5:06 am - September 2, 2025
OPT solidifies its growth in the UAE through a new Master Services Agreement with Unique Group, boosting unmanned surface vehicle deployment and establishing a regional MRO hub to advance sustainable marine tech.
Ocean Power Technologies Inc. (OPT), a company based in New Jersey that focuses on low-carbon marine power, data solutions, and uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), has recently formalized and expanded its partnership with Unique Group. Unique Group is a UAE-headquartered leader in subsea technologies and offshore engineering. On August 26, 2025, OPT announced that they signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Unique Group, which makes the latter OPT’s exclusive partner for all non-defense WAM-V USV projects across the United Arab Emirates.
This new agreement actually builds upon a collaboration that was first announced in July 2024. It also significantly boosts OPT’s plans for growth in the Gulf region by taking advantage of Unique Group’s strong local presence and technical know-how. According to the terms, Unique Group will immediately lease one of OPT’s flagship WAM-V 22 unmanned surface vehicles. The deal also includes provisions for revenue sharing, potential fleet expansion, and even vessel purchases down the line. The goal here is to ramp up recurring lease income in the UAE efficiently—without the hefty overhead costs often involved with regional expansion.
Philipp Stratmann, who is both President and CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, shared some positive thoughts about the partnership. He said, “This expanded agreement with Unique Group shows our strong mutual confidence and shared vision for putting maritime autonomy front and center in the Gulf.” He explained how the partnership hopes to unlock the potential of uncrewed surface vehicles, helping to lower operational risks, cut emissions, and save costs—all pretty key priorities for the UAE’s maritime and offshore sectors.
One of the major elements of this deal is OPT’s plan to set up a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub somewhere in the UAE. This facility would support regional fleet operations, improve service response times, and help extend the lifespan of assets. The MSA also supports joint customer projects, continuous upgrades to the vehicles, technology transfer, and safeguarding proprietary innovations from each company.
As for the WAM-V 22 USV—the core piece of this partnership—it’s a high-tech marine platform designed by OPT to improve data collection and operational efficiency. The vehicle features advanced suspension tech that guarantees excellent stability for precise data gathering even in tough conditions. It’s lightweight and has a shallow draft, making it deployable in a variety of environments—from open waters to delicate coastal zones. Plus, its streamlined setup process allows quick launch and recovery by just two operators, which is a real convenience for time-sensitive missions.
Unique Group, which has a sizable footprint in offshore energy projects throughout the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, provides OPT with an important advantage in delivering integrated autonomous maritime solutions. Their expertise means maintenance and operational support can be more efficient—crucial factors for encouraging the adoption of USV technology. With over 600 employees and 20 bases worldwide, Unique Group is well-equipped to support OPT’s growing fleet.
This agreement isn’t just about the two companies, though. It aligns with broader efforts led by New Jersey’s government to strengthen business ties in the Gulf region. Earlier in 2025, Governor Phil Murphy led a delegation to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and UAE, holding nearly 40 meetings and signing memoranda of understanding to boost collaborations in business, education, and government sectors. According to Choose New Jersey, a business advocacy organization, the expansion of New Jersey companies into the Gulf has already created an economic impact surpassing $150 million.
The focus on autonomous maritime tech like the WAM-V 22 in the UAE really shows a regional commitment to innovation, sustainability, and making offshore operations more efficient. Moving toward unmanned surface vehicles helps lower carbon footprints and improves safety—key goals within the UAE’s overall sustainability plans.
Since the partnership was announced, OPT’s stock has responded quite positively, with increased investor interest. This suggests that confidence in both the commercial potential and strategic importance of expanding autonomous marine solutions in the Middle East is growing.
Looking forward, the expanded MSA puts both OPT and Unique Group in a strong position to capitalize on rising demand for maritime autonomy solutions in the Gulf region. With structured operations and localized support, the deployment of more WAM-V fleets should lead to technological progress and increased resilience across various commercial marine and offshore projects in the UAE.
All in all, this master services agreement is a major step forward in the wider adoption of smart, sustainable marine technology in the Gulf. It highlights the UAE’s leadership in embracing cutting-edge solutions that blend performance with environmental responsibility—made possible through strategic global partnerships with innovators like Ocean Power Technologies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.roi-nj.com/2025/08/27/industry/ocean-power-technologies-speeds-uae-growth-strategy-via-partnership-with-unique-group/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://investors.oceanpowertechnologies.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ocean-power-technologies-accelerates-uae-growth-strategy-through – Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has entered into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Unique Group, a UAE-based leader in subsea technologies and offshore engineering. This agreement formalises and expands their strategic collaboration, positioning Unique Group as OPT’s execution partner for all non-defence WAM-V Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) projects in the UAE. The partnership aims to accelerate WAM-V deployments, convert active interest into revenue, and scale recurring lease income in the UAE without significant additional overhead. As part of the agreement, Unique Group will immediately lease one OPT WAM-V 22 USV, with provisions for revenue sharing, purchase options, and joint expansion of regional fleet capacity. The agreement also includes plans for OPT to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in the UAE to support regional operations and enhance service responsiveness. Philipp Stratmann, President and CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “Together, we are unlocking the potential of uncrewed surface vehicles to reduce operational risk, carbon emissions, and costs, starting with the WAM-V 22 and extending to broader platform deployments across the UAE.”
