Stratom selected to deliver advanced automated refueling system for uncrewed Navy vessels

SBIR Phase I award supports development of a fully autonomous at-sea fueling system that extends range and reduces risk for autonomous surface vehicles

LOUISVILLE, Colo., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the Navy expands its fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USV), Stratom has been selected for a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract to develop an autonomous refueling system that could redefine naval refueling and logistics at sea.

As the leading developer of autonomous vehicles and refueling robotic systems for logistics and operational applications, the contract will leverage Stratom’s Deployable Onboard Refueling Interface, or DORI, an automated system designed to let USVs refuel without human intervention.

“Autonomous refueling is truly a force multiplier — and the next step toward a fully autonomous maritime force,” said Mark Gordon, CEO of Stratom. “With DORI, we’re engineering a practical, scalable way for uncrewed vessels to stay on mission longer, without relying on vulnerable crewed interventions.”

Building upon existing naval refueling infrastructure while introducing targeted automation, Stratom’s DORI system integrates a hose retrieval system, perception sensors, an automated reel mechanism and a quick-release coupling for emergency disconnects. By enabling USVs to safely and reliably refuel while underway without human intervention, the system will extend operational endurance, reduce personnel risk and increase mission flexibility in contested or distributed environments.

The Phase I effort will validate the technical feasibility of the system’s automated reel mechanism and include concept refinement, small-scale prototyping, trade studies and integration of commercial bunkering best practices. These activities will ensure the proposed method is technically feasible and aligned with operational requirements.

Looking ahead, Stratom also sees strong potential for commercial deployment of DORI in ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering, a key refueling process in commercial shipping and global maritime logistics. Automating STS bunkering could reduce high-traffic port congestion, improve safety and cut operating costs for long-haul shipping fleets.

Stratom brings deep experience to the development effort, successfully transitioning robotic refueling systems developed for the Army and Navy into commercial applications. RAPID, the company’s autonomous refueling, recharging and liquid transfer platform for robotic ground and aircraft refueling, proves the value of automating complex fueling operations through increased uptime, reduced labor demands and enhanced safety.

For more information about Stratom and its autonomous systems and refueling solutions, visit stratom.com.

About Stratom
Stratom is a global leader in the development of autonomous ground vehicles and robotic systems for commercial and defense applications. Specializing in autonomous cargo movement, robotic refueling, robotic hazardous liquid transfer and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the company’s military-proven tools, methods, technologies and strategic services solve the most difficult logistics and operational challenges. Whether in safe, controlled settings or dynamic and challenging terrain, Stratom provides unique solutions to meet each customer’s specific needs. With its extensive expertise in R&D, engineering and system integration of autonomous technologies and solutions, Stratom, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, is the go-to expert for global corporations, local businesses and government institutions. To learn more, visit stratom.com. Follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
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Kendra@C4Spark.com

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