OCIUS Technology supplies solar-electric USV’s to Australian Navy
OCIUS is a Sydney based manufacturer of ‘Bluebottles’ which are unmanned surface vessels (USV’s). These ‘ocean drones’ are able to patrol autonomously for weeks or even months on end, saving resources and funds in the process compared to traditional, crewed ships. Recently they handed over the final Bluebottle to the Royal Australian Navy for their 5-craft order. Bluebottles are powered by electric motors, batteries and solar panels supplied by Eco Boats Australia.
OCIUS Technology showcased the fifth edition of its seven-metre-long autonomous solution for maritime surveillance in Randwick, Sydney on 9 June. The craft is powered by three propulsion units using wind, waves and the sun; as it covers long distances and stays at sea for extended periods of time.
OCIUS has Bluebottles deployed in ongoing operations in WA, Jervis Bay and Japan and are typically used to assist with borderforce, maritime and fisheries protection.
All five new USVs are now based on the east coast on a government-owned, contractor-operated basis and are being used for focused development of uncrewed underwater systems technology, and as test beds for surface and shallow-water surveillance.
For more information on the role Bluebottles play in Australia see here
More information on OCIUS Technology can be found here