Every gap in your data costs you something
Ship time is expensive, weather-dependent, and finite. A research vessel gives you data from a specific window, in a specific area, at a specific time. Between cruises, conditions change. Populations shift. Seasonal patterns unfold without a sensor in the water.
The result is a persistent observational gap – not because the science isn't there, but because the tools to close it haven't been practical. Until recently.
Continuous observation changes what's possible
What if you could maintain echo sounder coverage, CTD profiles, or biogeochemical measurements on your study site for months at a time – without tying up a vessel or crew?
Sailbuoy makes sustained, autonomous data collection operationally and financially viable for research programmes that previously had to work around vessel availability.
Physical oceanography
CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) profiling, dissolved oxygen (Aanderaa Optode), wave measurement (field-tested with Datawell sensors), and acoustic current profiling via ADCP – validated against moored profilers in a peer-reviewed study (Sensors, 2022).
Fisheries and biological acoustics
The standard acoustic configuration uses a Simrad EK80 WBT Mini echosounder – the same technology used on research vessels operated by Norway's Institute of Marine Research and other major oceanographic institutions. Available transducer frequencies: 120, 200, and 333 kHz. A hydrophone can be added for passive acoustic monitoring.
Species-level identification generally requires complementary biological sampling, which is standard practice in fisheries acoustics regardless of platform.
Biogeochemistry
Fluorometers (chlorophyll, CDOM), pH sensors, pCO₂ sensors, and optical sensors across the UV to infrared spectrum. The 30W solar power system and low-bandwidth satellite link impose practical limits on how many high-draw sensors can operate simultaneously – this is a factor to consider during mission planning.
Meteorological and sea surface
Wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air temperature and humidity, sea surface temperature. Standard configuration includes an Airmar 200 WX weather station.
Subsea communications
Sailbuoy can carry an acoustic modem, functioning as a gateway between subsea instruments – AUVs, ROVs, and moored sensors – and satellite uplink. This makes it useful in multi-platform deployments where underwater assets need a surface communications relay.
eDNA sampling
Automated water collection for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is available as a dedicated configuration. eDNA sampling from a USV platform extends the spatial and temporal reach of biodiversity monitoring programmes.
Antarctic and polar research
The British Antarctic Survey deployed Sailbuoy from South Georgia equipped with 200 kHz and 120 kHz Simrad EK80 echosounders alongside oceanographic sensors. The 2024 mission was the first MCA-approved USV science deployment in those waters, extending acoustic and environmental monitoring beyond what research ship availability would allow.
Multi-platform ecosystem monitoring
The GLIDER project deployed Sailbuoy alongside a Wave Glider and a Seaglider along the Lofoten–Vesterålen shelf-slope system in Arctic Norway. Sailbuoy carried an echosounder configured for zooplankton density and distribution at shallow depths (2–10 m). The deployment revealed plankton distribution patterns not previously observed through ship-based surveys. Results were published in Sensors (2021).
Long-duration Atlantic and open ocean missions
CNRS researcher Claire Saraux has used Sailbuoy for near-continuous environmental monitoring in Atlantic conditions, collecting water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a data to support ecological research including penguin ecosystem studies.
"Very robust and easy to navigate, the Sailbuoy is a game changer for our understanding of the marine environment in being able to stay at sea almost continuously."
— Claire Saraux, Research Scientist, CNRS
Pre-season and baseline surveys
Deploy Sailbuoy to your study area ahead of a research cruise. By the time your vessel arrives, you can have weeks of continuous data showing how conditions have developed, where organisms are concentrated, and what environmental drivers are active.
Operational safety and regulations
Sailbuoy operates with AIS receiver, buoy lights, and markings in compliance with maritime regulations. It has been deployed in waters ranging from Arctic ice edges to tropical conditions, operating in proximity to active research vessels and fishing fleets.
Regulations for USVs vary by country and operational area. We support customers through the regulatory landscape for their specific region, including situational awareness requirements, route planning, and operational documentation.
The British Antarctic Survey's 2024 mission in South Georgia waters was the first MCA-approved USV deployment for science in that region, further establishing the regulatory pathway for autonomous platforms in remote and sensitive environments.
Ready to explore what Sailbuoy can do for your operation?
Talk to our team about your monitoring objectives. We'll help you evaluate whether autonomous surface vehicle deployment fits your programme, and which service model makes sense.
