Ocean Visuals is a Norwegian company providing sensor systems for early detection of oil and organics in water. The company offers OWL™ LiDAR sensor systems for real-time detection and classification of oil and organics in the sea. Ocean Visuals provides real-time data gathering with their best-in-class photonics sensory and contextualize the data from the air, on the surface and subsea to extract insights.
Interview with Christian Testman, CEO of Ocean Visuals.
How was 2024 in terms of sales?
Christian Testman: 2024 was a pivotal year of Ocean Visuals, marked by growth in both sales and global market penetration, much thanks to winning the EU Horizon program within the DeepTech segment through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grants, blended finance. We expanded our operations to serve new geographical regions and industries, and our strategic focus on collaborating with stakeholders and users has played a vital role in this success.
On which segments of products / solutions there was an increased demand this year?
C.T: The demand surged for solutions targeting environmental compliance, oil spill detection, and marine asset protection. The increasing focus on sustainability and regulatory adherence within the maritime and energy sectors further drove interest in technologies that ensure precise and efficient environmental monitoring with real-time classification of pollutants.
What features of the products / solutions attracted users the most?
C.T: Several key features of our OWL™ LiDAR sensor systems have resonated with users:
- Real-time detection and classification: The ability to instantly identify oil types and organic substances offers critical advantages in oil spill response scenarios, where time is of the essence.
- Deployment flexibility: The system’s adaptability for use on airborne and shipborne vessels ensure seamless integration into diverse operational theatres.
- Advanced analytics and visualization tools: Users value our integrated machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling capabilities that provide actionable insights for precise decision-making.
- Ease of use and scalability: Our system is designed for user-friendly operation, enabling rapid deployment and scalability for both small-scale monitoring projects and large industrial operations.
These features not only enhance operational efficiency but also align with the increasing demand for environmental responsible practices, making our solutions an ideal choice for forward-thinking organizations.
What are the best-selling products /solutions of 2024?
C.T: Ocean Visuals’ workhorse product, the marine sensor system SEA OWL™, has been our top-performing solution in 2024. This advanced environmental monitoring technology has gained recognition for its ability to provide real-time detection, classification and verification of oil spills and organic substances in marine environments. The OWL™ sensor family versatility in deployment – whether from aerial platforms, surface vessels, or subsea equipment – has allowed us to cater to a broad range of use cases, from maritime safety and oil spill response to asset monitoring and environmental compliance.
Our Hyperspectral LiDAR technology combines photonics with advanced software capabilities like machine learning and predicative modeling. This enables users to make informed, timely decisions during critical moments, reducing the environmental impact of spills and ensuring operational efficiency. As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability becomes a priority for industries globally, the demand of our technology has seen a substantial rise.
Why did users choose these products / solutions compared to others on the market?
C.T: Users consistently highlight the precision, reliability, and innovation of real-time classification of our marine sensor system SEA OWL™ as reasons for choosing Ocean Visuals over competitors. Unlike conventional methods of environmental monitoring, which often rely on labor-intensive or slower processes, our solution leverages photonics and AI-driven analytics to deliver accurate results in real time.
Additionally, the system’s ability to classify oil types and organic substances on the spot provides an unparalleled level of detail that significantly improves response times during critical events. By offering a holistic approach to environmental monitoring – combining hardware, software, and data insights – we provide users with a comprehensive solution that is both efficient and sustainable. Our commitment to customer support and collaboration has further cemented our reputation. From initial consultations to system deployment and ongoing maintenance, we ensure that our clients have the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their goals.
What industries do you think will grow in 2025?
C.T: We anticipate substantial growth in industries focused on sustainable maritime operations, renewable energy, and environmental compliance and monitoring. As global environmental concerns intensify and governments implement stricter regulations, industries will increasingly turn to innovative solutions for minimizing ecological impact while maximizing operational efficiency.
Additionally, the rise of acritical intelligence and data-driven technologies is expected to drive growth in sectors leveraging smart environmental solutions. This includes industries like coastal infrastructure management, oil and gas, and aquaculture, where precision and accountability are paramount.
What products/solutions do you provide for these industries?
C.T: Ocean Visuals is well-positioned to meet the needs of these growing industries with our portfolio of innovative technologies. Our OWL™ lidar sensor systems are perfectly suited for applications in environmental monitoring, spill detection, and compliance assurance. Furthermore, our software solutions integrate seamlessly with the hardware, offering clients advanced data visualization, reporting tools, and predictive analytics to support informed decision-making. By combining real-time insights with long-term data trends, we help industries not only address immediate challenges, but also proactively plan for a sustainable future.