Ocean Power Technologies said it recently received funding from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, for the yearlong deployment of a PowerBuoy in Monterey Bay.
OPT’s PowerBuoy, which integrates the Monroe Township-based company’s Maritime Domain Awareness System along with satellite communication and AT&T 5G technology, will demonstrate its surveillance and communications capacities in a maritime environment.
This deployment marks a significant milestone in maritime technology, showcasing the potential of standalone at-sea infrastructure to support the Joint Force’s diverse operational needs. The initiative is expected to set new standards in maritime technology and communications, paving the way for future advancements in ocean-based platforms and their applications in various fields.
This project will be part of a series of NPS Field Experimentation exercises and aims to explore and exploit the value that such autonomous at-sea infrastructure can provide, particularly in enhancing situational awareness and communication capabilities for maritime operations.
The project also signifies the first installation of AT&T cellular technology on one of OPT’s commercially proven ocean buoys. The advancement is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between OPT and AT&T.
“We are excited to see our PowerBuoy technology being used in such a groundbreaking way. This deployment not only demonstrates the versatility and reliability of our systems in challenging marine environments, but also marks a significant step in our collaboration with AT&T. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of maritime surveillance and communication,” Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, said.
