JASCO enhances uncrewed maritime systems capabilities with the acquisition of Autonomous Marine Systems Inc.
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JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has acquired the assets and intellectual property of Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS), Inc. from Signal Ventures Ltd., of the United Kingdom.
Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS) was established in Massachusetts to develop a low-cost, robust, sensing solution for the oceans. In 2013 AMS officially launched the business and introduced the world’s first self-righting sailing catamaran.
From 2016-2017, AMS pushed the development of the DATAMARAN Mark 7 through sea trials of increasing complexity and endurance. In 2019, the next generation of DATAMARAN, the Mark 8, was launched.
The DATAMARAN (DM), an autonomous twin-hulled catamaran, is propelled by wind and powered by solar energy, allowing for long endurance missions. Its low aspect ratio keels and shallow draft enable it to operate in waters of any depth. Equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder, Coast Guard-approved signage, and lighting, the DM mitigates collision risk and enhances safety during operations.
The vessel communicates continuously with shore using GSM (cellular) networks, and switches to Iridium satellite communication when operating beyond GSM range. Standard sensors onboard collect data on position, speed, heading, wind velocity, air temperature and pressure, water temperature, wave height, and solar insolation. For additional capabilities, the DM can be outfitted with a towed or spatial hydrophone array for passive acoustic monitoring, making it a versatile platform for oceanic data collection. Sensor data is transmitted to shore in real-time, every five seconds via GSM and at reduced intervals when using satellite communication.
“With the acquisition of Autonomous Marine Systems, JASCO is significantly advancing our capabilities in uncrewed maritime technology. This integration allows us to enhance our offerings in oceanographic data collection and environmental monitoring and provides innovative solutions that will support advancements in renewable energy, coastal protection, and defence.”
About JASCO Applied Sciences
JASCO Applied Sciences is a world leader in the science of underwater sound and its effects on marine life. A global company founded in Victoria, Canada, in 1981, JASCO provides services from offices in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. We provide support for all stages of environmental reviews and assessments of underwater sound for the renewable energy, oil and gas, marine construction, shipping, and defence sectors. We design, develop, and manufacture state-of-the-art oceanographic data acquisition systems to meet project demands for quality, endurance, reliability, and performance. We enable our clients to satisfy regulatory requirements by providing scientifically defensible assessments of their projects to government regulators and the public.
