TMC and Allseas Forge Deal to Develop First Commercial Deep-Sea Nodule Harvesting System

The Metals Company (TMC) has entered into a commercial agreement with offshore contractor Allseas to jointly develop and operate what they describe as the first commercial deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection system.

The agreement covers the development, commissioning, and operation of the nodule collection system, aiming to prepare for offshore harvesting operations in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean.

This commercial production system is rated for an annual capacity of three million wet tonnes. It will utilize two collector vehicles operating at depths exceeding four kilometers to transport nodules to the surface support vessel, the Hidden Gem.

TMC stated that the system will also include a launch and recovery system, a riser system, and a transshipment vessel.

According to TMC, the conceptual design and basic engineering for key long-lead items, including the riser and umbilical systems, are complete. Supplier engagement and subcontract awards are anticipated to commence by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

The company expects commissioning of the offshore system to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Under the terms of the agreement, Allseas will bear a portion of the development costs, to be recouped through future production revenues.

Gerard Barron, Chairman and CEO of TMC, commented, "This agreement with Allseas now serves as the contractual cornerstone of our strategic alliance with Allseas. It establishes a clear commercial framework outlining how we will complete the development and commissioning of the first commercial-scale nodule collection system and initiate offshore nodule harvesting operations. Beyond being our largest strategic shareholder, Allseas has been an outstanding, mission-aligned technology partner."

"They have not only demonstrated the feasibility of their system but have also worked closely with us to seize every opportunity to further optimize the design, minimizing the environmental footprint based on extensive baseline monitoring work from field tests, and have been willing to help fund the system development costs. Together, we are moving from 'firsts' in deep-sea science and engineering toward the first commercial harvesting operations."