Willow Kennedy
Imenco Future Technologies, known for subsea cameras, AI computer vision, wireless underwater communications, and leak detection, is now a collaboration partner in C‑Power’s Partner Engagement and Co‑development (PEC) Program. They will participate in an 18‑month field evaluation of the SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system (AOPS), pioneering real‑time power and data delivery for surface and subsurface assets.
What the collaboration entails
- Full access to data: Imenco receives real‑time information, reports, and insights during the SeaRAY deployment to identify new applications for its systems.
- Implications: The SeaRAY supports both static and mobile ocean assets (like AUVs and USVs), providing scalable power, communications, and energy storage—potentially unlocking new capabilities for Imenco’s visual and acoustic platforms.
Technology highlights from recent deployments
- The SeaRAY AOPS has demonstrated significant technical maturity: Phase 1 deployments off Hawaii (MCBH) in late 2023 and RIMPAC/Trident Warrior 2024 highlighted its reliability with systems like Saab Sabertooth AUVs and BioSonics ISR tools.
- The upcoming 18‑month Oregon coast trial is co-sponsored by the U.S. DOE under a $6 million program, aiming to push SeaRAY’s survivability and autonomy in harsh conditions.
- The SeaRAY is scalable (50 W to 20 kW power, hundreds of kW storage), transportable (fits into a 40’ container), and can operate uncrewed with bi‑directional cloud connectivity for remote assets.
- DOE sources describe the SeaRAY as a wave-based “ocean cell tower”—generating 100 W to 20 kW of clean energy and using NREL’s MODAQ system to enable remote control and data operations.
Broader context: The Blue Economy + AOPS relevance
This field trial aligns with global momentum toward autonomous, clean energy-powered ocean operations. AOPS platforms like SeaRAY are becoming pivotal for enabling long-duration scientific monitoring, offshore infrastructure inspection, defense maritime domain awareness, and even aquaculture logistics—with lower carbon emissions and operational costs.
