Ocean Power Technologies Inc (NYSE-A:OPTT) announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for the company’s US patent application covering a system designed for autonomous, floating marine vehicle charging, titled “System and Method for Vehicle Charging.”
The technology enables electric vessels, including uncrewed surface vehicles, to locate, dock with, and recharge from a floating platform while at sea.
It is intended to support clean maritime operations and increase mission duration without requiring vessels to return to shore.
The system is designed to integrate with OPT’s existing PowerBuoy platform, allowing it to function as both a power generation source and a recharging station.
When deployed in conjunction with WAM-V autonomous surface vehicles, the system will support extended operations with reduced downtime, according to the company.
The charging system incorporates signal-emitting guidance technologies for dynamic maritime docking, flexible mooring structures for vessel stabilization, and both wired and wireless energy transfer mechanisms. It also includes options for wave-powered, self-sustaining energy generation.
OPT said that the newly allowed patent enhances its intellectual property portfolio and supports its broader strategy of enabling extended-range, autonomous maritime operations in remote or infrastructure-limited environments.
“This patent is a direct reflection of the innovation culture at Ocean Power Technologies,” OPT VP of technology and innovation David Goldstein said.
“By enabling offshore electric charging without reliance on port infrastructure, we’re solving a real-world bottleneck to persistent, autonomous maritime operations. This technology will be a cornerstone of how our WAM-Vs operate in extended missions when paired with our PowerBuoy.”
Philipp Stratmann described the patent achievement as another strong step towards building a truly intelligent and resilient ocean infrastructure.
“This patent exemplifies the kind of transformative thinking that allows us to lead in offshore autonomy. By enabling persistent power-at-sea, we’re not only increasing the endurance of our WAM-Vs but also expanding what's possible for our defense, commercial, and scientific customers,” Stratmann said.
Shares of OPT added 4.7% in Thursday morning trading in New York.