DataXplorer METOC

Current. Climate. Collect.

TM

The DataXplorer™ METOC uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) is a solar-powered, autonomous platform designed for continuous meteorological and oceanographic data collection. Equipped with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), wave sensor, and a suite of environmental instruments, it measures winds, waves, currents, and climate variables with precision. Built for demanding missions such as weather modeling, offshore energy site assessment, and climate research, DataXplorer METOC operates reliably even in high wind forces up to Beaufort 8. With zero-emission endurance and a patented self-righting hull, it offers a sustainable and resilient solution for advancing climate science, supporting coastal resilience, and enabling data-driven decisions in challenging marine environments.

REQUEST QUOTE

Applications

Weather Modelling

Ecosystem Monitoring

Tsunami Warning Systems

Site Assessment for Offshore Energy Development

Climate Studies

Hurricane Detection & Monitoring

Why choose DX METOC?

Endurance without Emissions

Powered entirely by solar energy, DataXplorer METOC can operate for weeks at sea while producing zero greenhouse gas emissions. This extended endurance allows for uninterrupted meteorological and oceanographic monitoring, reducing reliance on expensive crewed vessels and minimizing environmental impact. Its sustainable design ensures that long-term deployments contribute data to critical climate and weather models without disturbing the ecosystems being studied.

Resilient in Harsh Conditions

Built with a patented self-righting hull, DataXplorer METOC is engineered to withstand the toughest marine environments, operating reliably in gale-force wind conditions . This rugged capability means the USV can remain operational during storms and high sea states, continuing to collect vital data when traditional vessels would be forced to retreat. For agencies, researchers, and industry, this resilience translates into fewer data gaps and more dependable mission outcomes.

Strong Global Communication

Equipped with cellular, satellite, and radio communications, DataXplorer METOC ensures robust connectivity across coastal and open-ocean regions. Real-time data streaming allows teams to monitor conditions continuously and make timely decisions, whether assessing offshore energy sites, forecasting severe weather, or conducting long-term climate studies. By combining flexible communication pathways with secure data transmission, METOC provides reliable access to mission-critical information, wherever the mission takes place.

Payload Configurations

SENSOR	DESCRIPTION	DX METOC	ADD-ON
Weather Station	Gill MaxiMet GMX560 weather station with GPS	✓
ADCP	Nortek Signature 1000 OR Nortek Signature 500	✓
Wave Sensor	Seaview Systems SVS-603HR	✓
Thru-Hull Triducer	Airmar Triducer DST810 (water depth, temp, and speed through water)	✓
AIS	AIS Transceiver class B	✓
Cellular Communications	Microhard 4G dual-SIM modem	✓
Satellite Communications	Iridium Certus-100 modem	✓
360° Visual Camera	2.3 megapixel visual spectrum camera	✓
Enhanced Horizon	On-board AI surface detection for enhanced situational awareness	✓
Forward-Facing Thermal Camera	1 x LWIR FLIR Boson 640, 32° FOV		✓
360° Thermal Cameras	4 x LWIR FLIR Boson 640, 95° FOV		✓
CTD	RBR Maestro CTD		✓
Winch	Deck-mounted winch, 8 conductor slip-ring, level-wind system		✓
VHF	Garmin Cortex Neuro		✓
Additional Battery Capacity	From 3.5 kWh to 17.5 kWh in increments of 3.5 kWh		✓
High-Bandwidth Satellite	Starlink Mini		✓

Why Measuring Waves is Important

Waves shape our coastlines, impact offshore operations, and influence global climate systems, but capturing accurate wave data has always been a challenge. In this article, Oliver Kirsebom, Senior Data Scientist at Open Ocean Robotics, explores why measuring waves is so important, how new technologies like the DataXplorer™ USV make it possible, and what it means for the future of ocean science and safety.