MRECo Drops First Anchor for Ocean Innovation Network

21 May 2026

A SOFAR Spotter Buoy. (Image credit: MRECo)

The Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative (MRECo) has successfully deployed a SOFAR Spotter Buoy at the newly established Cuttyhunk Test Range. This marks a key milestone as the first in-water technology deployment within Massachusetts’ Ocean Innovation Network. This deployment represents a major step forward in expanding real-world ocean testing capacity for marine technology companies and researchers.

The newly deployed SOFAR Spotter Buoy is a compact, wave-measuring device developed by SOFAR Ocean that collects real-time ocean data, including wave height, temperature, and environmental conditions. This data will directly support multiple ongoing and future ocean technology projects by improving safety, validation, and performance testing in open-water conditions. The Cuttyhunk Test Range is expected to support multiple companies and research teams annually, helping accelerate the development and commercialization of marine technologies.

“This deployment marks an important step for Massachusetts as a leader in ocean innovation,” said John Miller, Executive Director of MRECo. “CTR will remove the permeating and cost barriers for the water testing that is critical for commercialization of marine technologies. In the water at Cuttyhunk, we are creating immediate opportunities for companies and researchers to test, refine, and scale their solutions in a real-world environment.”

Left to right: C. Eben Franks (Test Director), John Miller (Executive Director), Alejandro Moreno (Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy), David Vieira (State Rep), Maggie Merrill (Communications Director). (Image credit: MRECo)

The Cuttyhunk Test Range and the Bourne Tidal Test Site are part of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Ocean Innovation Network, a statewide initiative designed to expand access to shared ocean testing infrastructure. These facilities lower barriers for companies by providing established, permitted sites where technologies can be tested efficiently and safely before entering the market.

The Bourne Tidal Test Site and the Cuttyhunk Test Range are funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) as part of the Ocean Innovation Network. MassCEC’s Ocean Innovation Network will have a direct impact on businesses by expanding access to shared testing facilities in Massachusetts. These sites will allow companies to test and improve their technologies, making it easier for them to bring new products to the market.