Lagrangian Ocean Drifters - Surface Current Tracking
Lagrangian Drifter HLD
Surface current drifters optimized for coastal and open-ocean studies. Pre-assembled and delivered with satellite subscription, data processing, and support.
We offer two versions:
- HLD-1 - Standard version with plastic housing
- HLD-2 - Eco-friendly version with glass housing, significantly reduced plastic
Both versions share the same specifications and data services. HLD-2 was developed to minimize environmental impact and was deployed in The Ocean Race Europe 2025.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Drogue-to-Float ratio | 21:1 |
| Measurement depth | 50 cm |
| Position accuracy (GNSS) | 10 m |
| Update interval | 5 min |
| Battery lifetime | up to 150 days |
| Float dimensions | 20 x 7.5 cm |
| Drogue dimensions | 35 x 35 cm |
| Operating temperature | -33 to 60 deg C |
| Data transmission | LEO satellite |
Included Services
- 6-month satellite subscription (activation, data, cancellation)
- Data processing: outlier removal, timestamp alignment, QC
- 1-year data storage on our server
- Data formats: CSV, MAT, KMZ, netCDF
- Video tutorials and live support (9-16 CET)
Drifters are reusable - we support battery exchange and reactivation.
Data Output
Position data (latitude, longitude, UTC timestamp) transmitted in real-time via satellite. No onboard storage.
For other parameters (SST, waves), contact us - we can help you find a suitable device.
FAQ
- How long to the drifters last? The drifters are designed for approx six months battery time.
- What data do the drifters collect? At the moment they are only recording the position data. We are working on a new model with air pressure and temperature
- How accurate is the position? The position precision is determined by the GNSS/GPS prescision. A handwaving number is about 10m. Propagation of uncertainty over half an hour will give you a very small standard deviation for the velocity of 1cm/s.
Background
Our drifter design follows established methods used in peer-reviewed oceanographic research. Selected publications using similar drifter types:
- Callies, Groll, Horstmann et al. (2017): Surface drifters in the German Bight. Ocean Science, 13(5), 799-827. doi:10.5194/os-13-799-2017
- Callies, Carrasco, Floeter, Horstmann et al. (2019): Submesoscale dispersion of surface drifters in a coastal sea. Ocean Science, 15(4), 865-889. doi:10.5194/os-15-865-2019
- Staneva, Ricker, Carrasco et al. (2021): Effects of wave-induced processes in a coupled wave-ocean model on particle transport simulations. Water, 13(4), 415. doi:10.3390/w13040415
- Schulz-Stellenfleth, Foerderreuther, Horstmann et al. (2021): Optimisation of parameters in a German Bight circulation model. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 648266. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.648266
- Hans, Brandt, Gasparin, Horstmann et al. (2024): Observed diurnal cycles of near-surface shear and stratification in the equatorial Atlantic. JGR Oceans, 129(8). doi:10.1029/2023JC020870
Request a Quote
Interested in our drifters? Contact us for pricing and availability.