Fully unmanned diesel-powered offshore operation without human intervention, refueling, or support vessels
LAFAYETTE, LA, USA (Jan. 12, 2026) – The Woods Hole Group and Chance Maritime Technologies have successfully completed an uninterrupted, 38-day, FAST Eddy Loop Current monitoring survey, 200nm offshore in the Gulf of America. This marks a record for diesel-powered, continuously cruising USV operations, transiting over 4,000 nautical miles nonstop.
Woods Hole Group’s automated FAST Eddy ocean current monitoring system, comprising Teledyne 75 kHz and 300 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), was installed onto Chance Maritime’s Chance MC40 uncrewed surface vessel (USV). Chance Maritime also developed an additional payload to carry and autonomously deploy Woods Hole Group FAR Horizon drifters at client-specified locations. The entire mission was completed without stopping, refueling, or any other physical intervention, undertaking real-time current monitoring and deploying eight drifter buoys throughout the deployment.
The Woods Hole Group FAST (Fast Autonomous Survey Technology) Eddy System is a self-contained, real-time ocean current monitoring system. Once on site, FAST Eddy continuously collects, processes, and transmits ocean current data via satellite modem to Client and Woods Hole Group’s analysts to view and interpret on the Metocean Mapper data portal 24/7.
The USV FAST Eddy current monitoring system provides real-time ocean current data that compliments the Woods Hole Group EddyWatch® service. The EddyWatch service was created by Woods Hole Group to support offshore operations in areas of strong current by enhancing operational safety, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing operational downtime. EddyWatch delivers real‑time ocean current intelligence using satellite‑tracked drifting buoys, advanced remote sensing, in-situ data, ocean forecast models, and expert analysis. This allows for clear, actionable reporting and early warning of eddy formation or intensification.
The 40-foot (12m) Chance MC40 USV maintained a speed of 4.5 knots, even in gale-force winds and seas exceeding 12 feet, demonstrating the reliability and robustness of both the USV and Chance Maritime’s GAR software package. Unlike solar or wind-dependent unmanned platforms, the Chance MC40 uses continuous diesel propulsion, enabling high payload capacity, full maneuverability, consistent speed, and complete steering authority. Chance Maritime’s team of expert USV operators maintained a 24/7 overwatch from shore for the duration of the project with live streaming video, radar, AIS, and marine VHF radio.
“This mission marks a major success for Chance Maritime and is a huge testament to the experience and technical expertise of the entire Chance Maritime team,” said Stuart Chance, CEO of Chance Maritime Technologies. “Woods Hole Group has been fantastic to work with, and we look forward to many more successful operations,” he continued. Woods Hole Group’s Rob Smith, VP of the Energy and Infrastructure Business Unit added, “It has been a long-term objective of ours to offer a truly autonomous FAST Eddy system to our Clients. Chance Maritime have enabled us to achieve that goal by developing a rugged, long-endurance USV specifically designed to meet our needs. In addition, they provide an industry leading marine team that exceeds industry navigation, safety, and operability expectations.”
The Woods Hole Group, a CLS Group Company, is a scientific consulting company specializing in the provision of actionable oceanographic, meteorological, environmental, and marine science data to support exploration, development, protection, resiliency, and operations in ocean, coastal, and wetland environments.
Chance Maritime designs, builds, charters, leases, and sells USVs for commercial, government and academic clients globally. Additionally, it provides payload integration and experienced USV pilots to safely and efficiently execute complex client missions. The company’s team brings more than 120 years of combined experience in uncrewed vessel design and operations, delivering dependable, mission-focused solutions. For more information, visit www.ChanceMaritime.com.
Media Contact:
| Chance Maritime Technologies Email: Sales@ChanceMaritime.com Phone: +1 (337) 534-4125 Website: www.ChanceMaritime.com | Woods Hole Group – Erica Greenfelder Email: egreenfelder@woodsholegroup.com Phone: 508-495-6212 Website: https://www.woodsholegroup.com/ |