Ocean Power Technologies expands defense engagement efforts in Europe

Ocean Power Technologies Inc (NYSE-A:OPTT) announced that it is expanding its international defense engagement activities across Europe, highlighting recent initiatives in Poland and Norway focused on maritime security, autonomous systems and maritime domain awareness.

The company, which provides marine power, data and service solutions, said it recently met with representatives from the Polish Naval Academy and stakeholders in Poland’s defense sector to discuss maritime security needs and the potential role of autonomous, renewable-powered maritime systems in supporting regional defense and infrastructure protection efforts.

Ocean Power Technologies also said it is advancing preparations for demonstrations and exercises involving its WAM-V unmanned surface vehicle platforms in Norway. The planned activities are intended to support collaboration with allied maritime organizations and showcase the company’s technologies in challenging maritime environments.

Jason Weed, senior vice president of commercial sales at Ocean Power Technologies, said interest is increasing among allied nations in technologies that support persistent maritime intelligence, autonomous operations and offshore infrastructure powered by renewable energy.

“Maritime security challenges continue to evolve across strategic waterways and critical offshore infrastructure areas around the world,” Weed said.

The company’s defense-related offerings include its PowerBuoy systems, WAM-V unmanned surface vehicles and Merrows maritime domain awareness platform.

According to the company, the integrated portfolio is designed to support monitoring, communications, sensing and operational missions related to defense, security and critical infrastructure protection.

Ocean Power Technologies said the latest activities build on its expanding presence in defense and security markets and align with its focus on supporting allied maritime organizations with operationally deployed maritime technologies.

“International engagement remains an important component of our long-term growth strategy,” Weed added.

“By working closely with defense organizations, research institutions, and industry stakeholders, we are helping demonstrate how commercially available maritime technologies can support a wide range of security, surveillance, and maritime domain awareness requirements.”