The full system, now deployed in Monterey Bay, integrates AT&T® 5G technology and advanced subsea sensors into OPT’s latest PowerBuoy equipped with its proprietary Merrows™ suite—designed for AI-capable, seamless Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) integration across manned and unmanned platforms. The PowerBuoy will provide continuous, autonomous monitoring and data collection in one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime regions and is configured to support additional environmental sensors from NPS or other research partners.
This marks another milestone in the execution of OPT’s strategic plan to deliver advanced, persistent offshore infrastructure that supports defense, security, and research missions.
“We are excited to complete this installation and move into the lease phase of our contract with NPS,” said Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies. “This deployment enables our current and future customers to evaluate the PowerBuoy with AI-capable Merrows technology as a critical asset for enhancing maritime security and operational awareness above and below the surface. The collaboration with AT&T also demonstrates how PowerBuoys can serve as 5G communications nodes along the US coastline. As the demand grows for rapidly deployable maritime systems, OPT’s differentiated technology and expanding partnerships will accelerate the growth of our services business.”
“At AT&T, we modernize network infrastructure to support the technologies of the future,” said Wes Anderson, President Public Sector, AT&T. “That’s why we’re proud to have launched a 5G cell site at sea with the Navy, Naval Postgraduate School, and OPT. This collaboration fuels our commitment to developing 5G and edge computing solutions for manned and unmanned naval platforms that support national defense, homeland security, and the maritime community.”
For additional information about OPT, visit: Ocean Power Technologies.
