Ocean Power Technologies Begins U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Surf-Zone Demonstration

Ocean Power Technologies is showcasing its WAM-V maritime drone in a U.S. Army research surf-zone demonstration without any current procurement commitment.

Rhea-AI Summary

Ocean Power Technologies (OPTT) has begun participating in a week-long uncrewed surface vehicle demonstration hosted by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory at its Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina.

The event evaluates technologies that can sustain uncrewed surface vehicle operations through surf zones, breaking waves, currents and coastal inlets. OPT will demonstrate its WAM-V maritime drone platform in live coastal conditions, showcasing capabilities for bathymetric mapping and submerged-hazard detection that may support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works missions and military logistics over the shore. Participation does not constitute a U.S. Government procurement contract, though promising technologies may be considered for follow-on testing if funding is available.

Key Terms

uncrewed surface vehicle, bathymetric mapping, articulating suspension system, hydrographic

4 terms

uncrewed surface vehicle technical

"technologies designed to sustain uncrewed surface vehicle operations"

An uncrewed surface vehicle is a boat or ship that operates on the water without people aboard, controlled either remotely by operators or by onboard computers following pre-set instructions. Investors care because these vessels act like floating robots for tasks such as data collection, cargo transfer, inspection, or surveillance, potentially lowering labor and operating costs, opening new markets, and carrying regulatory and safety considerations that affect commercial value.

bathymetric mapping technical

"support bathymetric mapping and submerged-hazard detection"

A map of the shape and features of the sea floor created by measuring water depth across an area, typically using sonar, LiDAR, satellite altimetry, or underwater sensors. Like a land topographic map that shows hills and valleys, bathymetric maps reveal underwater slopes, channels, and obstacles; investors use them to assess risks, costs, and feasibility for shipping routes, offshore energy, seabed mining, cable or pipeline placement, and environmental permitting.

articulating suspension system technical

"uses an articulating suspension system designed to improve stability"

A suspension system made of linked parts that let a vehicle or machine’s wheels or tracks move independently and pivot over rough ground, keeping the body more stable and the wheels in contact with the surface. Think of it like a multi-jointed arm under a car that bends so each wheel can follow bumps. Investors care because such systems affect product performance, durability, operating costs, and how well a maker can compete in markets that demand off-road capability or heavy-duty hauling.

hydrographic technical

"modular architecture can support hydrographic and other sensing payloads"

Relating to the measurement, mapping and description of bodies of water — their depths, tides, currents and seabed features — used to create nautical charts and surveys. Investors see hydrographic work when it affects shipping routes, port development, offshore construction, or resource exploration, because accurate water maps are like road maps for boats and rigs and can change project costs, safety requirements and asset value.

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Maritime drones to demonstrate nearshore mapping and transit capabilities in breaking waves and coastal conditions

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (“OPT” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: OPTT), a leader in intelligent maritime solutions and services, today announced that it is participating in a week-long uncrewed surface vehicle demonstration hosted by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory.

The demonstration, taking place at ERDC’s Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina, will evaluate technologies designed to sustain uncrewed surface vehicle operations through surf zones, breaking waves, currents and coastal inlets. OPT was previously selected to participate following a competitive technical evaluation and will demonstrate its WAM-V® maritime drone platform in live coastal conditions.

ERDC is assessing platforms and sensing technologies that can support bathymetric mapping and submerged-hazard detection. Potential applications include U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works missions and military operations such as logistics over the shore, where reliable information about nearshore water depths and hazards is critical to safe vessel transit.

“We believe reliable autonomous operations in the surf zone may open an important set of missions that remain difficult and hazardous for conventional vessels and personnel,” said Jason Weed, Senior Vice President Commercial Sales of OPT. “This demonstration gives us the opportunity to show how the WAM-V platform’s mobility, shallow draft and adaptable payload architecture can support nearshore operations in challenging real-world conditions.”

The WAM-V platform uses an articulating suspension system designed to improve stability and reduce structural loading while operating in waves. Its modular architecture can support hydrographic and other sensing payloads for defense, research and civil applications.

Participation in the demonstration does not represent a procurement contract or commitment by the U.S. Government. ERDC has stated that promising technologies may be considered for follow-on testing, subject to the availability of funding.

For additional information about OPT, please visit www.OceanPowerTechnologies.com.

ABOUT OCEAN POWER TECHNOLOGIES

OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows™, which provides AI capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and marine robotics services. The Company’s headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey, with an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more about OPT’s groundbreaking products, services and solutions, visit www.OceanPowerTechnologies.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding the demonstration, the performance and potential applications of its technologies, and the possibility of follow-on testing or commercial opportunities, including with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These statements rely on assumptions and estimates that may be inaccurate and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or expressed. Please refer to the Company’s most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Investors: 203-561-6945 or investorrelations@oceanpowertech.com
Media: 609-730-0400 x402 or MediaRelations@oceanpowertech.com

FAQ

Where is the U.S. Army surf-zone demonstration involving Ocean Power Technologies taking place?

The demonstration is being held at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory Field Research Facility in Duck, North Carolina.

What capabilities of the WAM-V platform are being evaluated in this demonstration?

The WAM-V platform is being evaluated for sustaining uncrewed operations through surf zones, breaking waves, currents and coastal inlets, and for supporting bathymetric mapping and submerged-hazard detection in nearshore environments.

Does participation in the demonstration mean Ocean Power Technologies has a U.S. Government contract?

No. Participation in the demonstration does not represent a procurement contract or commitment by the U.S. Government. ERDC has stated that promising technologies may be considered for follow-on testing, subject to the availability of funding.

What potential applications does ERDC identify for technologies in this surf-zone demonstration?

ERDC identifies potential applications in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works missions and military operations such as logistics over the shore, where accurate nearshore depth and hazard data are critical for safe vessel transit.

What design features of the WAM-V platform are highlighted for nearshore operations?

The WAM-V platform features an articulating suspension system designed to improve stability and reduce structural loading in waves, a shallow draft, and a modular architecture that can support hydrographic and other sensing payloads for defense, research and civil applications.