Japan Coast Guard Expands Wave Glider Fleet to Advance Ocean Observation

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) announced the expansion of their unmanned ocean observation fleet of Wave Gliders to the 9^th Regional District, headquartered in Niigata, Japan. This growth is part of JCG’s multi-year, ocean monitoring program to provide enhanced, real-time situational awareness of ocean currents, wave activity, and weather along Japan’s coastlines. Prior to this expansion, JCG deployed fleets of Wave Gliders in four regional districts, forming the first, unmanned ocean observation network in Japan’s history.

In addition to extending this service to the 9^th Regional District, JCG is publishing the environmental data for free and in real-time to Japan’s commercial fisheries and tourism industries. The availability of both current and historical oceanographic data from more geographic locations provides the commercial and tourism industries with increased insight into weather patterns and ocean conditions that could adversely affect the safety and efficiency of their maritime operations.

Network of unmanned systems

“We are honoured 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 Glider,” said Gary Gysin, President and CEO of Liquid Robotics. “Together with Hydro Systems Development, we are excited to support the next phase of growth and are committed to their continued success.”

Wave Gliders are environmentally safe and a more effective way to expand national ocean observation systems when compared to traditional methods such as ships. By utilizing a network of unmanned systems, JCG is able to provide access to continuous, real-time meteorological and oceanographic information from seas where monitoring ships often cannot operate and without putting personnel at risk.

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