Japan Coast Guard expands Wave Glider fleet to 9th Regional District

Japan Coast Guard has expanded its unmanned ocean observation fleet of Wave Gliders to the 9^th Regional District, headquartered in Niigata.

This expansion is part of the coast guard’s programme to provide improved, real-time situational awareness of ocean currents, wave activity, and weather.

Liquid Robotics president and CEO Gary Gysin said: “We are honored to support JCG’s leadership to improve the level of maritime monitoring and safety around Japan through the use of autonomous ocean observation platforms like the Wave Glide. Together with Hydro Systems Development, we are excited to support the next phase of growth and are committed to their continued success.”

Hydro Systems Development president Takashi Kitsuda said: “It has been our pleasure to support the Japan Coast Guard in their mission to enhance monitoring and safety of Japan’s maritime environment. We applaud Liquid Robotics for far exceeding all expectations in support of this truly innovative endeavour.”

Wave Gliders, which are wave and solar powered unmanned ocean robots, are environmentally safer and a more effective way compared to traditional methods such as ships. By making use of network of unmanned systems, JCG can provide real-time meteorological and oceanographic information from seas, especially in areas where manned monitoring ships cannot operate.

Earlier, JCG deployed fleets of Wave Gliders to four regional districts.

Besides extending the service to the 9^th Regional District, JCG is publishing environmental data in real time that will help fisheries and tourism industries. The data, which is available for free, will provide greater insights for the industries into weather and ocean conditions, thereby improving the efficiency of maritime operations.