Ocius has launched a first of its type hybrid-class Bluebottle enabling Ocius Bluebottles to operate in more locations globally. The Bluebottle Hybrid uses the same hull as the current 24-foot renewable energy powered Bluebottle, enabling the hybrid vessels to use the same logistics and trailers but carry both diesel power and our unique keel winch for storing and deploying thin line arrays.
Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal (Ret’d) Mark Binskin christened one of the landmark 24-foot Bluebottle Hybrid vessels, named ‘BINNY’ in his honour. At the christening, he noted that Ocius has now expanded the capability it provides to navies worldwide. “The christening of the Bluebottle Hybrid opens up important new regions and climates where the Bluebottle can operate and where recent events have shown a growing threat. With a focus on meeting customer needs, Ocius continues to be powered by innovation and improvement. Today, Ocius provides critical operational capability to the RAN and partners.”
CEO Robert Dane said: “A small generator with 400 litres of diesel provides enormous additional energy to complement our batteries and power from solar, wind and wave sources and enables Bluebottles to support persistent operations in new geographies globally. The Bluebottle Hybrids can deploy sonar arrays to varying depths, and do surface ISR and hydrography at high latitudes in winter where there may be little or no sun.”
A second Bluebottle Hybrid named ‘BUTCH’ was christened by Graeme ‘Butch’ Johnston. Johnston is a long-time friend of Ocius CEO and founder Robert Dane, and closely supported early prototypes of the technology that underpin Ocius’ Bluebottles.
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For readers seeking further context:
The Bluebottle Hybrid is an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) developed by Ocius Technology, designed to operate indefinitely at sea. It is powered by a hard sail covered in solar panels, a rudder-flipper that generates additional thrust from the vessel’s pitching at sea, and an electric engine-driven propeller.
The Bluebottle can carry a 660-pound payload and travel at 5 knots with 50 W of power on an average payload.
It can be launched from boat ramps or ships and has been designed to surveil 5,500 square km in a single patrol. The Bluebottle’s quiet operation makes it an ideal platform for listening undersea, and it is expected to play a significant role in maritime and fisheries protection, as well as undersea surveillance.
This is a significant step forward in persistent, autonomous maritime domain awareness. The increased range and endurance of this new Bluebottle hybrid model directly address one of the core logistical challenges of patrolling the vast Indo-Pacific region. Its multi-role capability for both defense and scientific missions is a smart design, offering flexibility and potential cost-sharing opportunities.
Given the increasing density of both civilian maritime traffic and state-operated vessels in contested waterways, how is Ocius or its partners developing the AI/software protocols to ensure these USVs can safely navigate complex, “rules of the road” scenarios and unambiguously identify potential threats without requiring constant human intervention from a distant shore station?