- https://oceanpowertechnologies.com/products/unmanned-surface-vehicles/wam-v-22/ – The WAM-V® 22 is an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) developed by Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) to enhance marine data collection. It features advanced suspension technology that provides an exceptionally stable platform for accurate and high-quality data acquisition. Designed for larger marine data projects, the WAM-V 22 excels as both a primary survey vehicle and a force multiplier alongside other vessels. Its articulating suspension system and compliant hulls minimise payload movement, ensuring data accuracy under diverse conditions. The compact design, lightweight structure, and shallow draft allow it to navigate a wide range of environments—from the open ocean to shallow, sensitive areas—delivering outstanding versatility. Deployment is streamlined for efficiency, with the vessel capable of being quickly assembled and launched by two people from shore, a vessel deck, or by trailer, making it ideal for time-sensitive operations and maximising operational range.
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/07/02/2907348/9069/en/Ocean-Power-Technologies-Partners-with-Unique-Group-for-Autonomous-Vehicle-Services-in-the-Middle-East.html – Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has partnered with Unique Group, a UAE-based innovator in subsea technologies and engineering, to deploy OPT’s existing WAM-V Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in the UAE and other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This collaboration aims to integrate OPT’s commercially available vehicles with Unique Group’s leading position in the offshore energy industry in the UAE, accelerating the adoption of USVs in the region. Unique Group’s knowledge of the local industry and footprint enables maintenance and services to be carried out more efficiently. Philipp Stratmann, CEO of OPT, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are very excited about the prospects of expanding into the UAE and applaud the local industry’s forward thinking in adopting autonomous technologies.”
- https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1077327/ocean-power-tech-expands-uae-partnership-with-unique-group-to-grow-wam-v-fleet.html – Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has expanded its partnership with Unique Group, a UAE-headquartered global leader in subsea technologies and offshore engineering, by signing a Master Services Agreement (MSA). This agreement designates Unique Group as OPT’s exclusive execution partner for all non-defence WAM-V Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) projects in the UAE, creating a framework for expanded regional deployment and operational growth. As part of the initial rollout, Unique Group will lease one OPT WAM-V 22 USV, with structured provisions for revenue sharing, purchase options, and joint fleet expansion. The agreement also lays the foundation for OPT to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in the UAE, providing localized technical support for WAM-V operations across the region. The MRO hub is expected to enhance service responsiveness, extend asset lifecycles, and reduce operational downtime for customers. Philipp Stratmann, CEO of OPT, highlighted that the MSA supports a long-term growth framework, including joint execution of customer projects, technology transfer, and continuous vehicle upgrades, while safeguarding the proprietary innovations of both partners.
- https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1077323/ocean-power-technologies-expands-uae-partnership-with-unique-group-through-new-services-agreement-1077323.html – Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has signed a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Unique Group, expanding its existing partnership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement formalises the companies’ collaboration first announced in July 2024, and designates Unique Group as OPT’s execution partner for all non-defence WAM-V Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) projects in the UAE. Under the deal, Unique Group will lease one OPT WAM-V 22 USV, with options for purchase, revenue sharing, and fleet expansion. The agreement also outlined plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in the UAE to support regional operations and improve service capabilities. OPT said the MSA provides a framework for joint execution of customer projects, vehicle upgrades, and technology transfer, while maintaining the proprietary rights of both partners. The company added that the expanded partnership is intended to accelerate WAM-V deployments in the UAE, support conversion of customer interest into revenue, and build recurring lease income without significant new overhead. Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, said, “This expanded agreement with Unique Group reflects our strong mutual confidence and shared vision for bringing maritime autonomy to the forefront of operations in the Gulf.”
- https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1051053/ocean-power-technologies-shares-soar-on-unique-group-partnership-1051053.html – Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) announced a partnership with Unique Group to deploy its WAM-V Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in the Middle East. Investors responded positively, with OPT’s shares rising approximately 60% to US$0.45. Unique Group, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is an innovator in subsea technologies and engineering, with more than 600 employees and 20 operational bases globally. Integrating OPT’s commercially available vehicles with Unique Group’s leading position in the offshore energy industry in the UAE is expected to accelerate the adoption of USVs in the region. Philipp Stratmann, CEO of OPT, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are very excited about the prospects of expanding into the UAE and applaud the local industry’s forward-thinking in adopting autonomous technologies.”
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release dated August 26, 2025, announcing the expansion of the partnership between Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and Unique Group. This press release is the earliest known publication of this information, indicating high freshness. The report is not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks, and the updated data justifies a higher freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is original and not recycled from previous reports.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Philipp Stratmann, President and CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, and Jack Dougherty, Global Head of USV at Unique Group, are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found, and no online matches were found for these quotes elsewhere.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by Ocean Power Technologies, a reputable organisation. The press release is hosted on GlobeNewswire, a legitimate news distribution service, enhancing the credibility of the information. The press release is not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks, and the content is original and not recycled from previous reports.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known industry trends. The partnership between OPT and Unique Group is consistent with OPT’s previous announcements and activities in the UAE and GCC region. The establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in the UAE is a logical step to support regional operations and enhance service responsiveness. The language and tone are consistent with corporate communications, and the report lacks excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim. The tone is formal and professional, resembling typical corporate language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from a reputable organisation, containing original quotes and plausible claims. The content is fresh, original, and aligns with known industry trends, with no significant credibility risks identified.
