GSTS And Open Ocean Robotics Unveil NextGen Autonomous Maritime Security System

An Open Ocean Robotics solar-powered uncrewed surface vessel (USV) executed an autonomous ISR patrol across 12 square kilometers of active harbor waters. Operating alongside the vessel, GSTS’s OCIANA^® artificial intelligence platform generated a protective intelligence layer that moved dynamically with the USV through heavy maritime traffic, maintaining continuous situational awareness throughout the mission.

“This demonstration shows how uncrewed systems and AI intelligence can deliver persistent maritime awareness,” said Julie Angus, CEO at Open Ocean Robotics. “Our USVs operate in areas that are difficult or costly for crewed vessels, and when OCIANA can fuse our sensor data into a unified maritime picture, the result is a powerful operational tool for agencies that need to extend their reach and respond faster to emerging risks.”

The combined GSTS and Open Ocean Robotics approach transforms the USV from a standalone asset into a deployable intelligence node that can extend the reach of maritime agencies without increasing personnel exposure.

“The trial highlighted OCIANA’s role as a protective intelligence layer for uncrewed operations in complex maritime environments,” explained Penny Switzer, Director of Defense and Security at GSTS. “By analyzing vessel behavior and movement patterns around the USV, OCIANA delivered continuous situational awareness and autonomous alerts that support safe, confident uncrewed operations.”

The Open Ocean Robotics USV represents state-of-the-art autonomous maritime technology capable of sustained operations with zero emissions and minimal logistical footprint. During the mission, the USV identified multiple surface contacts through Enhanced Horizon, its camera-driven detection and identification system. At the same time, OCIANA analyzed approaching traffic, predicted interception points, and issued alerts when a simulated suspicious contact entered the area. The combination increased situational awareness and enabled safe operations, unlocking new capabilities for autonomous platforms.

OCIANA’s predictive analytics anticipated vessel movements and detected anomalous behavior such as dark approaches and irregular loitering. When an injected high-risk vessel was introduced into the scenario, OCIANA tracked its pattern relative to the USV, assessed threat relevance, and pushed intelligence updates to the operations center. The result was a self-directed protective envelope supported by sovereign Canadian AI.

Both companies are Canadian-owned and maintain full domestic control of their intellectual property. This strengthens Canada’s ability to field advanced maritime security solutions without dependency on foreign systems.