ABS approves deep-sea mining system design

The AIP follows publication of the ABS Guide for Subsea Mining in October 2020 and is the first to be issued that conforms to the new guidelines.

CMI’s design focuses on retrieving cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust deposits attached to seamounts. The project ultimately entails development of subsea mining machines, high concentration and large particle slurry lifting systems and offshore mining support vessels.

“Demand for resources to support the low carbon economy means sustainable subsea mining will increasingly be viewed as a key technology,” explained Matt Tremblay, ABS senior vice president, global offshore.

”As the leader in offshore classification, ABS is pleased to be able to use its experience to support CMI, which is taking an important step in the development of a subsea mining system and we look forward to continuing cooperation with CMI in this important field,” he added.

“The prototype of the deep-sea mining vehicle developed by CMI was successfully tested in September on the seabed 1,300 metres below the South China Sea and completed the first joint operation test with a manned submersible,” said Xian-Fu Hu, CMI general manager.