New Search for MH370 (2025)

[derwoodii]

2025 Update new MH370 search under way

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/...latest-mh370-search-has-strong-chance-success

]Experts say latest MH370 search has strong chance of success[
By Mohd Iskandar Ibrahim - February 27, 2025 @ 2:11pm

PUTRAJAYA: The latest and possibly final attempt to locate the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has a strong chance of success, says aviation expert Datuk Captain Nik Ahmad Huzlan Nik Hussain.

He attributed this optimism to the expertise and advanced capabilities of Ocean Infinity, the US- and UK-based company conducting the search.

"Ocean Infinity has meticulously analysed data, including assumed coordinates where MH370 might have ended in the ocean. This has significantly reduced the search area to 15,000 square kilometres compared to the previous 120,000 square kilometres," he told Berita Harian.

He also expressed confidence in the mission, noting that Ocean Infinity would not have committed an initial investment of at least USD 10 million (RM45.07 million) without a strong belief in a successful outcome.

these maps from ocean Infinity FB page
Source: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1185001740296342&id=100063595806055&_rdr

 

[Smythe Bacchus]

Regarding the page: Ocean Infinity News and Updates

Article:

This page follows marine science, archeology, and underwater search news. We are not affiliated with Ocean Infinity in any way. We just follow them, like a fan page.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063595806055

MH370-CAPTION is another site that is trying to monitor the renewed search and is also tracking Armada 78-06. With some of the renewed search area apparently being recommended by their analysis.

Article:

The CAPTION site aims to present the results of our research and analysis on the incomplete "picture" shaped by the very small number of factual pieces of evidence on Flight MH370. Like subtitles in a movie, it provides "captions" to this "jigzy puzzle" picture and places words under the facts for better understanding.

Source: https://www.mh370-caption.net/index.php/a-propos-de/

Interestingly, the Ocean Infinity official website has no mention of the renewed search for MH370 at this time. The most recent announcement in news section being from 29 May 2018 to announce the conclusion of their previous search.

Article:

During the course of its operation, Ocean Infinity searched and collected high quality data from over 112,000 km2 of ocean floor successfully overcoming both challenging conditions and terrain. The total area covered, in a little over 3 months of operational days, is far in excess of the initial 25,000 km2 target and almost the same area as the previous search achieved in 2 ½ years.

Source: https://oceaninfinity.com/conclusion-of-current-search-for-malaysian-airlines-flight-mh370/

The Armada 78 m class is relatively new as attested by this announcement on 05 Jan 2023. And I assume Armada 78-06 is the sixth in the series of eight vessels to be produced.

Article:

2023 has kick-started with the first Armada ship arriving in Norway – to VARD Søviknes – after its maiden voyage which begun on 19th​ of November in Vietnam.

The first of eight highly advanced, 78-meter vessels will be the first of their kind, enabling Ocean Infinity to perform tech-enabled lean-crewed operations for a safer and greener maritime future. They represent a giant leap forward for the maritime industry.

In partnership with Ocean Infinity, VARD has designed a unique, multi-purpose platform that will allow for onshore remote-controlled, lean-crewed and eventually uncrewed operations.

The ships will be made ready for future environmentally responsible fuels and renewable energy sources.

Source: https://oceaninfinity.com/our-first-armada-ship-arrives-in-norway/

The apparently low-key approach by Ocean Infinity may be to minimise any bad press if there is another unsuccessful search. Their own 10M funding for the renewed search and the 70M success fee negotiated with the Malaysian government can be considered a high-risk high-return investment on their part. This search also doubles as a testing ground for their new technology, so even on failure the 10M expense may not be considered a total sunk cost.

 

[Smythe Bacchus]

Ocean Infinity had previously flagged the best period to search was between January and April. So this news is not a surprise. This also explains why they unofficially commenced the search prior to the contract being finalised with the Malaysian government on March 19.

Article:

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Reuters) - The search for the wreckage of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean has been suspended due to poor weather conditions and will only resume at the end of the year, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said on Thursday.

The exploration company charged with searching for the wreckage of the plane, Ocean Infinity, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"I think right now it's not the season. I think they (Ocean Infinity) have stopped the operation for the time being and will resume the search at the end of this year," Transport Minister Loke was quoted by Bernama as saying.

Responding to news of the long delay, Kelvin Shim, whose wife was on the ill-fated flight, said he was not surprised as the weather in the southern hemisphere was changing.

"We have been waiting for more than 11 years, so this is just another few more months... I can still wait," the 50-year-old said.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/search-missing-flight-mh370-suspended-due-bad-weather-says-malaysia-transport-2025-04-03/