Oceaneering upgrades Ocean Intervention II for simultaneous autonomous surveys

Oceaneering International, Inc. reports that its subsea robotics division has upgraded the Ocean Intervention II (OI2), an Oceaneering-owned oceanographic research vessel, to perform simultaneous autonomous survey operations. 

Launched in 2000, the OI2 was purpose-built for geophysical and geotechnical surveys. In early 2025, the vessel underwent significant upgrades to expand its capabilities and improve performance for modern survey demands, Oceaneering says. 

According to Oceaneering, enhancements include: 

• Survey system upgrades, including hull-mounted sensor expansions and a full overhaul of navigation and positioning systems. 
• Rear deck and interior refurbishments, including the installation of a dedicated launch and recovery system for deployment and retrieval of uncrewed surface vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles. 
• Data infrastructure improvements, including computer rack room retrofits and integration with Microsoft Azure Cloud services for data processing and analysis. 
• Engine room modernization to improve reliability and extend vessel life. 

With its enhanced configuration, the OI2 can “seamlessly” transition between AUV and towed geophysical surveys, and geotechnical sampling, thereby supporting multi-discipline survey campaigns, says Oceaneering.