2027 to see first copper, cobalt and nickel ‘mined’ from ocean: ADL

The maritime industry is bracing for a historic shift as deep-sea mineral mining is projected to commence by 2027. According to Ilya Epikhin of ADL, the United States is expected to issue the first operational permits as early as Q1 2027. This development aims to accelerate the extraction of copper, cobalt, and nickel from the seabed. The International Seabed Authority is under mounting pressure to finalize its Seabed Mining Code to establish a global regulatory framework for these offshore operations.

The operational deployment of specialized mining vessels will necessitate strict adherence to the International Maritime Organization’s SOLAS Chapter IX, which mandates the International Safety Management (ISM) Code for all offshore units. Furthermore, compliance with MARPOL Annex I regarding oil discharge prevention and Annex VI for emission standards will be critical for vessels operating in sensitive deep-sea environments. Classification societies such as DNV and ABS are currently drafting new notations for subsea mining equipment, requiring fleet compliance departments to update their safety management systems and environmental impact protocols to meet these rigorous international standards.

This emerging sector will significantly impact the daily responsibilities of chief engineers and second engineers tasked with maintaining complex subsea extraction machinery. These officers must prepare for specialized training in high-pressure hydraulic systems and automated dredging technology. Navigating officers will also need to master dynamic positioning systems to maintain precise station-keeping during extraction. Staying updated on the evolving Seabed Mining Code is essential for ensuring operational safety and regulatory compliance on board these advanced mining platforms.