A revolution in maritime data collection and management is promised as BMT and Ocius team up to deploy a global fleet of 1,000 autonomous vessels within the next 10 years.
The teaming agreement between the two companies aims to develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of the "Bluebottle" uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for providing DaaS (data as a service). The focus will be on codeveloping a commercial data collection and management model, initially targeting environmental monitoring for offshore wind development projects.
Using a novel propulsion system that leverages renewable energy source, the Bluebottle USV offers a clean solution for sustained and persistent operations; reducing the need for crewed data collection whilst supporting long-term operations without physical intervention.
Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director, BMT in Asia Pacific, highlighted the significance of this agreement, "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."
Robert Dane, CEO of Ocius, shared his enthusiasm, "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."
BMT and Ocius are seeking partnerships with leading technology, communications, and information management companies, alongside strategic investors to support rapid scaling, to enhance the initiative. Forward-leaning customers are invited to help shape requirements and support growth.
BMT is a leading international design, engineering, science, and risk management consultancy with over 1,300 professionals located in UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Australasia and the Americas. Ocius Technology Ltd (formerly Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd) is an Australian public unlisted company with research and development, production and operation facilities at the University of NSW Randwick Sydney, Australia.
