Ocean Power Technologies Begins U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Surf-Zone Demonstration
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
© 2026 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
