OceanDrift-S

Surface drifting buoy for current tracking, location reporting, and environmental sensing.

OceanDrift-S is deployed on the sea surface and follows ocean currents with a drogue, using positioning and environmental sensors to monitor drifting conditions and send data back by satellite.

OceanDrift-S surface drifting buoy

Current Following

Drogue-supported drifting design follows surface-current motion.

Satellite Return

Remote position and environmental data are returned to the data center.

Long Duration

Supports up to 18 months of operation and 24 months of storage.

Multiple Float Sizes

30 / 40 / 60 / 80 cm float options for different missions.

PVC Engineering Plastic

Marine-ready materials for robust surface use.

Custom Drogue

5.3 m long porous cylindrical drogue can be customized.

Water Temperature

Measures water temperature with high precision and resolution.

Warm / Cold Water Range

Designed for sea temperatures from -2 to 45 °C.

Compact Deployment

Lightweight package for field launch and recovery.

Overview

OceanDrift-S is a surface drifting buoy intended for current studies and environmental monitoring. It remains on the sea surface while a drogue or water sail helps it follow current movement, allowing researchers and operators to observe transport pathways and local conditions.

The platform combines positioning with water-temperature and other optional sensors, then returns data to a processing center through satellite communications. Its configurable float sizes and long operating duration make it suitable for sustained drifting missions.

Product Images

OceanDrift-S buoy product image
Compact drifting buoy body for current-following deployments.
OceanDrift-S buoy — alternate view
OceanDrift-S structural detail and sensor configuration.
OceanDrift-S deployment in open water
Field deployment view of the drifting buoy on the sea surface.

Key Specifications

Parameter
Value
Surface Float Diameter
30 / 40 / 60 / 80 cm
Mission-dependent size options
Weight
10 / 15 / 20 / 25 kg
By float configuration
Material
PVC engineering plastic
Marine field construction
Drogue Size
5.3 m length, 0.6 m diameter
Porous cylindrical, customizable
Ambient Air Temperature
-20 to 50 °C
Operating condition
Sea Water Temperature
-2 to 45 °C
Operating condition
Operating Time
18 months
Typical mission duration
Storage Time
24 months
Pre-deployment storage
Water Temperature Measurement
Environmental monitoring
0.005 °C accuracy, 0.0001 °C resolution
View Full Specifications

Platform Capabilities

Drifting Platform

Current-following drogue Satellite data return Position reporting

Environmental Monitoring

Water Temperature Location Expandable environmental sensing

Deployment Options

30 cm float 40 cm float 60 cm float 80 cm float

Resources

Accessories

Satellite Telemetry Package

Remote data return support for drifting missions.

Temperature Sensor Package

High-precision water-temperature integration.

Mission Customization

Support for tailoring drifter size and payload to the campaign.

Support

Mission design guidance for current tracking and environmental drifter studies.

Support for float selection, drogue configuration, and launch planning.

Satellite communications and data-center integration assistance.

Operational support for research, coastal monitoring, and emergency-response programs.

Planning a drifting-buoy mission?

We can help configure the right drifting platform, payload, and data-return workflow for your campaign.

Get in Touch

Current Tracking

Designed to follow surface transport pathways.

Satellite Ready

Supports remote mission data return.

Flexible Sizing

Multiple float options for different deployments.

Long-Duration Use

Built for extended drifting operations.