Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS), a Halifax-based maritime artificial intelligence company, has secured a contract with the Department of National Defence under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security program.

The funding will support further development of GSTS’s OCIANA Predictive Maintenance (OPM) platform, which is designed to anticipate equipment and system failures on naval and other vessels. The system uses artificial intelligence to process real-time operational, environmental, and vessel data, enabling maintenance to be scheduled before breakdowns occur.

GSTS said OPM aims to reduce unexpected downtime, improve equipment reliability, and lower lifecycle costs, ultimately boosting the readiness of military assets.

“This test drive moves OPM from the lab to the water and is a key step toward operational use,” GSTS Chief Executive Richard Kolacz said in a statement. “By supporting DND’s evaluation in real-world conditions, we aim to show that earlier detection and faster planning can cut unplanned downtime.”

The company said the solution has applications beyond naval platforms, with potential use for coast guard and merchant fleets. It could also be adapted for air and land systems.

According to Wissen Market Research, the global maritime predictive maintenance market is projected to reach US$3 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 21.8 percent.

OCIANA integrates vessel sensors with ocean and weather data to deliver predictive insights. For naval ships and submarines, which have thousands of interconnected systems, GSTS said the technology could generate substantial savings while raising operational availability.

GSTS develops AI solutions for maritime and logistics industries, providing decision-making tools for shipping companies, ports, commodity owners, and security organizations.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.