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Stratom Secures Funding for Next-Level Naval Refuelling Technology
On July 16, 2025, Stratom, an innovative developer specializing in autonomous systems, announced it has secured a Phase I contract under the U.S. Navy's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This pivotal funding will support the development of a groundbreaking autonomous refuelling system tailored for uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). With this move, Stratom aims to optimize naval operations, pushing the boundaries of current military practices towards a more autonomous future.
What is DORI?
The centerpiece of Stratom's initiative is its Deployable Onboard Refuelling Interface (DORI), a system designed to facilitate seamless fuelling operations without human intervention. DORI brings numerous advantages, including:
- Automation of Refuelling: The system incorporates a sophisticated hose retrieval mechanism and perception sensors that allow for environmental awareness, critical to naval missions.
- Operational Safety: The automated quick release coupling feature ensures safety during emergencies, allowing for rapid disconnection when needed.
- Increased Range & Flexibility: Autonomous refuelling enables USVs to operate over extended distances, thus enhancing mission capabilities in various operational theatres.
Transforming Maritime Operations
According to Mark Gordon, Stratom’s CEO, this initiative isn’t simply about military advancements; it foreshadows a new era in maritime logistics and operations. "Autonomous refuelling is truly a force multiplier — and the next step toward a fully autonomous maritime force," he remarked, highlighting DORI's potential to keep uncrewed vessels on missions longer while minimizing the need for vulnerable crewed interventions.
Broader Implications in Commercial Shipping
While the military application is compelling, Stratom foresees opportunities in commercial shipping, particularly with ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering. This method of fuelling will become increasingly important to alleviate congestion in busy ports, making operations safer and more cost-efficient. The transition from military to commercial sectors exemplifies how advanced technology can streamline processes across industries, benefiting those involved.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
The DORI initiative promises not just operational benefits, but also crucial improvements in safety and labor management. Stratom’s RAPID platform has already demonstrated how automating refuelling can:
- Improve Operational Availability: By reducing downtime related to refuelling operations, vessels can spend more time actively engaged in missions.
- Decrease Labor Requirements: Automation reduces the human workforce needed for these processes, allowing for reallocation of personnel to more critical tasks.
- Strengthen Safety Protocols: Improved technology reduces human error risks, a major contributor to operational hazards in maritime environments.
The Road Ahead: Innovations in Naval Tech
This funding marks just the beginning for Stratom as they embark on critical phases of prototype development and trade studies to confirm the technical viability of DORI's automated reel mechanism. As advancements in technology continue, naval authorities and technology enthusiasts must pay close attention to the innovations emerging in military tech, particularly as they transition to other industries.
Takeaway: The Future of Autonomous Operations
The upcoming advancements represented by Stratom's DORI system pave the way for a future where maritime logistics are redefined by technology. Stakeholders in both the naval and commercial shipping sectors will want to stay informed about these developments and consider how emerging innovations can be integrated into their operations for enhanced efficiency, safety, and operational range.
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