argeo Wraps Up High-Stakes Offshore Mission for TotalEnergies in Namibia
Norwegian subsea tech powerhouse Argeo has just wrapped up a marathon mission for French energy titan TotalEnergies off the coast of Namibia. The project, part of TotalEnergies’ ambitious Venus initiative in the Orange Basin, was no small feat—clocking in at nearly 10 months and delivering a treasure trove of subsea data. Armed with its cutting-edge vessel, the Argeo Venture, and a state-of-the-art Hugin Superior AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle), Argeo has proven once again why it’s a leader in the high-stakes world of offshore exploration.
The Argeo Venture, fresh off a conversion upgrade in Norway, hit the waters on May 20, 2024, ready to tackle the deep-sea challenges of the Orange Basin. But this wasn’t your average offshore gig. The project faced unexpected hurdles, including a prolonged yard stay and less-than-ideal weather conditions. Despite these curveballs, the team delivered over 7,000 line kilometers of geophysical data and nearly 200 geotechnical samples—all from depths plunging beyond 3,000 meters. Talk about pushing the boundaries of subsea tech.
Deep-Sea Data: The New Oil Rush
In the age of AI and big data, subsea exploration is no longer just about drilling for oil—it’s about mining for insights. Argeo’s Hugin Superior AUV, a marvel of underwater robotics, played a pivotal role in this mission. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI-driven navigation, the AUV mapped the ocean floor with surgical precision, capturing high-resolution data that will fuel TotalEnergies’ next steps in the region. This isn’t just exploration; it’s a data-driven revolution.
But the real kicker? This project is just the beginning. In late 2024, Argeo and TotalEnergies inked a five-year global framework agreement, with an option to extend for another two years. This partnership, built on a foundation of shared innovation and cutting-edge tech, signals a new era of collaboration in offshore site investigation. The agreement, known as a Framework Agreement on Legal Terms and Conditions (FALTC), sets the stage for future projects that could redefine the energy landscape.
What’s Next for Argeo and TotalEnergies?
As the Argeo Venture demobilizes in Walvis Bay, Namibia, the industry is already buzzing about what’s next. With the Venus project now in the rearview mirror, both companies are poised to leverage the data and insights gained to unlock new opportunities in the Orange Basin and beyond. The partnership between Argeo and TotalEnergies is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling the world’s most complex energy challenges.
