Offshore staff
MONROE TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – Ocean Power Technologies Inc. (OPT) has introduced the PowerBuoy surface surveillance system for security monitoring of offshore areas.
One system can monitor more than 1,600 sq mi (4,144 sq km) of ocean surface on a permanent or temporary basis, with the ability to link multiple surveillance assets together over large ocean areas giving end-users visibility into potentially damaging environmental or illegal activities.
Customized solutions are also available including the addition of subsea sensors to monitor for acoustic signatures, tsunami activity, and water quality, the company said.
The system payload consists of a high definition radar, gyro-stabilized high definition optical and thermal imaging cameras, vessel automatic identification system (AIS) detection, and integrated command and control software, paired with OPT’s autonomous PB3 PowerBuoy or hybrid PowerBuoy as a power and communications platform.
Capabilities include 24/7 vessel tracking – including “black ships” which do not broadcast an AIS signal – automatic radar plotting and vessel warnings, and high definition optical and thermal video surveillance which can be used as evidence to aid in prosecution.
Data from the system is transmitted to shore-based command stations via WiFi, cellular, mesh, and/or satellite systems, depending upon location. Surveillance data easily integrates with readily available marine monitoring software to provide command and control capabilities of a multi-buoy surveillance network.
The data can also be integrated with satellite, and terrestrial data feeds to form a detailed surface and subsea picture of a monitored area.
07/08/2020
