BMT has announced a collaboration with Ocius to transform maritime data collection and management by deploying a fleet of 1,000 autonomous vessels globally within the next decade, according to a press release.
This partnership aims to create a persistent, networked system of remote sensors using the “Bluebottle” uncrewed surface vessel (USV).
The teaming agreement between BMT and Ocius focuses on developing and demonstrating the effectiveness of the Bluebottle USV for providing Data as a Service (DaaS).
Initially targeting environmental monitoring for offshore wind development projects, this collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies. The Bluebottle USV’s renewable energy-powered propulsion system enables sustained operations without physical intervention, reducing the need for crewed data collection.
Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director for BMT in the Asia Pacific, spoke of the importance of this collaboration.
“Our collaboration with Ocius marks a new era in maritime data collection and management. By integrating Ocius’ advanced, renewable powered, autonomous vessels with BMT’s extensive expertise with environmental data, we aim to create a cost-effective, pay-per-use model that offers unparalleled capabilities to a range of customers worldwide, both government and commercial,” Nayler said, quoted in the news release.
The partnership aims to establish a scalable network of remote sensors for maritime applications, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of maritime operations while providing significant cost savings.
This initiative will support various applications, including environmental monitoring, maritime security, asset monitoring, and marine life observation. According to the press release, the Bluebottle platform will collect comprehensive metocean data, imagery, and environmental metrics.
Robert Dane, CEO of Ocius, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “This teaming agreement with BMT represents a leap forward in our mission to provide autonomous solutions for maritime challenges. Bluebottles, equipped with advanced sensors provided and operated by BMT, will help scientists, sailors, and CEOs safeguard our oceans, monitor assets, and make informed decisions,” Dane stated, quoted in the news release.
The deployment of these autonomous vessels will begin immediately, say the firms, with the goal of achieving limited operational capability within the next two years in the Asia Pacific region. BMT and Ocius are also seeking partnerships with leading technology, communications, and information management companies and strategic investors to support rapid scaling.
Data cable monitoring?
Cluttering up the sea? Once the preserve of marine creatures and sailors going about on their lawful occasion this may not be such a brilliant idea. What if all the maritime nations put 1000’s to sea each? What is the risk of solo yachtsmen etc running into these things? Will they end up littering the beaches?
Or littering the ocean floor?
How robust are they? Can they avoid the increasingly powerful Hurricanes and Typhoons?
All very well sending lots of these things to sea to collect data which in of itself is a good idea, but I think there needs to be a polluter pays principle applied to this type of business model. Anything, including ocean floor mining, that is outside of national waters is basically unregulated. That needs to change.
Cheers CR