Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has announced a strategic partnership with Gradient Marine to enhance its digital twin and simulation capabilities.
The collaboration will see OPT, which operates in the low-carbon marine power sector, integrate Gradient Marine’s Virtual Maritime Picture software into its operations.
This integration aims to develop digital twins for OPT’s key platforms, including the PowerBuoy and WAM-V autonomous surface vehicles.
The digital models created through this partnership will facilitate real-world simulations, mission rehearsals, and lifecycle testing in a virtual setting prior to actual deployment.
This approach is intended to expedite development cycles and mitigate operational risks for OPT and its clients.
OPT commercial sales senior vice president Jason Weed said: “This partnership with Gradient Marine is a significant milestone for OPT as we continue to expand the value proposition of our platforms.
“By leveraging GM’s advanced digital twin and simulation technology, we can offer our customers unprecedented confidence through ‘simulation-before-deployment.’”
In addition to improving simulation capabilities, the partnership is set to broaden OPT’s digital engineering processes, offering advanced tools for defence, security, and commercial sectors focused on optimising maritime operations.
The two companies plan to provide comprehensive solutions that merge established physical systems with digital simulations.
This collaboration is anticipated to create new opportunities across various sectors, including defence, offshore wind, aquaculture, subsea infrastructure, and environmental monitoring.
Gradient Marine president and CEO Taylor Wilson said: “This partnership is an exciting step for Gradient Marine. The addition of proven systems like the PowerBuoyand the WAM-V to the growing Virtual Maritime Picture [VMP] digital library allows VMP users to seamlessly integrate these products into their workflows to develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and prove autonomy software capability.
“VMP users can instantly assess how OPT systems will perform in realistic operating environments to cost-effectively evaluate how OPT technology improves persistent maritime surveillance and supports response activities.”
In June this year, OPT received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its autonomous floating marine charging system.
Titled “System and Method for Vehicle Charging,” this innovation aims to revolutionise the recharging of electric vessels, including uncrewed surface vehicles, and address the increasing demand for clean maritime operations.
