Open Ocean Robotics is taking its zero-emission autonomous boat north for testing at the Port of Prince Rupert. The Victoria company's DataXplorer Gen 2 will spend time collecting ocean and marine data as part of a $409,000 project backed by Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace program.

The vessel runs on solar power and operates without anyone on board, monitoring ocean conditions more sustainably than traditional boats while gathering data for port operations. Co-founder and CEO Julie Angus says the Prince Rupert testbed gives the company a chance to show how uncrewed surface vehicles can make port and coastal operations safer and more sustainable in real-world conditions.

"Through Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace, we are able to validate our technology alongside public-sector partners, accelerating the adoption of low-emission, ocean-monitoring solutions in ports," Angus said.

Open Ocean's project is one of three technology tests happening at the port, collectively worth more than $1.7 million. Nuport Robotics is installing a data system on a short-haul truck to cut emissions and boost productivity. Hydra Energy is building a hydrogen-fuelling station and testing zero- and low-emission vehicles for port deliveries.

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