Unmanned surface vessel powered by renewable energy

The Aquarius USV will be powered by a solar-electric hybrid marine power solution, which will also feature a solar panel array designed by EMP.
Onboard batteries will be recharged via the solar panel array or via ship or shore power using rapid battery recharging technology.
It will also be fitted with a sensor pack including several unique sensors developed by EMP. These sensors will be able to collect data from above and below the waterline. The collected data could then either be stored on board the vessel and/or transmitted back to a ship or shore office. Data transmission will be possible via Wi-Fi, mobile phone or satellite connections.
The Aquarius USV's shallow draft and low height will allow it to operate in urban waterways, rivers, bays and lakes in addition to being suitable for coastal waters and missions at sea, EMP said. If needed, the masts can also be lowered (optional) to give the vessel a stealth capability.
Typical missions for the Aquarius USV could include monitoring harbour pollution, oceanographic surveys, maritime park surveillance, coastal border patrols and marine data collection.
A variation of the Aquarius USV will include a stand-alone version of EMP's unique EnergySail technology in order to extend the vessel's range and allow additional sensors to be fitted.
Lab testing of technologies to be used for the Aquarius USV has already begun and a prototype is scheduled to commence operational tests during 2015.