Exail to Supply USCG Buoy Tenders with Advanced Navigation Systems 

International maritime and aerospace robotics and navigation provider Exail has been awarded a USD 2.244 M (EUR 2.05 M) contract by the US Coast Guard (USCG) to replace obsolete gyrocompass systems on its 175 ft (53.34 m) WLM Keeper-class buoy tenders, the company recently announced.

The contract includes Octans gyrocompasses and Netans navigation data distribution systems (NDDS) and covers a base year and nine options over a 10-year performance period.

This upgrade will provide the USCG Keeper-class buoy tenders with more precise and dependable navigation capabilities. Built on Exail’s advanced fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG) technology, the Octans gyrocompass will ensure the vessels’ safety during critical naval operations by providing highly reliable and precise navigation data. Complementing Octans, the Netans NDDS will facilitate the sharing of crucial navigation information across various onboard systems. Both systems will enhance the USCG crew’s decision-making capabilities, ultimately bringing safety and reliability to their naval operations, the company stated.

“We are very pleased that the Octans gyrocompass system will be part of the Coast Guard’s upgrades to the buoy tender fleet,” Ted Curley, President and General Manager of Exail Defense Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The supply of these gyrocompasses will add to the 100-plus Exail navigation systems already operating in the USCG. It is a testament to our longstanding relationship with the USCG. We are grateful to them for once again placing their trust in the reliability and performance of our navigation solutions.”

More than 100 Octans gyrocompasses already equip the USCG’s 87 ft Marine Protector class and 100 ft Island-class patrol boats.

Peter Felstead