VICTORIA, BC – 18 December, 2025 – GSTS and Open Ocean Robotics have successfully demonstrated an integrated autonomous surveillance system that signals a new era for coastal security. Conducted in the demanding waters off southern Vancouver Island, the live exercise showcased how two Canadian companies are advancing intelligent maritime defence through real-world uncrewed operations and AI-enabled decision support.
An Open Ocean Robotics solar-powered uncrewed surface vessel (USV) executed an autonomous ISR patrol across 12 square kilometres of active harbour waters. Operating alongside the vessel, GSTS’s OCIANA® artificial intelligence platform generated a protective intelligence layer that moved dynamically with the USV through heavy maritime traffic, maintaining continuous situational awareness throughout the mission.
“This demonstration shows how uncrewed systems and AI intelligence can deliver persistent maritime awareness,” said Julie Angus, CEO at Open Ocean Robotics. “Our USVs operate in areas that are difficult or costly for crewed vessels, and when OCIANA® can fuse our sensor data into a unified maritime picture, the result is a powerful operational tool for agencies that need to extend their reach and respond faster to emerging risks.”
The combined GSTS and Open Ocean Robotics approach transforms the USV from a standalone asset into a deployable intelligence node that can extend the reach of maritime agencies without increasing personnel exposure.
“The trial highlighted OCIANA®’s role as a protective intelligence layer for uncrewed operations in complex maritime environments,” explained Penny Switzer, Director of Defence and Security at GSTS. “By analysing vessel behaviour and movement patterns around the USV, OCIANA® delivered continuous situational awareness and autonomous alerts that support safe, confident uncrewed operations.”
The Open Ocean Robotics USV represents state-of-the-art autonomous maritime technology capable of sustained operations with zero emissions and minimal logistical footprint. During the mission, the USV identified multiple surface contacts through Enhanced Horizon, its camera-driven detection and identification system. At the same time, OCIANA® analyzed approaching traffic, predicted interception points, and issued alerts when a simulated suspicious contact entered the area. The combination increased situational awareness and enabled safe operations, unlocking new capabilities for autonomous platforms.
OCIANA®’s predictive analytics anticipated vessel movements and detected anomalous behaviour such as dark approaches and irregular loitering. When an injected high-risk vessel was introduced into the scenario, OCIANA® tracked its pattern relative to the USV, assessed threat relevance, and pushed intelligence updates to the operations center. The result was a self-directed protective envelope supported by sovereign Canadian AI.
Both companies are Canadian-owned and maintain full domestic control of their intellectual property. This strengthens Canada’s ability to field advanced maritime security solutions without dependency on foreign systems.
About OCIANA®
OCIANA® (previously Global Spatial Technology Solutions or GSTS) is a global maritime intelligence company helping organizations move from awareness to action. For defence and security missions, OCIANA® helps teams identify the behaviours that need investigation, detect threats earlier, interpret intent faster, and act with confidence. For maritime supply chain organizations, OCIANA® powers smarter voyage and resource planning, reducing fuel consumption, easing port congestion, and streamlining vessel turnarounds.
For more information, visit OCIANA.com.
Media Contact:
Anu Sood
Director, Marketing
press@ociana.com
Open Ocean Robotics:
Julie Angus,
julie@openoceanrobotics.com
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