Halifax-based Glas Ocean Electric, which is developing technology to electrify boats and optimize their energy performance, has won a contract from the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA.

The company issued a statement Wednesday saying the contract calls for the company to develop a low-cost data acquisition system that can be installed on a range of vessels, including fishing vessels, workboats, ferries and pleasure craft.

Glas Ocean Electric’s PerforMarine is a platform that collects vessel and environmental data then, using artificial intelligence, helps operators optimize vessel performance, reduce fuel costs, and cut emissions. It collects data from commonly installed vessel sensors, such as depth sounders or anemometers.

“The combination of data that will be collected through PerforMarine has never been done in the marine environment,” said Glas Ocean Electric President and CEO Sue Molloy in a statement. “When the data is combined with artificial intelligence software, it can optimize vessel routes, create new efficiencies, and enhance sustainability.”

The DARPA Small Business Innovation Research Program awards funds to small businesses that research and develop operationally ready technology that reaches beyond current military capabilities.

Based in Halifax, Glas Ocean Electric installs battery electric drive systems that are used in a parallel hybrid format to substantially reduce diesel fuel consumption in workboats such as fishing and tourism vessels.