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The Metals Company and Allseas Announce Successful Deep-Water Test of Polymetallic Nodule Collector Vehicle in the Atlantic Ocean at a Depth of Nearly 2,500 Meters
Following earlier successful harbor wet-testing and shallow-water trials in the open sea, the Allseas-designed and constructed pilot nodule collector vehicle
About this update from Tmc The Metals Company Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Following earlier successful harbor wet-testing and shallow-water trials in the open sea, the Allseas-designed and constructed pilot nodule collector vehicle was deployed from the Hidden Gem and lowered to the seafloor at depths of 2,470 meters, marking the first time the vehicle has been subjected to ultra-deep-water temperatures and pressuresA range of critical functions were successfully tested while driving over one kilometer on the seafloor, confirming the robot’s capability to operate in pressure and temperature conditions similar to those it will encounter in the NORI-D Area in the CCZUpcoming trials in TMC’s NORI-D contract area are expected to include deployment of a four-kilometer-long riser, an umbilical that provides power and control during seafloor operations, and a 500-meter-long flexible jumper hose to connect the riser to the collector vehicle NEW YORK, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TMC the metals company Inc. (Nasdaq: TMC) (“TMC” or the “Company”), an explorer of the world’s largest estimated undeveloped source of critical battery metals, today announced the successful completion of initial deep-water trials of the polymetallic nodule collector vehicle in the Atlantic Ocean. Engineers successfully lowered the Allseas-designed collector vehicle to the seafloor at depths of 2,470 meters, marking the first time the vehicle had been subjected to ultra-deep-water temperatures and pressures. Engineers then subjected the vehicle to extensive testing of its various pumps and critical mobility functions, driving 1,018 meters across the seafloor. “The pilot nodule collection system is so far performing beautifully throughout these trials and getting the collector vehicle into the deep water in the Atlantic has given the team the opportunity to really pressure-test critical components,” said Gerard Barron, CEO & Chairman of The Metals Company. “I continue to be astounded by the planning and preparedness of Allseas engineers who are moving right along into wet-test commissioning and trial deployment of the riser system.” Since 2019, Allseas and TMC have been working together to develop a pilot system to responsibly collect polymetallic nodules that sit unattached on the seafloor and lift them to the surface for transportation to shore. Nodules contain high grades of nickel, manganese, copper and cobalt — key metals requ...