Ocean Power Technologies Inc (NYSE-A:OPTT) announced that it has been awarded a contract valued at more than $5 million to deploy and operate multiple PowerBuoy systems in support of a US Coast Guard mission under the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The project involves the near-term delivery of four maritime surveillance–equipped PowerBuoy platforms off the coast of San Diego.
The demonstration is intended to provide persistent maritime domain awareness by enabling continuous monitoring in support of homeland security operations.
According to the company, the buoys will be equipped with its MERROWS payload and integrated into DHS’s selected command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence environment.
The PowerBuoy systems will be deployed alongside surveillance towers provided by defense technology firm Anduril, creating an integrated sensing architecture.
Data collected from both the buoy-based sensors and Anduril’s tower-based sensors will be transmitted to Anduril’s Lattice command-and-control system, where it will be consolidated to support real-time situational awareness and operational decision-making for mission operators.
Jason Weed, senior vice president of commercial sales at Ocean Power Technologies, said the demonstration reflects growing demand for persistent maritime systems.
“This demonstration underscores the growing demand for long-endurance, continuously powered systems that can operate persistently in challenging maritime environments,” Weed said in a statement.
“Working alongside the US Coast Guard and DHS, we’re proud to provide a solution that enhances real-time maritime domain awareness without the logistical burden of fuel or frequent maintenance.”
OPT CEO Philipp Stratmann said the project builds on the company’s work with US federal agencies. “This project marks another major step forward in OPT’s role as a trusted provider of intelligent, resident, and persistent maritime solutions for US federal agencies,” Stratmann said.
“The powering, persistence, and interoperability of the PowerBuoy platform, combined with seamless integration into the Anduril Lattice C2 system, continue to set the standard for offshore monitoring.”
Peter Babb, vice president of counter intrusion at Anduril, said the deployment combines OPT’s buoy systems with Anduril’s XRST surveillance towers to deliver continuous maritime domain awareness.
“This integration gives the Coast Guard a clearer, faster, and more actionable picture of the maritime environment, strengthening their ability to safeguard US waters,” Babb said.
Shares of OPT gained 16.8% in early trading on Tuesday morning.