Deploying Ocean Sensing Nodes in Real World Conditions

ABSTRACT

Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) is advancing persistent maritime intelligence by integrating marine renewable energy, autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), and intelligent sensing into scalable offshore systems. Over the past years, OPT has transitioned from technology development to real-world deployment, supporting defense, offshore energy, and maritime security customers with long-endurance, low-logistics solutions. This seminar will highlight the company’s recent operational progress, the integration of PowerBuoy and WAM-V platforms into networked incremental static regeneration nodes, and the engineering breakthroughs required to operate reliably in harsh ocean environments. The session will also explore the future of distributed, autonomous ocean systems and opportunities for collaboration and careers at the intersection of autonomy, energy, and maritime security.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Philipp Stratmann is OPT’s President and Chief Executive Officer, based in the company’s New Jersey headquarters. Dr. Stratmann joined OPT in December 2019 as Vice President, Global Business Development, bringing with him broad energy industry experience from oil and gas to renewables, both offshore and onshore. Prior to OPT, Dr. Stratmann was Vice President, Biofuels, for Velocys, which he joined in 2015 as Business Development Director. He previously served as General Manager Global Development and West Africa for InterMoor and has held leadership positions with Acteon Group and Ernst & Young, in addition to experience with VT Group and Shell. Philipp is a graduate of the University of Southampton, where he received his Engineering Doctorate and his Master of Engineering degree in Ship Science.