Sofar Raises $39M to Expand Ocean Monitoring Buoy Network

Understanding the Oceans with Sofar Ocean’s Expanding Network

The world’s oceans, traditionally vast and enigmatic, are becoming increasingly understood thanks to the deployment of numerous autonomous buoys. Sofar Ocean is at the forefront of this effort, recently securing $39 million in funding to broaden the scope of its real-time ocean monitoring capabilities.

Sofar’s Ocean Intelligence Platform

The company’s core offering is an “ocean intelligence platform,” which provides a live, continuously updated map of crucial oceanic data. This includes information on currents, temperature, and weather patterns. While data sources like satellites and shipping vessels already contribute to oceanographic knowledge, the precision and direct measurements obtained from a large network of dedicated buoys offer a significant advantage.

Access to data with a 15-minute latency, as opposed to older readings or satellite estimations, enables more effective decision-making. Applications span from optimizing shipping routes and enhancing weather forecasting to supporting a wide range of scientific research endeavors.

Scaling the Sensor Network

Currently, Sofar Ocean operates a network of several thousand buoys, referred to as “Spotters.”

CEO Tim Janssen acknowledges that, despite covering all five oceans, the current number of sensors is still insufficient. “We’ve already got all five oceans covered, but now it’s time to kick it into even higher gear to improve the density of this distributed platform for the most powerful sensing capability possible.” The company plans to significantly increase the number of sensors deployed over the next few years to enhance data accuracy and coverage.

Promoting Interoperability with Bristlemouth

Sofar Ocean, in collaboration with DARPA, has introduced Bristlemouth, a hardware standard designed to facilitate interoperability among ocean-going data collection devices. This initiative aims to create a more cohesive and efficient network by preventing the development of isolated, incompatible systems.

Addressing the Challenges of Ocean Deployment

Maintaining a network of thousands of buoys exposed to the harsh marine environment presents unique challenges. Janssen emphasizes that the Spotters are engineered for long-term durability and require “minimal maintenance.”

He recounts an instance where a buoy, encased in ice for months, automatically resumed data transmission upon thawing. The company also assists in the recovery and redeployment of any Spotters that may wash ashore.

Communication and Connectivity

The devices transmit data via the Iridium satellite network. However, Sofar Ocean is also exploring newer technologies, such as Swarm, to leverage advancements in low-bandwidth satellite communication specifically tailored for IoT applications. SpaceX is currently in the process of acquiring Swarm.

Sofar’s interface for showing currents and other ocean conditions. Image Credits: Sofar

Investment and Future Applications

The $39 million funding round was led by Union Square Ventures and the Foundry Group, both recognizing the growing need for comprehensive ocean data. This demand stems from both commercial applications, like optimizing shipping logistics, and critical areas such as climate change research.

“What we’re seeing now, especially in light of COP26, is that climate change discussions are finally taking center stage as governments across the globe adjust and plan ahead for more intense hurricanes and storms, rising sea levels and threatened ecosystems like coral reefs,” Janssen explained. Improved understanding of changing weather patterns, currents, and temperatures is vital for effective climate action.

Benefits for Industry and Sustainability

Beyond governmental considerations, companies involved in shipping and supply chain management are willing to invest in Sofar’s data to improve routing efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and streamline operations.

“Having access to real-time data is going to help reduce uncertainty across all these industries to be more efficient, make better business decisions, and even save fuel to reduce emissions — all to establish a more sustainable and more prepared planet,” Janssen concluded.